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Unit 2: Northern Himalayan region & northern plains-1 - Practice Quiz

FST802 — Indian Culture Studies 60 Questions
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1 Papier-mâché, a delicate decorative art made from paper pulp, is a famous craft of which region?

Jammu and Kashmir-art and crafts Easy
A. Jammu and Kashmir
B. Kerala
C. Gujarat
D. Tamil Nadu

2 Khatamband is a traditional art form of woodwork in Kashmir used primarily for decorating what?

Jammu and Kashmir-art and crafts Easy
A. Floors
B. Furniture
C. Doors
D. Ceilings

3 Which specific type of wood is predominantly used for the famous wood carving craft in Kashmir?

Jammu and Kashmir-art and crafts Easy
A. Walnut wood
B. Rosewood
C. Sandalwood
D. Teak wood

4 The Kashmiri willow is famous worldwide for the production of which sports equipment?

Jammu and Kashmir-art and crafts Easy
A. Badminton racquets
B. Tennis racquets
C. Hockey sticks
D. Cricket bats

5 Pashmina shawls, known for their softness and warmth, are woven from the wool of which animal?

textiles of Jammu and Kashmir Easy
A. Sheep
B. Yak
C. Mountain goat
D. Camel

6 What is the traditional and world-famous style of embroidery practiced in Jammu and Kashmir called?

textiles of Jammu and Kashmir Easy
A. Chikankari
B. Zardosi
C. Kashida
D. Kantha

7 Which traditional Kashmiri garment is a loose, long cloak worn during winters to protect against the extreme cold?

textiles of Jammu and Kashmir Easy
A. Pheran
B. Angarkha
C. Sherwani
D. Kurta

8 Shahtoosh, a historically highly prized but now banned wool, was sourced from which animal?

textiles of Jammu and Kashmir Easy
A. Tibetan antelope
B. Snow leopard
C. Himalayan yak
D. Bactrian camel

9 What is 'Kahwa' in the context of Kashmiri culture?

an overview of culture Jammu and Kashmir Easy
A. A traditional dance
B. A type of musical instrument
C. A traditional dress
D. A traditional green tea

10 Which famous folk dance is performed by the women of Kashmir, especially during the spring season and festivals?

an overview of culture Jammu and Kashmir Easy
A. Bhangra
B. Garba
C. Kathak
D. Rouf

11 What is 'Wazwan' in Kashmiri culture?

an overview of culture Jammu and Kashmir Easy
A. A stringed musical instrument
B. A harvest festival
C. A traditional multi-course meal
D. A type of woolen carpet

12 Shikaras are iconic traditional wooden boats primarily found floating in which famous lake of Kashmir?

an overview of culture Jammu and Kashmir Easy
A. Pangong Lake
B. Mansar Lake
C. Dal Lake
D. Wular Lake

13 Phulkari is a highly famous and vibrant traditional embroidery style originating from which state?

Punjab-textiles and crafts Easy
A. Rajasthan
B. Punjab
C. Odisha
D. Maharashtra

14 What is the literal translation of the word 'Phulkari'?

Punjab-textiles and crafts Easy
A. Gold work
B. Thread work
C. Flower work
D. Mirror work

15 Which traditional handcrafted footwear from Punjab is known for its intricate embroidery with colored threads?

Punjab-textiles and crafts Easy
A. Mojari
B. Jutti
C. Khadaun
D. Kolhapuri

16 The traditional weaving of 'Durries', which are flat-woven rugs, is a popular rural craft in which state?

Punjab-textiles and crafts Easy
A. Goa
B. Sikkim
C. Assam
D. Punjab

17 Which energetic folk dance is traditionally performed by men in Punjab to celebrate the harvest festival of Baisakhi?

an overview of culture of Punjab Easy
A. Bihu
B. Ghoomar
C. Dandiya
D. Bhangra

18 What is the popular, lively traditional folk dance performed specifically by women in Punjab?

an overview of culture of Punjab Easy
A. Lavani
B. Kalbelia
C. Rouf
D. Giddha

19 'Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag' is a quintessential and famous traditional dish of which state?

