Indian Cultural Roots – MCQs

Below are 100 MCQs on Theme C — Indian Cultural Roots (suitable for NCERT & CBSE Class 6).
Each question includes: the 4 options, the correct answer, and a short explanation for each option (why it is correct or incorrect). Difficulty is aimed at Class 6 / NCERT level.

1. Which language family do Hindi and Bengali belong to?
   A. Dravidian
   B. Indo-Aryan
   C. Austroasiatic
   D. Tibeto-Burman
   Correct: B
   Explanations:
   A. Dravidian — Incorrect; Dravidian includes Tamil, Telugu, Kannada.
   B. Indo-Aryan — Correct; Hindi and Bengali are major Indo-Aryan languages.
   C. Austroasiatic — Incorrect; includes Munda languages like Santhali.
   D. Tibeto-Burman — Incorrect; languages of Northeast India.

2. Which is an example of an oral tradition?
   A. Printed newspaper
   B. Epic recitation by elders
   C. Museum exhibit
   D. Digital archive
   Correct: B
   Explanations:
   A. Printed newspaper — Incorrect; it’s written media.
   B. Epic recitation by elders — Correct; oral storytelling is oral tradition.
   C. Museum exhibit — Incorrect; physical preservation, not oral.
   D. Digital archive — Incorrect; recorded/archived format, not live oral transmission.

3. The script used to write Hindi is called:
   A. Devanagari
   B. Tamil script
   C. Arabic script
   D. Latin alphabet
   Correct: A
   Explanations:
   A. Devanagari — Correct; Hindi is written in Devanagari.
   B. Tamil script — Incorrect; used for Tamil.
   C. Arabic script — Incorrect; used for Urdu and others historically.
   D. Latin alphabet — Incorrect; used for English and European languages.

4. Which is a Dravidian language?
   A. Marathi
   B. Sanskrit
   C. Tamil
   D. Assamese
   Correct: C
   Explanations:
   A. Marathi — Incorrect; an Indo-Aryan language.
   B. Sanskrit — Incorrect; classical Indo-Aryan language.
   C. Tamil — Correct; a major Dravidian language.
   D. Assamese — Incorrect; Indo-Aryan (Northeast).

5. Which festival is primarily a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu?
   A. Diwali
   B. Pongal
   C. Eid
   D. Christmas
   Correct: B
   Explanations:
   A. Diwali — Incorrect; festival of lights, pan-India.
   B. Pongal — Correct; a Tamil harvest festival.
   C. Eid — Incorrect; Islamic festival after Ramadan or sacrifice.
   D. Christmas — Incorrect; Christian festival.

6. Warli paintings come from which Indian state?
   A. Bihar
   B. Maharashtra
   C. Kerala
   D. Punjab
   Correct: B
   Explanations:
   A. Bihar — Incorrect; Madhubani is from Bihar.
   B. Maharashtra — Correct; Warli art originates in Maharashtra.
   C. Kerala — Incorrect; Kerala has mural traditions.
   D. Punjab — Incorrect; different folk art traditions.

7. The “Great Bath” is associated with which ancient tradition (context for cultural roots)?
   A. Harappan urban planning
   B. Mughal gardens
   C. British architecture
   D. Vijayanagara forts
   Correct: A
   Explanations:
   A. Harappan urban planning — Correct; Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro.
   B. Mughal gardens — Incorrect; different period.
   C. British architecture — Incorrect; modern colonial period.
   D. Vijayanagara forts — Incorrect; South Indian medieval period.

8. Which is a classical dance of Tamil Nadu?
   A. Kathak
   B. Bharatanatyam
   C. Bhangra
   D. Garba
   Correct: B
   Explanations:
   A. Kathak — Incorrect; North Indian classical dance.
   B. Bharatanatyam — Correct; classical dance from Tamil Nadu.
   C. Bhangra — Incorrect; Punjabi folk dance.
   D. Garba — Incorrect; Gujarati folk dance.

9. What is Pattachitra art best known for?
   A. Stone sculpture
   B. Cloth painting with mythological themes
   C. Pottery wheel throwing
   D. Metal casting
   Correct: B
   Explanations:
   A. Stone sculpture — Incorrect; Pattachitra is painting.
   B. Cloth painting with mythological themes — Correct; from Odisha/West Bengal.
   C. Pottery wheel throwing — Incorrect; different craft.
   D. Metal casting — Incorrect; unrelated.

10. Which instrument is commonly used in Carnatic music?
    A. Sitar
    B. Sarod
    C. Veena
    D. Bagpipe
    Correct: C
    Explanations:
    A. Sitar — Incorrect; associated with Hindustani music.
    B. Sarod — Incorrect; Hindustani instrument.
    C. Veena — Correct; classical Carnatic instrument.
    D. Bagpipe — Incorrect; not Indian classical.

11. The traditional science of medicine in India is called:
    A. Homeopathy
    B. Ayurveda
    C. Allopathy
    D. Chiropractic
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Homeopathy — Incorrect; Western-introduced alternative therapy.
    B. Ayurveda — Correct; ancient Indian medical system.
    C. Allopathy — Incorrect; modern Western medicine.
    D. Chiropractic — Incorrect; spine/manual therapy, not Indian tradition.

12. Which practice is part of India’s intangible cultural heritage related to health?
    A. Space launch protocols
    B. Yoga and pranayama
    C. Electric circuit design
    D. Automobile repair
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Space launch protocols — Incorrect; not cultural heritage.
    B. Yoga and pranayama — Correct; traditional practice for health.
    C. Electric circuit design — Incorrect; technical skill, not cultural.
    D. Automobile repair — Incorrect; trade skill, not traditional heritage.

13. Which dance form uses masks and is from Kerala?
    A. Kathakali
    B. Manipuri
    C. Kuchipudi
    D. Odissi
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Kathakali — Correct; dramatic masked dance-drama from Kerala.
    B. Manipuri — Incorrect; classical dance from Manipur (no masks typical).
    C. Kuchipudi — Incorrect; classical from Andhra.
    D. Odissi — Incorrect; classical from Odisha.

14. Which craft is Kalamkari associated with?
    A. Pottery
    B. Textile painting/block printing
    C. Metal engraving
    D. Glass blowing
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Pottery — Incorrect; Kalamkari is textile art.
    B. Textile painting/block printing — Correct; Kalamkari uses hand painting/blocks.
    C. Metal engraving — Incorrect; different craft.
    D. Glass blowing — Incorrect; not Kalamkari.

15. A ‘mela’ in India is primarily a:
    A. Geological formation
    B. Fair or large gathering for trade and culture
    C. Scientific experiment
    D. Government office
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Geological formation — Incorrect.
    B. Fair or large gathering — Correct; melas combine trade, rituals, performances.
    C. Scientific experiment — Incorrect.
    D. Government office — Incorrect.

16. Which of these is a folk song tradition of Bengal?
    A. Baul
    B. Lavani
    C. Bhangra
    D. Garba
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Baul — Correct; mystical folk community singers of Bengal.
    B. Lavani — Incorrect; Marathi folk performing art.
    C. Bhangra — Incorrect; Punjabi.
    D. Garba — Incorrect; Gujarati.

17. Which is a famous handloom saree from Tamil Nadu?
    A. Banarasi
    B. Kanjeevaram
    C. Patola
    D. Ikat
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Banarasi — Incorrect; from Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).
    B. Kanjeevaram — Correct; famed South Indian silk saree from Tamil Nadu.
    C. Patola — Incorrect; double ikat from Gujarat.
    D. Ikat — Incorrect; technique used across regions, not specific to Tamil Nadu.

18. What is the primary purpose of a stepwell (like Rani ki Vav)?
    A. Fortification
    B. Water storage and access in arid regions
    C. Theatre performance
    D. Textile production
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Fortification — Incorrect; not a defensive structure.
    B. Water storage and access — Correct; stepwells provide access to groundwater.
    C. Theatre performance — Incorrect.
    D. Textile production — Incorrect.

19. Which epic is commonly enacted in Ramlila performances?
    A. Mahabharata
    B. Ramayana
    C. Odyssey
    D. Beowulf
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Mahabharata — Incorrect; enacted in different forms (e.g., Yakshagana may draw from it).
    B. Ramayana — Correct; Ramlila stages episodes from the Ramayana.
    C. Odyssey — Incorrect; Greek epic.
    D. Beowulf — Incorrect; Old English epic.

20. Which of these is a characteristic of Warli art?
    A. Use of bright oil paints on canvas
    B. White geometric figures on red-brown background
    C. Bronze inlay with gems
    D. Digital prints of cityscapes
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Bright oil paints — Incorrect; Warli uses natural white pigment on earth background.
    B. White geometric figures — Correct; signature Warli style.
    C. Bronze inlay — Incorrect.
    D. Digital prints — Incorrect.

21. Which dance form is associated with storytelling through expressive facial gestures called ‘abhinaya’?
    A. Bharatanatyam
    B. Bhangra
    C. Dandiya
    D. Salsa
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Bharatanatyam — Correct; abhinaya is central to classical Indian dance forms like Bharatanatyam.
    B. Bhangra — Incorrect; folk dance emphasizing energy and rhythm.
    C. Dandiya — Incorrect; Gujarati folk dance.
    D. Salsa — Incorrect; Latin dance.

22. Which of the following best describes ‘handloom’?
    A. Machine-made fabric in a factory
    B. Textile woven by hand on traditional looms
    C. Digital textile print
    D. Imported synthetic fabric
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Machine-made — Incorrect; handloom is manual.
    B. Woven by hand — Correct; traditional weaving technique.
    C. Digital print — Incorrect.
    D. Imported synthetic — Incorrect.

23. The harvest festival ‘Baisakhi’ is mainly celebrated in:
    A. Kerala
    B. Punjab
    C. West Bengal
    D. Goa
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Kerala — Incorrect; celebrates Onam.
    B. Punjab — Correct; Baisakhi marks rabi harvest in Punjab and is significant for Sikhs.
    C. West Bengal — Incorrect; Durga Puja is major festival.
    D. Goa — Incorrect.

24. Which temple architecture style is characterized by tall shikhara towers in North India?
    A. Dravidian
    B. Nagara
    C. Mughal
    D. Colonial
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Dravidian — Incorrect; South Indian style with pyramidal vimana.
    B. Nagara — Correct; North Indian temple with shikhara.
    C. Mughal — Incorrect; Islamic architecture, domes and arches.
    D. Colonial — Incorrect.

