Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 5
UP GK · कला, संस्कृति और त्यौहार · Questions 41–50 of 120
Kabir, the famous poet-saint, was born in which city of Uttar Pradesh?
Correct Answer: B. Varanasi
Kabir (c. 1398–1518) was born in Varanasi and raised by a Muslim weaver family. He is one of the most prominent saints of the Bhakti movement. His works, compiled in the Bijak, emphasize monotheism and reject ritualism of both Hinduism and Islam.
Surdas, the blind poet of the Bhakti movement, composed primarily in which dialect?
Correct Answer: C. Braj Bhasha
Surdas (c. 1478–1583) composed his poetry in Braj Bhasha, the dialect spoken in the Mathura-Vrindavan region. His most famous work, Sur Sagar, contains over 100,000 verses celebrating the childhood of Krishna. He was a disciple of Vallabhacharya.
Mahadevi Verma, the renowned Hindi poet, is associated with which literary movement?
Correct Answer: B. Chhayavaad
Mahadevi Verma (1907–1987) was a leading poet of the Chhayavaad (Romanticism) movement in Hindi literature. Born in Farrukhabad, UP, she was called the 'Modern Meera'. She received the Jnanpith Award in 1982 for her poetry collection Yama.
Jaishankar Prasad, the renowned Hindi writer from Varanasi, authored which famous play?
Correct Answer: C. Both B and C
Jaishankar Prasad (1889–1937) was born in Varanasi and was a leading figure of Chhayavaad. He wrote both Skandagupta and Dhruvaswamini, along with Chandragupta. His epic poem Kamayani is considered a masterpiece of Hindi literature.
Harivansh Rai Bachchan, the celebrated Hindi poet from UP, is best known for which work?
Correct Answer: B. Madhushala
Harivansh Rai Bachchan (1907–2003) was born in Prayagraj (Allahabad) and is best known for his poem Madhushala (The Tavern), published in 1935. He was part of the post-Chhayavaad Haalavaad movement. He received the Padma Bhushan in 1976.
The Buland Darwaza, the tallest gateway in the world, is located at which site in UP?
Correct Answer: D. Fatehpur Sikri
The Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar in 1601 to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. It stands at about 54 metres (176 feet) and is made of red sandstone and marble. It is the main entrance to the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri.
How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in Uttar Pradesh?
Correct Answer: B. 3
The correct answer is 3. Uttar Pradesh has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Taj Mahal (1983), Agra Fort (1983), and Fatehpur Sikri (1986). All three are located in or near Agra and represent the finest Mughal architecture. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
The Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was primarily built by which Mughal emperor?
Correct Answer: B. Akbar
The Agra Fort was primarily built by Emperor Akbar starting in 1565 using red sandstone. Shah Jahan later added several white marble structures inside the fort. It served as the main residence of Mughal emperors until the capital moved to Delhi in 1638.
The Thumri style of Hindustani music is closely associated with which city of UP?
Correct Answer: C. Varanasi (Banaras)
Thumri is a semi-classical vocal form that flourished in the musical culture of Varanasi (Banaras Gharana). It emphasizes romantic and devotional themes. The Purab Ang (eastern style) Thumri of Banaras is considered the most authentic form.
Dadra, a folk dance of Uttar Pradesh, is associated with which region?
Correct Answer: B. Awadh
Dadra is a light folk dance-song form associated with the Awadh region, particularly Lucknow. It is performed in the Dadra taal (6-beat rhythm). It shares thematic similarities with Thumri but is lighter and faster in tempo.