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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. Gujarat
B. Jammu and Kashmir
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Kerala

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

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

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. Cricket bats
D. Hockey sticks

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

textiles of Jammu and Kashmir Easy
A. Mountain goat
B. Sheep
C. Yak
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. Kashida
B. Zardosi
C. Chikankari
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. Kurta
B. Angarkha
C. Pheran
D. Sherwani

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. Bactrian camel
D. Himalayan yak

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

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

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. Kathak
B. Bhangra
C. Garba
D. Rouf

11 What is 'Wazwan' in Kashmiri culture?

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

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. Wular Lake
C. Mansar Lake
D. Dal Lake

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. Dandiya
B. Ghoomar
C. Bhangra
D. Bihu

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

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

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. Haryana
B. Himachal Pradesh
C. Uttarakhand
D. Punjab

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. Pongal
B. Bihu
C. Lohri
D. Onam

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

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

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

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. Rogan Josh
B. Gushtaba
C. Tabakh Maaz
D. Rishta

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 woven on an intricate Kani loom, while Gabba is hand-knotted.
C. Namda is a felted rug made directly from unspun wool, while Gabba is an appliqued rug made from recycled old woolen blankets.
D. Namda is exclusively made of silk, whereas Gabba is made of pashmina wool.

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

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 weaving technique is a closely guarded secret that violates international patent laws.
D. The synthetic dyes used in its production are highly toxic to the Dal Lake ecosystem.

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. Sakhta
B. Naqashi
C. Khatamband
D. Pinjrakari

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 religious hymns chanted exclusively during the Baisakhi festival at the Gurdwara.
B. They are the specific rhythmic beats played on a Chimta during Sufi gatherings.
C. They are traditional recipes used to prepare the Langar feast.
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 is stitched together from multiple different colored fabrics in an applique style.
B. It utilizes a tie-and-dye method similar to Bandhani to create the iconic paisley motifs.
C. The patterns are block-printed using vegetable dyes rather than embroidered.
D. The motifs are woven directly into the fabric using wooden needles (kanis) during the loom stage.

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

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

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

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 punch holes in leather for stitching traditional Muktsari Juttis.
C. To pull silk threads through coarse khaddar fabric in Phulkari embroidery.
D. To carve intricate geometric patterns onto wooden Peedhis.

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. Floral vines and blossoms
B. Birds like kingfishers and parrots
C. Human and animal figures
D. Chinar leaves

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. Rabi crops, specifically Winter Wheat and Sugarcane
B. Kharif crops, specifically Basmati Rice
C. Cash crops, specifically Cotton
D. Zaid crops, specifically Watermelons

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 close grain and uniform texture, which facilitates deep and intricate under-cutting without splintering.
B. Its natural bright red hue, which requires no external chemical dyeing.
C. Its extreme buoyancy, which allows for the construction of large Shikaras.
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. A centuries-old tradition of religious harmony, syncretism, and brotherhood between Kashmiri Hindus and Muslims.
B. The political movement demanding geographical autonomy for the Kashmir valley.
C. The strict adherence to ancient Vedic rituals by the Kashmiri Pandit community.
D. The exclusive promotion of Persian literature and arts introduced by Zain-ul-Abidin.

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. Historically, it has no left or right foot distinction; it takes the shape of the wearer's foot over time.
B. It is exclusively worn by men during religious ceremonies and forbidden for daily use.
C. It features a wooden sole carved from Shisham wood to elevate the wearer from the mud.
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 Nanak Dev Ji embarked on his first Udasi (spiritual journey).
B. The compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib was completed.
C. The foundation stone of the Golden Temple was laid in Amritsar.
D. Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth.

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

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

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 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.
B. Khatamband involves the creation of geometric lattices for windows using glue, while Pinjrakari is strictly used for ceilings without adhesives.
C. Khatamband is exclusively created using walnut wood for doors, while Pinjrakari utilizes papier-mâché overlays on cedar wood.
D. Khatamband was introduced by the Mughals for structural support, while Pinjrakari is an indigenous Buddhist decorative art.

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

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. Oxidized copper flakes
B. Fragments of Elytra (beetle wings)
C. Dyed mica sheets
D. Crushed malachite mixed with tree sap

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. Chinar (Oriental Plane)
B. Deodar (Himalayan Cedar)
C. Doon (Kashmiri Walnut)
D. Budloo (Himalayan Fir)

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. Talim; woven using eyeless wooden bobbins (Tujis)
B. Sozni; woven using interlocking bamboo splints (Kani)
C. Karkhana; woven using a hooked needle (Aari)
D. Naqsha; woven using a shuttle (Maku)

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

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 is predominantly done with metallic zari threads, whereas Aari uses strictly unspun silk floss.
B. Sozni is restricted to geometric patterns mimicking Khatamband, whereas Aari exclusively depicts human figures.
C. 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.
D. Sozni utilizes a crochet-like hook from the top, whereas Aari uses a fine needle from the bottom.

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

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 completely rejected Kashmiri Shaivism to establish an orthodox Persian Islamic framework.
B. It synchronized Islamic Sufism with the indigenous ascetic traditions of Trika Shaivism, heavily influenced by Lalleshwari (Lal Ded).
C. It focused exclusively on the political domination of the Chak dynasty by converting the rural peasantry.
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 perform the introductory ritualistic dance honoring the goddess of spring.
C. To act as the tragic hero who inevitably dies at the hands of oppressive rulers.
D. To act as a satirical jester who mocks oppressive authority and provides socio-political commentary through humor.

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. Tabak Maaz; lamb ribs boiled in fennel and then deep-fried in ghee.
B. Rogan Josh; lamb cooked in intense red Kashmiri chilies and cockscomb flower.
C. Yakhni; lotus stems slow-cooked in a saffron and milk broth.
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 the instrumental prelude played on the Santoor before a traditional Kashmiri wedding.
B. It is a fast-paced martial dance performed exclusively by men using swords during the harvest season.
C. It is a female dance performance that visually interprets the mystical poetry of Sufiyana Kalam (Kashmiri classical music).
D. It is an a cappella choral singing style performed by women standing in two rows during Eid.

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

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

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

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

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

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. Miri-Piri (Temporal power and Spiritual authority)
B. Sarbat Khalsa (Deliberative assembly)
C. Langar (Community Kitchen)
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 a modern theatrical dance created in the 1950s for state-sponsored Republic Day parades.
B. It is exclusively a male harvest dance from the Majha region simulating the sowing of wheat.
C. It was developed by the Nihang Sikhs to celebrate victory in battle using large war drums.
D. It originated in the Sandal Bar region among tribal women and is traditionally associated with a legendary princess waiting for her lover.

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. Dhadd
B. Chimta
C. Algoza
D. Tumbi
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