Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 8
UP GK · कला, संस्कृति और त्यौहार · Questions 71–80 of 120
Acchan Maharaj, the father of Birju Maharaj, was a noted exponent of which art form?
Correct Answer: B. Kathak
Acchan Maharaj (1899–1947) was a renowned Kathak dancer of the Lucknow Gharana and father of Birju Maharaj. He was known for his mastery of both nritta (pure dance) and abhinaya (expression). He performed at the courts of several princely states.
Sitara Devi, the legendary Kathak dancer, was born in which city of UP?
Correct Answer: B. Varanasi
Sitara Devi (1920–2014) was born in Varanasi and was trained in Kathak from a young age. She was known for her vigorous and energetic style. She received the Padma Shri in 1973 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
The Bhool Bhulaiya (labyrinth) is a famous feature of which monument in Lucknow?
Correct Answer: D. Bara Imambara
The Bhool Bhulaiya is a labyrinthine passage located on the upper floor of the Bara Imambara in Lucknow. Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, it has about 1,024 narrow pathways. It is said to have been designed as an escape route.
The Chhota Imambara (Hussainabad Imambara) in Lucknow was built by which Nawab?
Correct Answer: C. Muhammad Ali Shah
The Chhota Imambara was built by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah in 1838. It is also known as the Palace of Lights due to its elaborate chandeliers and gilt decorations. It houses the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah and his mother.
The Panch Mahal at Fatehpur Sikri is a five-storeyed structure inspired by which architectural style?
Correct Answer: D. Buddhist vihara
The Panch Mahal at Fatehpur Sikri is a five-storeyed palatial structure believed to be inspired by Buddhist viharas. Each storey is smaller than the one below, creating a pyramidal effect. It has 176 columns and was used as a pleasure palace for the royal women.
The Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) built by Akbar for inter-faith dialogues was located at which site?
Correct Answer: B. Fatehpur Sikri
The Ibadat Khana was built by Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 for religious discussions among scholars of different faiths. These dialogues eventually led to the formulation of Din-i-Ilahi. The building no longer survives today.
The tomb of Akbar the Great is located at which place in UP?
Correct Answer: B. Sikandra
Akbar's tomb is located at Sikandra, about 13 km from Agra. Akbar himself began its construction, and it was completed by his son Jahangir in 1613. The tomb features a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.
The Itimad-ud-Daulah's tomb in Agra is often called the precursor to which monument?
Correct Answer: A. Taj Mahal
Itimad-ud-Daulah's tomb, built by Nur Jahan between 1622–1628, is often called the 'Baby Taj' or 'Jewel Box'. It is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal as it was the first Mughal structure entirely built with white marble and pietra dura inlay work.
The Aligarh lock industry has been famous since which century?
Correct Answer: D. 18th century
Aligarh has been a centre of lock manufacturing since the 18th century. It produces about 80% of India's locks and is called the 'Lock City' or 'Tala Nagari'. The industry was given further impetus during the British period.
The wooden lacquerware craft of UP is famous in which district?
Correct Answer: D. Saharanpur
Saharanpur is famous for its woodcarving and lacquerware crafts. The wood carving tradition uses sheesham (rosewood) and is believed to have Mughal-era origins. Saharanpur woodcraft received a GI tag for its distinctive carved furniture and decorative items.