an overview of culture of Punjab Easy
A. Punjab
B. Himachal Pradesh
C. Haryana
D. Uttarakhand

20 Which major festival is enthusiastically celebrated in Punjab to mark the end of winter and the harvesting of the rabi crops, featuring bonfires?

an overview of culture of Punjab Easy
A. Onam
B. Lohri
C. Pongal
D. Bihu

21 Which of the following best differentiates a 'Bagh' from a standard 'Phulkari' in Punjabi textile traditions?

Punjab-textiles and crafts Medium
A. In a Bagh, the embroidery completely covers the base fabric, leaving no gaps, whereas Phulkari features spaced-out motifs.
B. Bagh is exclusively woven on a loom, whereas Phulkari is hand-embroidered.
C. Bagh uses silk threads on a cotton base, while Phulkari uses cotton threads on a silk base.
D. Bagh features predominantly geometric motifs, whereas Phulkari only features human figures.

22 The traditional Kashmiri woodwork known as 'Khatamband' is uniquely characterized by which of the following techniques?

Jammu and Kashmir-art and crafts Medium
A. Painting floral motifs over a base of compressed paper pulp.
B. Deep carving of walnut wood using metallic chisels to depict Chinar leaves.
C. Fitting together pieces of walnut or deodar wood into geometric patterns without the use of nails.
D. Creating intricate lattice-work screens for windows to ensure privacy.

23 In the traditional multi-course Kashmiri meal called 'Wazwan', which of the following dishes traditionally marks the end of the feast?

an overview of culture Jammu and Kashmir Medium
A. Gushtaba
B. Rishta
C. Tabakh Maaz
D. Rogan Josh

24 Which of the following features accurately distinguishes 'Namda' from 'Gabba' in Kashmiri textile crafts?

textiles of Jammu and Kashmir Medium
A. Namda features thick gold zari embroidery, while Gabba features simple crewel embroidery.
B. Namda is exclusively made of silk, whereas Gabba is made of pashmina wool.
C. Namda is woven on an intricate Kani loom, while Gabba is hand-knotted.
D. Namda is a felted rug made directly from unspun wool, while Gabba is an appliqued rug made from recycled old woolen blankets.

25 The 'Thatheras' of Jandiala Guru in Punjab are recognized by UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list for which specific traditional craft?

an overview of culture of Punjab Medium
A. Weaving intricate Phulkari textiles for wedding ceremonies.
B. Creating traditional musical instruments used in Bhangra performances.
C. Carving wooden Peedhis (stools) with intricate geometric patterns.
D. Manufacturing traditional brass and copper utensils using a unique hammering technique.

26 What is the primary reason the production and sale of 'Shahtoosh' shawls are banned internationally and in India?

textiles of Jammu and Kashmir Medium
A. It is made from the undercoat of the endangered Tibetan antelope (Chiru), which must be killed to harvest the wool.
B. It infringes on the Geographical Indication (GI) tags of traditional Pashmina weavers.
C. The synthetic dyes used in its production are highly toxic to the Dal Lake ecosystem.
D. The weaving technique is a closely guarded secret that violates international patent laws.

27 The Kashmiri craft of Papier-mâché involves two distinct stages. If a craftsman is currently applying intricate miniature paintings and gold leaf to a vase, which stage is being performed?

Jammu and Kashmir-art and crafts Medium
A. Pinjrakari
B. Naqashi
C. Khatamband
D. Sakhta

28 Which of the following statements best describes the traditional application of 'Boliyan' in Punjabi culture?

an overview of culture of Punjab Medium
A. They are traditional recipes used to prepare the Langar feast.
B. They are the specific rhythmic beats played on a Chimta during Sufi gatherings.
C. They are religious hymns chanted exclusively during the Baisakhi festival at the Gurdwara.
D. They are couplets or short poems sung to the accompaniment of the Dhol during folk dances like Giddha and Bhangra.