25. Which of the following is an example of intangible cultural heritage?
    A. A historic fort building
    B. Traditional folk songs passed orally
    C. A museum artifact
    D. A printed book
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Historic fort — Incorrect; tangible heritage.
    B. Folk songs passed orally — Correct; intangible heritage (performing tradition).
    C. Museum artifact — Incorrect; tangible object.
    D. Printed book — Incorrect; tangible/documentary item.

26. What region is famous for Pattachitra paintings?
    A. Gujarat
    B. Odisha
    C. Himachal Pradesh
    D. Tamil Nadu
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Gujarat — Incorrect; Gujarat has its own crafts.
    B. Odisha — Correct; Pattachitra originates in Odisha (and parts of West Bengal).
    C. Himachal Pradesh — Incorrect.
    D. Tamil Nadu — Incorrect.

27. Which of the following are typical materials used in Madhubani painting?
    A. Acrylic paints and glue
    B. Natural dyes and plant-based pigments applied on walls and paper
    C. Oil paints on canvas only
    D. Plastic stickers
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Acrylics — Incorrect; traditional Madhubani uses natural pigments, though modern artists sometimes use acrylics.
    B. Natural dyes — Correct; characteristic method of Madhubani.
    C. Oil paints — Incorrect; not traditional.
    D. Plastic stickers — Incorrect.

28. Which dance is traditionally associated with harvest celebrations in Punjab?
    A. Kathak
    B. Bhangra
    C. Odissi
    D. Mohiniyattam
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Kathak — Incorrect; North Indian classical dance.
    B. Bhangra — Correct; energetic Punjabi harvest dance.
    C. Odissi — Incorrect; Orissan classical dance.
    D. Mohiniyattam — Incorrect; Kerala classical dance.

29. Which practice involves chanting, postures and breathing for physical and mental well-being?
    A. Ayurveda
    B. Yoga
    C. Astrology
    D. Metallurgy
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Ayurveda — Incorrect; medical system involving herbs and lifestyle, though linked to yoga.
    B. Yoga — Correct; includes asanas, pranayama, meditation.
    C. Astrology — Incorrect; belief system about stars.
    D. Metallurgy — Incorrect; metals/technology.

30. What is a characteristic of Kathak dance?
    A. Heavy use of masks
    B. Fast spins and intricate footwork (tatkar)
    C. Use of veena as sole accompaniment
    D. Performed only in temples
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Masks — Incorrect; Kathakali uses masks/make-up.
    B. Fast spins and footwork — Correct; signature of Kathak.
    C. Veena accompaniment — Incorrect; Kathak uses tabla, harmonium, sarangi, etc.
    D. Performed only in temples — Incorrect; Kathak is performed on stages and courts too.

31. Which region is the Kuchipudi dance form from?
    A. Punjab
    B. Andhra Pradesh
    C. Gujarat
    D. Assam
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Punjab — Incorrect.
    B. Andhra Pradesh — Correct; Kuchipudi originates from Andhra.
    C. Gujarat — Incorrect.
    D. Assam — Incorrect.

32. Which of these best describes a “folk festival”?
    A. A private family ceremony
    B. A community event celebrating local traditions, music and dance
    C. A scientific conference
    D. A corporate product launch
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Private family ceremony — Incorrect; private not necessarily a folk festival.
    B. Community event — Correct; hallmark of folk festivals.
    C. Scientific conference — Incorrect.
    D. Corporate event — Incorrect.

33. What kind of object is a ‘seal’ in ancient Indian contexts?
    A. A cooking utensil
    B. A small engraved object used for identifying goods or ownership
    C. A modern postal stamp
    D. A decorative wall mural
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Cooking utensil — Incorrect.
    B. Small engraved object — Correct; Harappan seals carried motifs and script.
    C. Postal stamp — Incorrect; modern.
    D. Wall mural — Incorrect.

34. Which craft uses block printing on textiles and is associated with Rajasthan and Gujarat?
    A. Bandhani (tie-and-dye) and block printing (Sanganeri)
    B. Ikat only
    C. Kalamkari only
    D. Pattachitra only
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Bandhani and block printing — Correct; tie-dye (bandhani) and block prints are Rajasthani/Gujarati crafts.
    B. Ikat — Incorrect; different technique (Patola/ikat).
    C. Kalamkari — Incorrect; Andhra/Telangana.
    D. Pattachitra — Incorrect; Odisha/West Bengal.

35. Which of the following is a method to preserve craft traditions?
    A. Ignoring artisans
    B. Documentation, fairs, training and market support
    C. Burning old tools
    D. Selling only to tourists and nothing else
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Ignoring artisans — Incorrect; harms preservation.
    B. Documentation & support — Correct; helps keep crafts alive.
    C. Burning tools — Incorrect; destroys knowledge.
    D. Selling only to tourists — Incorrect; unreliable strategy.

36. Which musical instrument is a percussion instrument commonly used in North Indian music?
    A. Tabla
    B. Veena
    C. Sitar
    D. Flute
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Tabla — Correct; primary percussion in Hindustani music.
    B. Veena — Incorrect; stringed instrument (Carnatic).
    C. Sitar — Incorrect; plucked string (Hindustani).
    D. Flute — Incorrect; wind instrument.

