UPSC Prelims · Art & Culture PYQ
GI Tags, Crafts & Tribes UPSC PYQ
Geographical Indication tags, traditional crafts, and tribal communities of India.
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1 2022
With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as "Kulah-Daran"?
- AArab merchants
- BQalandars
- CPersian calligraphists
- DSayyids
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. Sayyids
Explanation
Option (d) is correct: The Sayyids claim descent from the Prophet through his daughter Fatima. The Sayyid put on a special pointed cap (Kulah) and they were known as Kulah-Daran.
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2 2021
Consider the following pairs:
(Historical place) : (Well-known for)
1. Burzahom : Rock-cut shrines
2. Chandra-ketugarh : Terracotta art
3. Ganeshwar : Copper artifacts
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?- A1 only
- B1 and 2
- C3 only
- D2 and 3
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. 2 and 3
Explanation
Pair 1 is not correctly matched: Burzahom, in Kashmir Valley, is a Neolithic site known for underground pit dwellings. Pair 2 is correctly matched: Chandraketugarh in West Bengal is famous for terracotta art. Pair 3 is correctly matched: Ganeshwar produced many copper tools and ornaments.
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3 2021
With reference to India, the terms 'Halbi, Ho and Kui' pertain to
- Adance forms of Northwest India
- Bmusical instruments
- Cprehistoric cave paintings
- Dtribal languages
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. tribal languages
Explanation
Option (d) is correct: Some of the popular languages spoken by the tribes of India are as follows: Bhatri, Bhilli, Halbi, Ho, Kui etc.
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4 2023
With reference to Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with
- Aarchaeological excavations
- Bestablishment of English Press in Colonial India
- Cestablishment of Churches in Princely States
- Dconstruction of railways in Colonial India
Reveal answer
Correct answer: A. archaeological excavations
Explanation
Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess, and Walter Elliot were British-era scholars associated with archaeological excavations and surveys across India.
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5 2014
Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?
- A22nd March (or 21st March)
- B15th May (or 16th May)
- C31st March (or 30th March)
- D21st April (or 20th April)
Reveal answer
Correct answer: A. 22nd March (or 21st March)
Explanation
Chaitra 1 of the Saka-era National Calendar corresponds to 22 March in a normal year (21 March in a leap year) of the Gregorian calendar.
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6 2013
Consider the following pairs: Tribe State
1. Limboo (Limbu) : Sikkim
2. Karbi : Himachal Pradesh
3. Dongaria Kondh : Odisha
4. Bonda : Tamil Nadu
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?- A1 and 3 only
- B2 and 4 only
- C1, 3 and 4 only
- D1, 2, 3 and 4
Reveal answer
Correct answer: A. 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Limboo/Limbu is correctly associated with Sikkim, and Dongaria Kondh with Odisha. However, Karbi is a tribe of Assam (not Himachal Pradesh) and Bonda is a tribe of Odisha (not Tamil Nadu), so only pairs 1 and 3 are correct.
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7 2009
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:
List I (Famous person)
A. Mandakini Amte
B. Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry
C. Romila Thapar
D. Vanashree Rao
List II (Well-known for)
1. Theatre direction
2. Social service and community leadership
3. Dance
4. History writing- AA-2 B-1 C-4 D-3
- BA-2 B-4 C-1 D-3
- CA-3 B-1 C-4 D-2
- DA-3 B-4 C-1 D-2
Reveal answer
Correct answer: A. A-2 B-1 C-4 D-3
Explanation
Mandakini Amte is known for social service and community leadership, Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry for theatre direction, Romila Thapar for history writing, and Vanashree Rao for dance — matching code A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3.
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8 2009
Among the following, who are the Agaria community ?
- AA traditional toddy tappers community of Andhra Pradesh
- BA traditional fishing community of Maharashtra
- CA traditional silk-weaving community of Karnataka
- DA traditional salt pan workers community of Gujarat
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. A traditional salt pan workers community of Gujarat
Explanation
The Agaria are a traditional community of salt pan workers found in the Rann of Kutch region of Gujarat.
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9 2009
Consider the following statements :
1. The National School of Drama was set up by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1959.
2. The highest honour conferred by the Sahitya Akademi on a writer is by electing him its Fellow.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation
The National School of Drama was indeed set up in 1959 under the aegis of the Sangeet Natak Akademi (later becoming autonomous), and Fellowship of the Sahitya Akademi is indeed its highest honour for a writer — both statements are correct.