29 When examining a traditional 'Kani' shawl from Kashmir, what specific manufacturing technique sets it apart from a standard embroidered pashmina?

textiles of Jammu and Kashmir Medium
A. It utilizes a tie-and-dye method similar to Bandhani to create the iconic paisley motifs.
B. The motifs are woven directly into the fabric using wooden needles (kanis) during the loom stage.
C. The patterns are block-printed using vegetable dyes rather than embroidered.
D. It is stitched together from multiple different colored fabrics in an applique style.

30 In the context of Punjabi Phulkari, what is the cultural significance of the 'Chope'?

Punjab-textiles and crafts Medium
A. It is a Phulkari embroidered with blue threads, worn exclusively by widows.
B. It is a Phulkari that features mirror work (Shisha), traditionally gifted to a newborn baby boy.
C. It is a piece of cloth used strictly to cover religious scriptures in a Gurdwara.
D. It is a red Phulkari with yellow embroidery presented to a bride by her maternal grandmother before her wedding.

31 The 'Dumhal' is a famous folk dance of Kashmir. Which specific community traditionally performs this dance, and what is a key visual identifier?

an overview of culture Jammu and Kashmir Medium
A. The Dogra community; performed by women balancing brass pitchers on their heads.
B. The Wattal community; performed by men wearing long colorful robes and tall conical caps studded with beads.
C. The Pandit community; performed wearing pure white robes and holding earthen lamps.
D. The Gujjar community; performed with wooden sticks (Dandiyas) around a bonfire.

32 Punjabi weavers often use a heavy, claw-like metallic tool called a 'Panja'. What is the primary purpose of this tool in traditional Punjabi textiles?

Punjab-textiles and crafts Medium
A. To beat down the weft threads tightly while weaving flat cotton rugs known as Durries.
B. To carve intricate geometric patterns onto wooden Peedhis.
C. To pull silk threads through coarse khaddar fabric in Phulkari embroidery.
D. To punch holes in leather for stitching traditional Muktsari Juttis.

33 Kashida embroidery of Jammu and Kashmir is renowned for its specific thematic choices. Which of the following elements is traditionally ABSENT from authentic Kashida designs?

textiles of Jammu and Kashmir Medium
A. Birds like kingfishers and parrots
B. Human and animal figures
C. Chinar leaves
D. Floral vines and blossoms

34 While the festival of Lohri marks the culmination of winter, it is closely associated with the agricultural cycle of Punjab. Which specific crop's harvest period is historically celebrated during Lohri?

an overview of culture of Punjab Medium
A. Cash crops, specifically Cotton
B. Rabi crops, specifically Winter Wheat and Sugarcane
C. Zaid crops, specifically Watermelons
D. Kharif crops, specifically Basmati Rice

35 Which specific physical property of Walnut wood (Juglans regia) makes it the exclusive choice for Kashmiri wood carving artisans?

Jammu and Kashmir-art and crafts Medium
A. Its extreme buoyancy, which allows for the construction of large Shikaras.
B. Its natural bright red hue, which requires no external chemical dyeing.
C. Its close grain and uniform texture, which facilitates deep and intricate under-cutting without splintering.
D. Its high resin content, which naturally repels moisture in snowy climates.

36 The concept of 'Kashmiriyat' is central to the socio-cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. Which of the following best defines this concept?

an overview of culture Jammu and Kashmir Medium
A. The exclusive promotion of Persian literature and arts introduced by Zain-ul-Abidin.
B. The strict adherence to ancient Vedic rituals by the Kashmiri Pandit community.
C. A centuries-old tradition of religious harmony, syncretism, and brotherhood between Kashmiri Hindus and Muslims.
D. The political movement demanding geographical autonomy for the Kashmir valley.

37 The traditional footwear of Punjab, the 'Jutti', possesses a unique structural characteristic distinguishing it from modern western footwear. What is this characteristic?

Punjab-textiles and crafts Medium
A. It features a wooden sole carved from Shisham wood to elevate the wearer from the mud.
B. Historically, it has no left or right foot distinction; it takes the shape of the wearer's foot over time.
C. It is exclusively worn by men during religious ceremonies and forbidden for daily use.
D. It is woven entirely out of cotton yarn without any leather base.

38 Baisakhi holds immense historical and religious significance in Punjab, particularly for the Sikh community. What major historical event occurred on Baisakhi in 1699?

an overview of culture of Punjab Medium
A. Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth.
B. The compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib was completed.
C. Guru Nanak Dev Ji embarked on his first Udasi (spiritual journey).
D. The foundation stone of the Golden Temple was laid in Amritsar.

39 The traditional craft of 'Trama' in Kashmir refers to the making of what type of artisanal goods?

Jammu and Kashmir-art and crafts Medium
A. Basketry woven from locally sourced willow wicker
B. Hand-knotted silk carpets
C. Intricately carved wooden furniture
D. Copperware, often featuring engraved Islamic calligraphy and floral motifs

40 The 'Rouf' dance is traditionally performed by Kashmiri women. During which specific occasion or time of year is it most prominently featured?

an overview of culture Jammu and Kashmir Medium
A. During the peak of the harsh winter (Chillai Kalan) to invoke the sun god.
B. During the Islamic holy month of Ramzan and on Eid, to welcome the spring season.
C. Exclusively during the harvesting of saffron in autumn.
D. During Kashmiri Pandit wedding ceremonies as a farewell to the bride.

41 Which of the following best distinguishes the traditional Kashmiri architectural craft of 'Khatamband' from 'Pinjrakari'?

Jammu and Kashmir-art and crafts Hard
A. Khatamband involves the creation of geometric lattices for windows using glue, while Pinjrakari is strictly used for ceilings without adhesives.
B. Khatamband is a ceiling art made by fitting geometric wooden pieces together without nails, whereas Pinjrakari involves creating interwoven wooden lattices for windows and doors relying on structural tension.
C. Khatamband was introduced by the Mughals for structural support, while Pinjrakari is an indigenous Buddhist decorative art.
D. Khatamband is exclusively created using walnut wood for doors, while Pinjrakari utilizes papier-mâché overlays on cedar wood.

42 In the context of Kashmiri Papier-mâché, what is the critical difference between the processes of 'Sakhta' and 'Naqashi'?

Jammu and Kashmir-art and crafts Hard
A. Sakhta is the preparation of the wooden base, while Naqashi is the application of the papier-mâché paste over it.
B. Sakhta is the structural formation of the object using paper pulp and binding agents, while Naqashi is the intricate surface painting and ornamentation.
C. Sakhta involves the painting of Persian motifs like the Chinar leaf, whereas Naqashi is the process of baking the pulp.
D. Sakhta refers to the application of gold leaf, while Naqashi is the polishing of the final product with agate stone.

43 The Basohli school of miniature painting is renowned for its vigorous use of primary colors and a peculiar technique to depict jewelry. Which unique material was traditionally used to represent emeralds in these paintings?

Jammu and Kashmir-art and crafts Hard
A. Fragments of Elytra (beetle wings)
B. Oxidized copper flakes
C. Crushed malachite mixed with tree sap
D. Dyed mica sheets

44 Which specific type of wood is traditionally and exclusively preferred for high-end, deeply carved Kashmiri woodcraft due to its close grain and dark texture?

Jammu and Kashmir-art and crafts Hard
A. Deodar (Himalayan Cedar)
B. Budloo (Himalayan Fir)
C. Doon (Kashmiri Walnut)
D. Chinar (Oriental Plane)

45 The complex weaving of a traditional Kani shawl relies on a specific ciphered script rather than a graphical design. What is this coded pattern called, and what tool is used to weave it?

textiles of Jammu and Kashmir Hard
A. Naqsha; woven using a shuttle (Maku)
B. Sozni; woven using interlocking bamboo splints (Kani)
C. Talim; woven using eyeless wooden bobbins (Tujis)
D. Karkhana; woven using a hooked needle (Aari)

46 Which of the following statements correctly differentiates 'Namda' from 'Gabba' in the textile traditions of Jammu and Kashmir?

textiles of Jammu and Kashmir Hard
A. Namda relies on a complex loom for its creation, whereas Gabba is hand-felted without any stitching.
B. Namda is a tapestry-woven fabric used for shawls, whereas Gabba is a floor covering made using the tie-and-dye technique.
C. Namda is an unspun felted wool rug often embroidered, whereas Gabba is an appliqued rug made by recycling old woolen blankets.
D. Namda is made exclusively from Pashmina wool, whereas Gabba is made from coarse sheep wool.

47 In Kashmiri embroidery (Kashidakari), 'Sozni' and 'Aari' are two prominent techniques. Which of the following accurately describes a technical distinction between the two?

textiles of Jammu and Kashmir Hard
A. Sozni utilizes a crochet-like hook from the top, whereas Aari uses a fine needle from the bottom.
B. Sozni is restricted to geometric patterns mimicking Khatamband, whereas Aari exclusively depicts human figures.
C. Sozni is predominantly done with metallic zari threads, whereas Aari uses strictly unspun silk floss.
D. Sozni is fine needlework often used on delicate Pashmina with motifs identical on both sides, whereas Aari uses a hooked needle (crewel) for concentric rings, typically on thicker fabrics.

48 The production of authentic 'Pashmina' requires raw material from a specific high-altitude source. What is the precise zoological source and method of extraction of this fiber?

textiles of Jammu and Kashmir Hard
A. Combing the winter undercoat of the Changthangi goat (Capra hircus laniger) during the spring molt
B. Plucking the primary guard hairs of the Bactrian camel
C. Shearing the fleece of the Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii)
D. Shearing the belly fleece of the Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) in deep winter

49 The syncretic socio-cultural philosophy of Kashmir is heavily defined by the 'Rishi' order. How did the philosophy of Nund Rishi (Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali) primarily interact with existing local traditions?

an overview of culture Jammu and Kashmir Hard
A. It focused exclusively on the political domination of the Chak dynasty by converting the rural peasantry.
B. It completely rejected Kashmiri Shaivism to establish an orthodox Persian Islamic framework.
C. It synchronized Islamic Sufism with the indigenous ascetic traditions of Trika Shaivism, heavily influenced by Lalleshwari (Lal Ded).
D. It abandoned asceticism entirely to promote a mercantilist society modeled after Central Asian guilds.

50 Bhand Pather is a traditional folk theater of Kashmir. What is the central dramaturgical function of the 'Maskhira' in this performance?

an overview of culture Jammu and Kashmir Hard
A. To serve as the spiritual guide who recites Sufiyana Kalam to conclude the play.
B. To act as a satirical jester who mocks oppressive authority and provides socio-political commentary through humor.
C. To act as the tragic hero who inevitably dies at the hands of oppressive rulers.
D. To perform the introductory ritualistic dance honoring the goddess of spring.

51 In the traditional 36-course Kashmiri Wazwan, the sequence and preparation of dishes are strictly codified. Which dish mathematically and traditionally marks the absolute end of the feast, and what is its primary preparation method?

an overview of culture Jammu and Kashmir Hard
A. Yakhni; lotus stems slow-cooked in a saffron and milk broth.
B. Rogan Josh; lamb cooked in intense red Kashmiri chilies and cockscomb flower.
C. Tabak Maaz; lamb ribs boiled in fennel and then deep-fried in ghee.
D. Gushtaba; finely pounded mutton meatballs cooked in a velvety yogurt-based gravy.

52 Which of the following describes the core characteristic of 'Hafiz Nagma' in the context of Kashmiri performing arts?

an overview of culture Jammu and Kashmir Hard
A. It is a fast-paced martial dance performed exclusively by men using swords during the harvest season.
B. It is an a cappella choral singing style performed by women standing in two rows during Eid.
C. It is the instrumental prelude played on the Santoor before a traditional Kashmiri wedding.
D. It is a female dance performance that visually interprets the mystical poetry of Sufiyana Kalam (Kashmiri classical music).