37. Which of the following is NOT a purpose of festivals?
    A. Strengthening social bonds
    B. Preserving arts and crafts
    C. Agricultural celebrations
    D. Destroying local culture
    Correct: D
    Explanations:
    A. Strengthening bonds — Incorrect (this is a purpose).
    B. Preserving arts — Incorrect (purpose).
    C. Agricultural celebrations — Incorrect (purpose).
    D. Destroying local culture — Correct; festivals preserve rather than destroy culture.

38. Which state is famous for the classical dance Odissi?
    A. Odisha
    B. Karnataka
    C. Maharashtra
    D. Punjab
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Odisha — Correct; Odissi originates here.
    B. Karnataka — Incorrect; known for Bharatanatyam’s neighbor, and Kuchipudi (Andhra).
    C. Maharashtra — Incorrect.
    D. Punjab — Incorrect.

39. Which of these is a traditional method of storytelling involving shadow puppets in India?
    A. Kathakali only
    B. Tholu Bommalata (Telugu shadow puppetry)
    C. Contemporary cinema
    D. None
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Kathakali — Incorrect; dance drama, not shadow puppetry.
    B. Tholu Bommalata — Correct; Telugu shadow puppet tradition.
    C. Contemporary cinema — Incorrect.
    D. None — Incorrect.

40. The decoration of houses with colourful floor designs during festivals is called:
    A. Rangoli or kolam or pookalam (regional names)
    B. Graffiti only
    C. Mural painting only
    D. Digital wallpaper
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Rangoli/kolam/pookalam — Correct; regionally named floor art.
    B. Graffiti — Incorrect; different urban art form.
    C. Mural painting — Incorrect; wall paintings, not floor designs.
    D. Digital wallpaper — Incorrect.

41. Which of these is a technique used in Bengal for narrative painting on cloth?
    A. Pattachitra
    B. Gond art
    C. Warli
    D. Kalamkari (also Andhra)
    Correct: A (Note: Pattachitra practiced in Odishan/Bengal regions; Kalamkari is Andhra; both narrative but for clarity Pattachitra is classic)
    Explanations:
    A. Pattachitra — Correct; cloth paintings with stories (Odisha/West Bengal).
    B. Gond — Incorrect; central India tribal art.
    C. Warli — Incorrect; Maharashtra tribal painting.
    D. Kalamkari — Incorrect; Andhra/Telangana textile painting.

42. Which form of music is often performed during devotional gatherings in India?
    A. Bhajan or kirtan
    B. Rock concert only
    C. Opera only
    D. Jazz only
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Bhajan/kirtan — Correct; devotional singing tradition.
    B. Rock concert — Incorrect; not traditional devotional.
    C. Opera — Incorrect; Western classical stage.
    D. Jazz — Incorrect.

43. Which of the following best describes ‘unity in diversity’ in Indian culture?
    A. One uniform culture with no differences
    B. Multiple cultural practices coexisting with common values
    C. No common values and complete discord
    D. Complete isolation of regions
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. One uniform culture — Incorrect; India is diverse.
    B. Multiple practices with common values — Correct; captures unity in diversity.
    C. No common values — Incorrect.
    D. Complete isolation — Incorrect.

44. Which is a major reason crafts decline?
    A. High demand and stable incomes
    B. Loss of traditional knowledge and market competition from machine products
    C. Government support
    D. Abundant apprenticeship
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. High demand — Incorrect; this supports crafts.
    B. Loss of knowledge and competition — Correct; key threats to crafts.
    C. Government support — Incorrect; this helps preservation.
    D. Abundant apprenticeship — Incorrect; helps survival.

45. Which of these instruments is plucked and central to Hindustani classical music?
    A. Sitar
    B. Mridangam
    C. Nadaswaram
    D. Ektara
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Sitar — Correct; plucked string prominent in Hindustani music.
    B. Mridangam — Incorrect; Carnatic percussion.
    C. Nadaswaram — Incorrect; South Indian wind instrument.
    D. Ektara — Incorrect; simple folk instrument.

46. Which is a typical activity at village melas?
    A. Tech startup pitching
    B. Folk performances, handicraft stalls, food vendors
    C. Space launch
    D. Only private corporate meetings
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Tech startup pitching — Incorrect.
    B. Folk performances and stalls — Correct; core mela activities.
    C. Space launch — Incorrect.
    D. Corporate meetings — Incorrect.

47. Which dance is known for its tribal masks and martial movements in eastern India?
    A. Chhau (Odisha/Jharkhand/West Bengal)
    B. Bharatanatyam
    C. Kathak
    D. Kuchipudi
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Chhau — Correct; masked martial folk dance of eastern India.
    B. Bharatanatyam — Incorrect.
    C. Kathak — Incorrect.
    D. Kuchipudi — Incorrect.

48. What is the main material for traditional terracotta pottery?
    A. Clay
    B. Metal
    C. Plastic
    D. Glass
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Clay — Correct; terracotta is baked clay pottery.
    B. Metal — Incorrect.
    C. Plastic — Incorrect.
    D. Glass — Incorrect.

49. Which one is a preservation activity for intangible heritage?
    A. Digital recording of folk songs and interviews
    B. Demolishing old buildings
    C. Banning festivals
    D. Selling artifacts abroad without records
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Digital recording — Correct; documents living traditions.
    B. Demolishing — Incorrect; destroys tangible heritage.
    C. Banning festivals — Incorrect; would remove traditions.
    D. Selling artifacts without records — Incorrect; poor preservation.