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10 2009
Consider the following houses:
1. Christie's
2. Osian's
3. Sotheby's
Which of the above is/are auctioneer/auctioneers ?- A1 only
- B1 and 3 only
- C2 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Christie's, Osian's, and Sotheby's are all well-known auction houses, with Osian's being a prominent Indian auction house for art.
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11 2008
Consider the following statements:
1. Orange Prize is awarded to a work of published fiction in English by a woman.
2. Pulitzer Prize is awarded by the Commonwealth Foundation to a citizen of any Commonwealth
country for any literary work in English. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer
Correct answer: A. 1 only
Explanation
The Orange Prize (now the Women's Prize for Fiction) is correctly awarded to a woman author for published fiction in English. The Pulitzer Prize, however, is awarded by Columbia University to American citizens/works, not by the Commonwealth Foundation to any Commonwealth citizen, making only statement 1 correct.
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12 2008
Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in the UNESCO's Memory of World Register?
- AAbhidhamma Pitaka
- BMahabharata
- CRamayana
- DRig-Veda
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. Rig-Veda
Explanation
The manuscripts of the Rig Veda were inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in recognition of their historical and cultural significance.
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13 2007
The Pulitzer Prize is associated with which one of the following?
- AEnvironmental protection
- BCivil aviation
- CJournalism
- DOlympic Games
Reveal answer
Correct answer: C. Journalism
Explanation
The Pulitzer Prize, established by Joseph Pulitzer, is a prestigious American award primarily associated with achievements in journalism, literature, and musical composition.
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14 2007
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:
List-I (Eminent Person)
A. Bhanu Bharti
B. Mike Pandey
C. Mohd. Zafar Khayyam
D. Vinda Karandikar
List-II (Known as)
1. Music composer
2. Poet and litterateur
3. Theatre director
4. Wildlife film-maker
Codes:- AA-1 B-4 C-3 D-2
- BA-3 B-2 C-1 D-4
- CA-2 B-3 C-4 D-1
- DA-3 B-4 C-1 D-2
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. A-3 B-4 C-1 D-2
Explanation
Bhanu Bharti is a theatre director, Mike Pandey a wildlife filmmaker, Mohd. Zafar Khayyam a music composer, and Vinda Karandikar a poet and litterateur — matching code A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2.
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15 2007
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:
List-I (Writer)
A. V. S. Naipaul
B. Salman Rushdie
C. Paul Scott
D. J. G. Farrell
List-II (Book)
1. The Siege of Krishnapur
2. In a Free State
3. Midnight's Children
4. Staying On
Codes:- AA-2 B-4 C-1 D-3
- BA-4 B-3 C-1 D-2
- CA-3 B-1 C-2 D-4
- DA-2 B-3 C-4 D-1
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. A-2 B-3 C-4 D-1
Explanation
V. S. Naipaul wrote 'In a Free State', Salman Rushdie wrote 'Midnight's Children', Paul Scott wrote 'Staying On', and J. G. Farrell wrote 'The Siege of Krishnapur' — matching code A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1.
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16 2007
For which one of the following books did Kiran Desai win the Man Booker Prize 2006?
- AThe Secret River
- BIn the Country of Men
- CThe Inheritance of Loss
- DMother's Milk
Reveal answer
Correct answer: C. The Inheritance of Loss
Explanation
Kiran Desai won the Man Booker Prize in 2006 for her novel 'The Inheritance of Loss'.
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17 2006
Who among the following was presented with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna Award, 2005 for her lifetime achievement in dance?
- AChandralekha
- BTanjavur Balasaraswati
- CUma Sharma
- DYamini Krishnamurthy
Reveal answer
Correct answer: A. Chandralekha
Explanation
Chandralekha, the pioneering choreographer known for reinventing Bharatanatyam through a modern lens, received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna (Fellowship) in 2005.
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18 2005
Who among the following is not a recipient of the Bharat Ratna Award?
- AUstad Bismillah Khan
- BSatyajit Ray
- CLata Mangeshkar
- DRaj Kapoor
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. Raj Kapoor
Explanation
Raj Kapoor, the noted actor-filmmaker, was never awarded the Bharat Ratna, unlike Ustad Bismillah Khan, Satyajit Ray, and Lata Mangeshkar, who all received it.
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19 2004
The Archaeological Survey of India is an attached office of the Department/Ministry of
- ACulture
- BTourism
- CScience and Technology
- DHuman Resource Development
Reveal answer
Correct answer: A. Culture
Explanation
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) functions as an attached office under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
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20 2004
In which one of the following Union Territories, do the people of the Onge tribe live?
- AAndaman & Nicobar Islands
- BDadra & Nagar Haveli
- CDaman & Diu
- DLakshadweep
Reveal answer
Correct answer: A. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Explanation
The Onge, a Negrito tribal group, inhabit Little Andaman Island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Union Territory.
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21 2004
Consider the following statements:
1. Hema Malini is the Chairperson of the Children's Film Society, India.
2. Yash Chopra is the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification of India.
3. Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand have all been recipients of the Dada Saheb Phalke
Award. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?- A1 and 3
- B2 and 3
- C2 only
- D3 only
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. 3 only
Explanation
Hema Malini did not chair the Children's Film Society at that time, nor was Yash Chopra chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification then, but Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, and Dev Anand have indeed all received the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, making only statement 3 correct.
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22 2004
Which of the following authors won the Booker Prize twice?
- AMargaret Atwood
- BJ. M. Coetzee
- CGraham Swift
- DIan McEwan
Reveal answer
Correct answer: B. J. M. Coetzee
Explanation
J. M. Coetzee is the author who has won the Booker Prize twice, for 'Life & Times of Michael K' (1983) and 'Disgrace' (1999).
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23 2003
Which one of the following statements is correct?
- AThe National Song Vande Mataram was composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji originally in Bengali
- BThe National Calendar of India based on Saka era has its 1st Chaitra on 22nd March normally and 21st March in a leap year
- CThe design of the National Flag of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 22nd July 1947
- DThe song ‘Jana-gana-mana’, composed originally in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore was adopted in its Hindi version by the Constituent Assembly on 24th January 1950 as the National Anthem of India
Reveal answer
Correct answer: A. The National Song Vande Mataram was composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji originally in Bengali
Explanation
'Vande Mataram', India's National Song, was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterji originally in Bengali as part of his novel 'Anandamath'.
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24 2003
Who among the following was selected for the 2001 Dada Saheb Phalke Award?
- ADev Anand
- BLata Mangeshkar
- CRamanand Sagar
- DYash Chopra
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. Yash Chopra
Explanation
Yash Chopra, the noted Hindi film director, was awarded the Dada Saheb Phalke Award for the year 2001.
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25 2002
Who was the first Indian actress to receive the Padma Shri Award?
- ASmita Patil
- BNargis Dutt
- CMeena Kumari
- DMadhubala
Reveal answer
Correct answer: B. Nargis Dutt
Explanation
Nargis Dutt was the first Indian actress to receive the Padma Shri award.
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26 1999
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:
List I (Libraries)
I. Saraswati Mahal Library
II. Library of Tibetan Work and Archives
III. Raza Library
IV. Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library
List II (Locations)
A. Patna
B. Dharamsala
C. Thanjavur
D. Rampur
Codes:- AI-C, II-B, III-D, IV-A
- BI-C, II-B, III-A, IV-D
- CI-B, II-C, III-A, IV-D
- DI-B, II-C, III-D, IV-A
Reveal answer
Correct answer: A. I-C, II-B, III-D, IV-A
Explanation
Saraswati Mahal Library is in Thanjavur, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is in Dharamsala, Raza Library is in Rampur, and Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library is in Patna — matching code I-C, II-B, III-D, IV-A.
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27 1996
Nastaliq was
- Aa Persian script used in medieval India
- Ba raga composed by Tansen
- Ca cess levied by the Mughal rulers
- Da manual of code of conduct for the Ulemas
Reveal answer
Correct answer: A. a Persian script used in medieval India
Explanation
Nastaliq is a distinctive cursive style of Persian/Perso-Arabic calligraphy that was widely used in medieval India, particularly under Mughal patronage.
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28 1995
The original home of the gypsies was
- AEgypt
- BRussia
- CIndia
- DPersia
Reveal answer
Correct answer: C. India
Explanation
Linguistic and cultural studies trace the origins of the Romani people (commonly called 'gypsies') to the Indian subcontinent, from where they migrated westward over centuries.