53 In traditional Punjabi Phulkari, what defines the sub-category known as 'Bagh' (Garden) compared to standard Phulkari?

Punjab-textiles and crafts Hard
A. The embroidery is done using a chain stitch rather than a darn stitch.
B. The embroidery only borders the edges of the shawl, leaving the center bare.
C. The embroidery completely covers the base fabric (Khaddar) such that the background cloth is entirely invisible.
D. The embroidery exclusively uses gold and silver Zari threads on a silk background.

54 The 'Chope' is a highly specific ritualistic textile in Punjabi culture. What is its structural uniqueness and cultural significance?

Punjab-textiles and crafts Hard
A. It is embroidered using unspun silk on both sides to make it reversible, and is gifted by the maternal grandmother to the bride.
B. It is woven on a pit loom using metallic threads and serves as the canopy for the Guru Granth Sahib.
C. It is heavily appliqued with mirrors and given to a mother upon the birth of her first son.
D. It is crafted using the tie-dye technique (Bandhani) and worn by the groom during the Baarat.

55 The town of Hoshiarpur in Punjab is globally recognized for 'Tarkashi'. What does this specific craft entail?

Punjab-textiles and crafts Hard
A. The intricate inlay of brass, copper, or ivory-like acrylic wire into solid Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) wood.
B. The weaving of Panja durries using camel hair.
C. The hand-beating of brass to create traditional utensils using interlocking joints.
D. The block-printing of Khaddar fabrics using vegetable dyes from madder roots.

56 The traditional craft of the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru in Punjab is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. What is their core technique?

Punjab-textiles and crafts Hard
A. Weaving pure silk Patiala Shahi turbans with a specific diagonal tension.
B. Carving monumental sandstone arches without the use of mortar.
C. Manufacturing brass and copper utensils by manually hammering metal sheets into shape, which leaves small distinctive dents.
D. Extracting natural indigo dyes using cold fermentation vats.

57 In the evolution of the Punjabi 'Kissa' tradition, Waris Shah's epic 'Heer' is deeply revered not just as a romance, but as a masterpiece of literature. What philosophical subtext is heavily woven into Waris Shah's rendition of 'Heer'?

an overview of culture of Punjab Hard
A. An allegory for the soul's (Heer) yearning to merge with the ultimate divine reality (Ranjha) under Sufi mystic thought.
B. A strict historical documentation of agricultural land rights in the Punjab during the 18th century.
C. A political manifesto advocating for the dissolution of the Sikh Empire.
D. An orthodox enforcement of caste-based hierarchies in medieval Punjab.

58 The martial art form 'Gatka' is intrinsically linked to the cultural fabric of Punjab. Its philosophical elevation is most directly tied to which Sikh concept introduced by Guru Hargobind?

an overview of culture of Punjab Hard
A. Langar (Community Kitchen)
B. Miri-Piri (Temporal power and Spiritual authority)
C. Sarbat Khalsa (Deliberative assembly)
D. Dasvandh (Tithing)

59 While Bhangra is the most famous folk dance of Punjab, 'Sammi' is another traditional dance form with a distinct history. What is the socio-historical origin of the Sammi dance?

an overview of culture of Punjab Hard
A. It is exclusively a male harvest dance from the Majha region simulating the sowing of wheat.
B. It was developed by the Nihang Sikhs to celebrate victory in battle using large war drums.
C. It originated in the Sandal Bar region among tribal women and is traditionally associated with a legendary princess waiting for her lover.
D. It is a modern theatrical dance created in the 1950s for state-sponsored Republic Day parades.

60 Which traditional Punjabi folk instrument is characterized by two joined wooden flutes, requires the complex technique of circular breathing to play continuously, and is predominantly used in Jugni and Mirza vocal performances?

an overview of culture of Punjab Hard
A. Tumbi
B. Dhadd
C. Chimta
D. Algoza
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