50. Which South Indian state is famous for classical Carnatic music?
    A. Tamil Nadu
    B. Himachal Pradesh
    C. Gujarat
    D. Assam
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Tamil Nadu — Correct; Carnatic music is prominent in Tamil Nadu and neighboring southern states.
    B. Himachal Pradesh — Incorrect.
    C. Gujarat — Incorrect.
    D. Assam — Incorrect.

51. Which of the following is a way children learn traditions at home?
    A. Watching strangers online only
    B. Participating in family rituals, listening to elders, learning songs and recipes
    C. Only from textbooks with no practice
    D. Ignoring elders completely
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Watching strangers online — Incorrect; can supplement but not primary in many households.
    B. Participating in rituals — Correct; family transmission is key.
    C. Only textbooks — Incorrect; practical participation matters.
    D. Ignoring elders — Incorrect.

52. Which craft uses metal and is known in South India for bronze sculptures?
    A. Dhokra only (central India)
    B. South Indian Chola bronze tradition (e.g., Nataraja)
    C. Kalamkari — Incorrect
    D. Warli — Incorrect
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Dhokra — Incorrect; metal craft but central/eastern India.
    B. Chola bronze tradition — Correct; famous South Indian bronze sculptures.
    C. Kalamkari — Incorrect; textile art.
    D. Warli — Incorrect.

53. What does the term ‘abhinaya’ refer to in Indian dance?
    A. Rhythmic footwork only
    B. Facial expressions and gestures to convey emotions and story
    C. Building architecture
    D. A musical instrument
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Footwork only — Incorrect; abhinaya is expressive aspect.
    B. Facial expressions and gestures — Correct; central to classical dance storytelling.
    C. Architecture — Incorrect.
    D. Instrument — Incorrect.

54. Which Indian state celebrates Onam as a major festival?
    A. Kerala
    B. Rajasthan
    C. Punjab
    D. Odisha
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Kerala — Correct; Onam is Kerala’s harvest festival.
    B. Rajasthan — Incorrect; different festivals.
    C. Punjab — Incorrect.
    D. Odisha — Incorrect.

55. For exam preparation, which is the best practice to remember dance forms and their regions?
    A. Rote memorization without context
    B. Use a table listing dance form vs. state and key features
    C. Ignore regional details
    D. Guess randomly during exam
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Rote only — Incorrect; context helps retention.
    B. Table listing form/state/features — Correct; organized study aids recall.
    C. Ignore regional details — Incorrect.
    D. Guess randomly — Incorrect.

56. Which of these is NOT a classical dance form of India?
    A. Bharatanatyam
    B. Kathak
    C. Salsa
    D. Odissi
    Correct: C
    Explanations:
    A. Bharatanatyam — Incorrect; it is classical.
    B. Kathak — Incorrect; classical.
    C. Salsa — Correct; a Latin dance form, not Indian classical.
    D. Odissi — Incorrect; Indian classical.

57. Which Indian art form often uses gold foil and vibrant colors to depict deities?
    A. Tanjore painting
    B. Warli
    C. Thangka (Tibetan)
    D. Graffiti
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Tanjore painting — Correct; South Indian art using gold leaf.
    B. Warli — Incorrect; monochrome geometric folk art.
    C. Thangka — Incorrect; Tibetan Buddhist scrolls (not Indian Tanjore).
    D. Graffiti — Incorrect.

58. Which of the following is a way to support artisans online?
    A. Buying counterfeit machine-made copies
    B. Purchasing directly from artisan cooperatives or verified online platforms that pay fair prices
    C. Discouraging craft learning
    D. Hoarding raw materials without use
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Buying counterfeits — Incorrect; harms artisans.
    B. Purchase from cooperatives — Correct; direct support helps livelihoods.
    C. Discouraging learning — Incorrect.
    D. Hoarding — Incorrect.

59. Which classical dance is associated with the ‘tribhangi’ body posture (three-bend pose)?
    A. Kathak
    B. Odissi
    C. Kuchipudi
    D. Bhangra
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Kathak — Incorrect; different posture.
    B. Odissi — Correct; tribhangi is signature Odissi posture.
    C. Kuchipudi — Incorrect.
    D. Bhangra — Incorrect.

60. Which Indian city is famous for Banarasi sarees?
    A. Varanasi (Banaras)
    B. Jaipur
    C. Nagpur
    D. Kolkata
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Varanasi (Banaras) — Correct; Banarasi silk sarees originate here.
    B. Jaipur — Incorrect; known for block printing and jewelry.
    C. Nagpur — Incorrect.
    D. Kolkata — Incorrect; has its own textile traditions.

61. What is the key purpose of a granary in traditional towns?
    A. A place to collect, store and manage surplus grain for the community
    B. A musical theatre
    C. A temple only
    D. A textile factory
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Store grain — Correct; granaries store food for future use.
    B. Musical theatre — Incorrect.
    C. Temple only — Incorrect.
    D. Textile factory — Incorrect.

62. Which musical form is based on improvisation within a raga and tala?
    A. Hindustani classical music
    B. Western classical symphony only
    C. Pop music only
    D. None
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Hindustani classical — Correct; improvisation around raga and tala is central.
    B. Western symphony — Incorrect; less improvisation traditionally.
    C. Pop music — Incorrect; structured differently.
    D. None — Incorrect.

