India's Cultural Heritage Trivia Quiz

Answer: Madhya Pradesh

A stupa is a tumulus or mound containing the relics of the Buddha. The best preserved examples of stupas are at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh. A stupa is a symbolic representation of the fully enlightened mind and the path to enlightenment.

The objectives of a stupa are:

1.To inspire people to seek a peaceful and spiritual path.
2.To help explain Buddhism to anyone interested.
3.To be a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from around the world.
4.To provide a peaceful refuge and place of serenity for all, and especially for those in need.
5.To be of service to as many beings as possible.

Answer: Red Fort

The Red Fort in Delhi is built on the banks of Yamuna. Its plan forms an irregular semi-circle. The fort is fortified by a 2.4 km long, and 21 metres high wall made of red sandstone. The well shaped stones are linked by iron rings. It has two big ornamental gateways.

Answer: Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu

This temple was built by the Chola ruler Rajaraja I. This temple is noted for its architecture, sculpture and painting.
It is composed of many interconnected structures such as Nandi pavilion, a pillared portico and a large hall. Its Vimana (a temple like structure having three cellar walls in which the Deity is enshrined) is 66 metres high. The inner walls of the temple have extensive sculptures and paintings. The tower of the temple rises to a height of 57 metres, like a pyramid in three successive stories. Its top has a single block of stone, 8 metres high and weighs about 80 tonnes.

Answer: True

This temple was built between the 7th and 13th centuries in Orissa.
It has four key features: a sanctuary, a dance hall, an assembly hall and a hall of offerings. The tower of the temple is 180 metres high and there are many carvings on the exterior of the spire. The temple stands in a quadrangular enclosure. The most impressive feature of the temple is the spire which stands above the Sir Mandir.

Answer: Mumbai

The Gateway of India belongs to the heritage of the colonial period. This 26 metres high stone archway is the first landmark at Mumbai that a visitor sees when arriving by a ship. Designed by Wittet in the 16th century Gujarat style.

Answer: Onam

Onam, the principle festival of Kerala is celebrated against a setting of lush green and colourful vegetation. This picturesque harvest festival brings ten days of colour feasting, boat races, song and dance to the state.
According to legend, Onam celebrates the golden age of King Mahabali, the mythical ruler of Kerala. The festival is to welcome the spirit of King Mahabali and to assure him that his people are happy and wish him well.

Answer: Indus Valley Civilization

The earliest known civilization in India, the starting point of its history, dates back to about 3000 BC. When it was discovered in the 1920s, it was thought that it had been confined to the valley of River Indus, hence the name given to it was the "Indus Valley Civilization".

This civilization was a highly developed urban one and two of its towns, