Introduction Indian martial arts represent a significant yet often overlooked aspect of India's rich cultural…
MCQs with answers on the topic “Cultural Diversity in India: A Study of Unity in Pluralism”
1. Which of the following is the primary characteristic of India’s cultural diversity?
A) Unity in Diversity
B) Monoculturalism
C) Ethnic segregation
D) Religious homogeneity
Answer: A) Unity in Diversity
2. The concept of ‘Unity in Diversity’ in India primarily refers to:
A) Political unity despite cultural diversity
B) Religious unity among all groups
C) A unified language policy
D) The integration of diverse ethnic groups into a single national identity
Answer: D) The integration of diverse ethnic groups into a single national identity
3. The Indian subcontinent is characterized by cultural diversity in terms of:
A) Languages, religions, ethnicities, and customs
B) Only religious practices
C) Only food habits
D) Uniformity in political system
Answer: A) Languages, religions, ethnicities, and customs
4. Which of the following is an example of India’s linguistic diversity?
A) Sanskrit as the only language spoken
B) Hindi being the only language of communication
C) More than 22 official languages recognized in the Indian Constitution
D) English as the only language of communication
Answer: C) More than 22 official languages recognized in the Indian Constitution
5. The cultural diversity in India is largely influenced by:
A) Religious homogeneity
B) Geographic variations
C) Economic uniformity
D) Political centralization
Answer: B) Geographic variations
6. The cultural diversity in India is reflected in:
A) Various dance forms and festivals
B) Uniformity in food habits across regions
C) A single religious practice
D) Common traditional attire for all regions
Answer: A) Various dance forms and festivals
7. Which of the following is NOT one of the major religions of India?
A) Hinduism
B) Buddhism
C) Jainism
D) Confucianism
Answer: D) Confucianism
8. The term ‘Secularism’ in the context of Indian culture refers to:
A) Preference for a particular religion
B) Complete separation of religion and politics
C) Equal respect for all religions
D) State endorsement of one religion
Answer: C) Equal respect for all religions
9. Which of the following is an important factor that binds the diverse cultures of India?
A) Common language
B) Strong central political control
C) Shared values of secularism and democracy
D) A common religion
Answer: C) Shared values of secularism and democracy
10. The famous Indian festival ‘Diwali’ is celebrated by:
A) Hindus only
B) All communities in India
C) Muslims and Christians
D) Sikhs only
Answer: B) All communities in India
11. Which Indian state is famous for its unique cultural practice of ‘Sattriya’ dance?
A) Kerala
B) Assam
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Rajasthan
Answer: B) Assam
12. What does the ‘Unity in Diversity’ concept emphasize in the context of India?
A) Disintegration of various cultural groups
B) Harmony and coexistence of diverse cultures
C) Religious exclusivity
D) Cultural uniformity
Answer: B) Harmony and coexistence of diverse cultures
13. The ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ philosophy in Indian culture means:
A) The world is one family
B) Division of the world into religious communities
C) Supremacy of one culture over others
D) Focus on economic unity
Answer: A) The world is one family
14. Which of the following regions in India has a unique form of theatre called ‘Yakshagana’?
A) Bengal
B) Karnataka
C) Maharashtra
D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: B) Karnataka
15. Which festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is celebrated by people of all faiths in India?
A) Holi
B) Diwali
C) Eid
D) Christmas
Answer: B) Diwali
16. Which of the following languages is widely spoken in the Indian state of Punjab?
A) Marathi
B) Punjabi
C) Tamil
D) Bengali
Answer: B) Punjabi
17. The term ‘Indology’ refers to the study of:
A) Indian languages
B) Indian religions
C) Indian culture and civilization
D) Indian art forms
Answer: C) Indian culture and civilization
18. Which of the following is the main feature of India’s pluralistic society?
A) Linguistic and religious homogeneity
B) Uniform food habits
C) Coexistence of various religions and cultures
D) Singular artistic traditions
Answer: C) Coexistence of various religions and cultures
19. Which of the following is a major ethnic group in India?
A) Tamils
B) Zoroastrians
C) Mongols
D) Arabs
Answer: A) Tamils
20. What is the basis of unity among the diverse groups in India?
A) Common religion
B) Shared history and values
C) Common geographical location
D) Similar economic status
Answer: B) Shared history and values
21. Which of the following is a prominent feature of India’s pluralism?
A) One dominant culture
B) Multiple forms of government
C) Diversity in food, language, and traditions
D) Limited regional differences
Answer: C) Diversity in food, language, and traditions
22. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India largely contribute to:
A) Political unity
B) Preservation of cultural heritage
C) Economic uniformity
D) Religious extremism
Answer: B) Preservation of cultural heritage
23. Which of the following dances is associated with the state of Kerala?
A) Kathakali
B) Kuchipudi
C) Bharatnatyam
D) Odissi
Answer: A) Kathakali
24. Which of the following Indian states is known for its distinct and vibrant culture of ‘Bihu’?
A) Bihar
B) Assam
C) Odisha
D) Gujarat
Answer: B) Assam
25. Which of the following reflects the rich cultural diversity of India?
A) The uniformity of religious practices
B) Regional cuisine, attire, and festivals
C) The same cultural norms across the country
D) Centralized educational curriculum
Answer: B) Regional cuisine, attire, and festivals
26. The Indian Constitution envisions the concept of ‘Unity in Diversity’ through:
A) A national religion
B) Protection of linguistic and cultural diversity
C) Centralized governance
D) Uniform educational practices
Answer: B) Protection of linguistic and cultural diversity
27. Which of the following is an example of India’s pluralism in food culture?
A) Uniform vegetarian diet across India
B) South Indian idli and dosa, North Indian parathas
C) Only rice-based dishes in India
D) A single method of cooking
Answer: B) South Indian idli and dosa, North Indian parathas
28. The role of festivals in India in promoting unity is based on:
A) Shared participation and rituals
B) Religious exclusivity
C) Food and clothing norms
D) Political ideology
Answer: A) Shared participation and rituals
29. The diversity in India’s art forms can be seen in:
A) Uniformity of traditional art practices
B) Classical music, dance, and local folk arts
C) Focus on one religious art form
D) Global influence without indigenous art forms
Answer: B) Classical music, dance, and local folk arts
30. The principle of pluralism in India encourages:
A) Cultural uniformity
B) Tolerance and respect for differences
C) A single language for communication
D) Isolation of different communities
Answer: B) Tolerance and respect for differences
These questions cover various aspects of India’s cultural diversity and how it contributes to unity in pluralism. They are designed to help Civil Services aspirants develop a deeper understanding of India’s multicultural society.