63. Which of these is an example of a civic preservation initiative?
    A. Unregulated demolition of old neighborhoods
    B. Establishing local museums and heritage walks
    C. Dumping waste at heritage sites
    D. Selling artifacts without records
    Correct: B
    Explanations:
    A. Demolition — Incorrect; destroys heritage.
    B. Museums & heritage walks — Correct; preserve and educate.
    C. Dumping waste — Incorrect.
    D. Selling artifacts unrecorded — Incorrect.

64. Which dance has strong devotional links to Lord Krishna and is performed in temples of Manipur?
    A. Manipuri dance
    B. Kathakali
    C. Kuchipudi
    D. Bihu
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Manipuri — Correct; often devotional and linked to Vaishnava traditions.
    B. Kathakali — Incorrect; Kerala dance drama.
    C. Kuchipudi — Incorrect.
    D. Bihu — Incorrect; Assamese folk dance.

65. Which of the following best describes a ‘heritage walk’?
    A. A group activity visiting historical sites to learn about local culture and history
    B. An online chat only
    C. A dance routine
    D. A modern shopping trip
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Visiting historical sites — Correct; heritage walks are educational tours.
    B. Online chat — Incorrect.
    C. Dance routine — Incorrect.
    D. Shopping trip — Incorrect.

66. Which craft is associated with metal casting using the lost-wax technique in parts of India?
    A. Dhokra (and some South Indian bronzes)
    B. Madhubani painting
    C. Kalamkari
    D. Warli
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Dhokra — Correct; traditional lost-wax metal casting practiced by tribal artisans.
    B. Madhubani — Incorrect; painting.
    C. Kalamkari — Incorrect; textiles.
    D. Warli — Incorrect; painting.

67. Which of the following is a classical music instrument used in Carnatic concerts?
    A. Mridangam
    B. Saxophone
    C. Electric guitar only
    D. Drums only
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Mridangam — Correct; primary percussion instrument in Carnatic music.
    B. Saxophone — Incorrect; not traditional Carnatic instrument (though used in fusion).
    C. Electric guitar — Incorrect; modern instrument sometimes used in fusion.
    D. Drums only — Incorrect; too general.

68. Which of these displays intangible cultural heritage suitable for school projects?
    A. Recording folk songs and interviewing local artists
    B. Destroying village artifacts
    C. Selling manuscripts without cataloguing
    D. Painting over murals
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Recording and interviewing — Correct; documents living heritage.
    B. Destroying artifacts — Incorrect.
    C. Selling manuscripts without records — Incorrect.
    D. Painting over murals — Incorrect.

69. Which state is famous for the Kutchi embroidery and Ajrakh block printing?
    A. Gujarat
    B. West Bengal
    C. Kerala
    D. Assam
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Gujarat — Correct; Kutch region known for embroidery and Ajrakh (also Kutch/Rajasthan influences).
    B. West Bengal — Incorrect.
    C. Kerala — Incorrect.
    D. Assam — Incorrect.

70. Which city is known for classical Odissi dance?
    A. Bhubaneswar / Cuttack (Odisha)
    B. Chennai only
    C. Mumbai only
    D. Srinagar only
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Bhubaneswar / Cuttack — Correct; Odissi’s cultural home in Odisha.
    B. Chennai — Incorrect; Carnatic hub.
    C. Mumbai — Incorrect.
    D. Srinagar — Incorrect.

71. Which of the following is a reason why local languages should be taught in schools?
    A. To preserve culture, oral stories and identity
    B. To prevent learning other languages
    C. To stop communication between regions
    D. To make learning harder only
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Preserve culture — Correct; local language teaching sustains heritage.
    B. Prevent learning other languages — Incorrect.
    C. Stop communication — Incorrect.
    D. Make learning harder — Incorrect.

72. Which cuisine uses coconut and rice heavily and is from the south-west of India?
    A. Kerala cuisine
    B. Punjabi cuisine
    C. Kashmiri cuisine
    D. Gujarati cuisine
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Kerala cuisine — Correct; coconut and rice are staples in Kerala.
    B. Punjabi — Incorrect; uses wheat and dairy.
    C. Kashmiri — Incorrect; rice used but different staples.
    D. Gujarati — Incorrect; vegetarian focus with different flavors.

73. Which is a traditional North Indian garment for men?
    A. Kurta-pajama or dhoti
    B. Saree
    C. Lungi only (south)
    D. Kimono
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Kurta-pajama or dhoti — Correct; common traditional male garments in North India.
    B. Saree — Incorrect; traditional women’s garment.
    C. Lungi — Incorrect; common in south but not limited to it.
    D. Kimono — Incorrect; Japanese garment.

74. Which of the following is a method to promote handicrafts to students?
    A. Organise craft workshops and school exhibitions featuring local artisans
    B. Teach only computer programming
    C. Ban craft activities in schools
    D. Replace craft with only textbooks
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Workshops & exhibitions — Correct; hands-on learning fosters appreciation.
    B. Teach only programming — Incorrect; excludes crafts.
    C. Ban crafts — Incorrect.
    D. Replace with textbooks — Incorrect.

