Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 6
UP GK · कला, संस्कृति और त्यौहार · Questions 51–60 of 120
The Sarangi, a traditional bowed string instrument, has a strong tradition in which UP city?
Correct Answer: A. Varanasi
Varanasi has a rich tradition of Sarangi playing, especially as accompaniment to vocal music. The instrument has 37 to 40 strings and is known for its ability to mimic the human voice. Famous Sarangi players from Varanasi include Pandit Ram Narayan.
The Magh Mela at Prayagraj is held during which Hindu month?
Correct Answer: B. Magh
The Magh Mela is held annually during the month of Magh (January-February) at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. It is considered a smaller version of the Kumbh Mela. Devotees take holy dips throughout the month and live in temporary camps.
Lucknowi Biryani (Awadhi Biryani) is prepared using which distinctive cooking technique?
Correct Answer: D. Dum Pukht (slow cooking)
Lucknowi Biryani is prepared using the Dum Pukht technique, where rice and meat are layered and slow-cooked in a sealed pot (handi). This method allows the flavours to blend gradually. It was popularized during the reign of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula.
Banarasi Paan is famous for using betel leaves from which area?
Correct Answer: D. Magahi region of Bihar
Banarasi Paan traditionally uses Magahi betel leaves, which come from the Magadh region of Bihar. The paan is prepared with various fillings including katha, chuna, gulkand, and supari. Varanasi has been a centre of paan culture for centuries.
The Ahirau folk dance of Uttar Pradesh is performed by which community?
Correct Answer: A. Ahir (Yadav)
Ahirau is a folk dance performed by the Ahir (Yadav) community, primarily in the Bundelkhand and eastern UP regions. It is performed during festivals and weddings. The dance involves vigorous movements and is accompanied by traditional instruments.
Which Nawab of Awadh was a renowned patron of Kathak and composed under the pen name 'Akhtar'?
Correct Answer: D. Wajid Ali Shah
Nawab Wajid Ali Shah (1822–1887), the last Nawab of Awadh, was a great patron of Kathak dance and music. He composed Thumris under the pen name 'Akhtar'. He himself was a trained Kathak dancer and established the Lucknow Gharana's golden period.
The Dhamaal dance in the Braj region is traditionally performed during which festival?
Correct Answer: A. Holi
Dhamaal is a vigorous group dance performed during Holi in the Braj region of UP. Men perform it with great energy, throwing colours and singing folk songs about Krishna. It is accompanied by drums and other percussion instruments.
The famous Chikan embroidery of Lucknow involves how many basic stitches?
Correct Answer: D. 36
Traditional Chikankari uses 36 types of stitches, broadly classified into flat stitches (like tepchi, pashni), raised stitches (like murri, phanda), and jaali work (net-like patterns). The most common stitch is tepchi, a running stitch.
The Dhamek Stupa at Sarnath was built to commemorate which event?
Correct Answer: C. Buddha's first sermon
The Dhamek Stupa at Sarnath marks the spot where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) to five monks. Originally built by Ashoka in 249 BCE, it was enlarged in the Gupta period. It stands 43.6 metres high and 28 metres in diameter.
The Lion Capital of Ashoka, which became India's national emblem, was discovered at which site in UP?
Correct Answer: D. Sarnath
The Lion Capital of Ashoka was found at Sarnath in 1851 during excavations. It originally crowned the Ashoka Pillar erected in the 3rd century BCE. The four-lion capital was adopted as India's national emblem on 26 January 1950.