75. Which Himalayan region language family is Tibeto-Burman associated with?
    A. Northeast India and Himalayan areas (e.g., Bodo, Lepcha)
    B. South India only
    C. Central India only
    D. Western Europe
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Northeast & Himalayan areas — Correct; Tibeto-Burman languages are spoken in these regions.
    B. South India only — Incorrect.
    C. Central India only — Incorrect.
    D. Western Europe — Incorrect.

76. What is the cultural significance of the Ramlila performance?
    A. It dramatizes parts of the Ramayana and teaches moral lessons through live enactment
    B. It is a commerce fair only
    C. It is a modern soap opera
    D. It is a private family ritual only
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Dramatizes Ramayana — Correct; Ramlila is a religious theatrical tradition.
    B. Commerce fair — Incorrect.
    C. Soap opera — Incorrect.
    D. Private ritual — Incorrect.

77. Which of the following is an example of knowledge tradition in India?
    A. Ayurveda, yoga, metallurgy, textile dyeing techniques
    B. Only modern IT coding
    C. Western baseball rules only
    D. None
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Ayurveda etc. — Correct; traditional systems of knowledge.
    B. Only modern IT — Incorrect; not traditional.
    C. Baseball — Incorrect.
    D. None — Incorrect.

78. Which instrument is often used in Rajasthani folk music?
    A. Sarangi and dholak, kamaicha (various regional instruments)
    B. Piano only
    C. Electric synthesizer only
    D. Saxophone only
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Sarangi and dholak etc. — Correct; traditional instruments in Rajasthani folk.
    B. Piano only — Incorrect.
    C. Synthesizer — Incorrect (modern but can be used in fusion).
    D. Saxophone — Incorrect.

79. Which craft uses resist dyeing to make patterned textiles and is common in Gujarat and Rajasthan?
    A. Bandhani (tie-and-dye)
    B. Pattachitra
    C. Tanjore painting
    D. Wood carving
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Bandhani — Correct; tie-and-dye technique common in Gujarat/Rajasthan.
    B. Pattachitra — Incorrect; paintings.
    C. Tanjore — Incorrect; paintings.
    D. Wood carving — Incorrect.

80. What is the value of documenting oral histories in villages?
    A. Preserves local memories, practices and knowledge for future study and identity
    B. Destroys community ties
    C. Causes no benefit at all
    D. Is illegal
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Preserves memories — Correct; oral histories are primary sources.
    B. Destroys ties — Incorrect.
    C. No benefit — Incorrect.
    D. Illegal — Incorrect.

81. Which of the following best describes a ‘folk theatre’ tradition?
    A. A community performance blending music, dance and drama based on local stories
    B. A factory production line
    C. A private laboratory experiment
    D. None of the above
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Community performance — Correct; defines folk theatre.
    B. Factory line — Incorrect.
    C. Lab experiment — Incorrect.
    D. None — Incorrect.

82. Which festival involves decorating homes with lamps and fireworks and is celebrated widely across India?
    A. Diwali
    B. Holi
    C. Eid
    D. Baisakhi
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Diwali — Correct; festival of lights.
    B. Holi — Incorrect; festival of colours.
    C. Eid — Incorrect.
    D. Baisakhi — Incorrect.

83. Which traditional scientific contribution is often associated with ancient India?
    A. Concept of zero and decimal place value system
    B. Discovery of electricity in the 20th century only
    C. Inventing telephones only
    D. None
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Zero and place value — Correct; key historical contributions from ancient India.
    B. Electricity (20th century) — Incorrect.
    C. Telephones — Incorrect.
    D. None — Incorrect.

84. Which of the following is an example of a living tradition that students can learn at school?
    A. Folk songs, local crafts, simple dance steps and recipes
    B. Forgetting all local practices
    C. Only reading about ancient events with no practice
    D. None
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Folk songs & crafts — Correct; practical learning helps preserve traditions.
    B. Forgetting practices — Incorrect.
    C. Only reading — Incorrect; active practice needed.
    D. None — Incorrect.

85. Which dance uses rapid footwork and ankle bells (ghungroo) and is from North India?
    A. Kathak
    B. Bharatanatyam
    C. Kuchipudi
    D. Mohiniyattam
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Kathak — Correct; ghungroo and fast footwork are key features.
    B. Bharatanatyam — Incorrect; also uses bells but different style.
    C. Kuchipudi — Incorrect.
    D. Mohiniyattam — Incorrect.

86. Which festival is linked to the sowing of rabi crops and celebrated in Punjab?
    A. Baisakhi
    B. Onam
    C. Pongal
    D. Diwali
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Baisakhi — Correct; harvest festival in Punjab.
    B. Onam — Incorrect; Kerala harvest festival.
    C. Pongal — Incorrect; Tamil harvest festival.
    D. Diwali — Incorrect.

87. Which of these is a protective measure for monuments?
    A. Conservation, controlled tourism and scientific restoration
    B. Unlimited graffiti and vandalism
    C. Ignoring damage
    D. Turning sites into landfills
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Conservation & controlled tourism — Correct; standard preservation practices.
    B. Graffiti — Incorrect.
    C. Ignoring damage — Incorrect.
    D. Landfills — Incorrect.

88. The instrument ‘dhol’ is mainly a:
    A. Percussion instrument used in Punjabi music and festivals
    B. String instrument used in Carnatic music
    C. Wind instrument used in orchestras only
    D. Electronic device
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Percussion in Punjabi music — Correct; dhol is a drum central to Bhangra and Punjabi festivals.
    B. String instrument — Incorrect.
    C. Wind instrument — Incorrect.
    D. Electronic device — Incorrect.

89. Which of the following is a function of traditional theatre forms like Nautanki or Yakshagana?
    A. Entertainment, storytelling, moral instruction and ritual roles
    B. Only classroom teaching of chemistry
    C. Only modern film production
    D. None
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Entertainment & storytelling — Correct; folk theatre educates and entertains.
    B. Chemistry teaching — Incorrect.
    C. Film production — Incorrect.
    D. None — Incorrect.

90. Which of these is a traditional water harvesting structure in steppe/arid regions of India?
    A. Stepwells and johads
    B. Ski lifts
    C. Underground nuclear reactors
    D. Shopping malls
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Stepwells and johads — Correct; local water structures for arid regions.
    B. Ski lifts — Incorrect.
    C. Nuclear reactors — Incorrect.
    D. Shopping malls — Incorrect.

91. Which is true about Madhubani painting tradition?
    A. Traditionally painted on walls and floors by village women, with themes of nature and mythology
    B. Is a modern digital art form only
    C. Originated in Europe
    D. Involves metal casting
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Painted on walls and floors — Correct; Madhubani’s traditional practices described.
    B. Modern digital — Incorrect.
    C. Originated in Europe — Incorrect.
    D. Metal casting — Incorrect.

92. Which of the following helps a student prepare for exam questions on culture?
    A. Making concise notes under headings (languages, festivals, arts, dance) and practising short answers
    B. Memorising irrelevant details only
    C. Ignoring the syllabus
    D. Guessing blindly in exams
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Concise notes & practice — Correct; effective exam strategy.
    B. Memorising irrelevant details — Incorrect.
    C. Ignoring syllabus — Incorrect.
    D. Guessing — Incorrect.

93. Which folk dance is associated with Gujarat and often performed during Navratri?
    A. Garba and Dandiya Raas
    B. Bhangra
    C. Kathakali
    D. Odissi
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Garba/Dandiya — Correct; Gujarati festival dances for Navratri.
    B. Bhangra — Incorrect; Punjab.
    C. Kathakali — Incorrect; Kerala.
    D. Odissi — Incorrect; Odisha.

94. Which of the following is a characteristic of classical music that distinguishes it from most folk music?
    A. Formal theory and guru-shishya (teacher–student) tradition with codified ragas and talas
    B. Has no rules at all
    C. Is always communal work music only
    D. Is identical to pop songs
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Formal theory and guru-shishya — Correct; classical music has codified systems and training.
    B. No rules — Incorrect.
    C. Only communal work music — Incorrect; folk music often is communal/work-related.
    D. Identical to pop — Incorrect.

95. Which of these actions by students supports living traditions?
    A. Interviewing elders and creating audio recordings of local songs
    B. Smashing old pots
    C. Discarding old recipes immediately
    D. Burning traditional textiles
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Interview and record — Correct; documents and preserves living traditions.
    B. Smashing pots — Incorrect.
    C. Discard recipes — Incorrect.
    D. Burning textiles — Incorrect.

96. Which Indian state is associated with the classical dance Bharatanatyam?
    A. Tamil Nadu
    B. Uttar Pradesh
    C. Gujarat
    D. Assam
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Tamil Nadu — Correct; Bharatanatyam originated in Tamil Nadu.
    B. Uttar Pradesh — Incorrect.
    C. Gujarat — Incorrect.
    D. Assam — Incorrect.

97. Which of the following is an example of intangible heritage that can be lost if not documented?
    A. Traditional lullabies and folk medicine knowledge
    B. A large stone building that is well maintained
    C. A modern shopping complex
    D. An operational bridge
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Lullabies and folk medicine — Correct; oral knowledge is fragile and can be lost.
    B. Stone building well maintained — Incorrect; tangible heritage.
    C. Shopping complex — Incorrect.
    D. Bridge — Incorrect.

98. Which of the following is a common theme in Indian folk tales?
    A. Moral lessons, trickster heroes, animals with human traits and practical wisdom
    B. Only spaceship travel
    C. Only modern brand advertisements
    D. None
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Moral lessons etc. — Correct; folk tales teach values and local wisdom.
    B. Spaceship travel — Incorrect.
    C. Brand ads — Incorrect.
    D. None — Incorrect.

99. Which of these steps helps protect traditional monuments from environmental damage?
    A. Regular maintenance, controlled visitor access and protective barriers
    B. Leaving them exposed to pollution and vandalism
    C. Using them as waste dumps
    D. Letting vegetation overgrow without control
    Correct: A
    Explanations:
    A. Maintenance & control — Correct; essential for protection.
    B. Expose to pollution — Incorrect.
    C. Use as dumps — Incorrect.
    D. Uncontrolled overgrowth — Incorrect.

100. How can schools integrate cultural heritage into the curriculum effectively?
     A. By inviting artisans, organising field trips, including local arts in projects and teaching oral histories
     B. By cutting all cultural activities and focusing only on standardized tests
     C. By banning folk performances
     D. By importing unrelated foreign content only
     Correct: A
     Explanations:
     A. Invite artisans and field trips — Correct; active learning preserves heritage.
     B. Cutting activities — Incorrect.
     C. Banning performances — Incorrect.
     D. Importing unrelated content only — Incorrect.

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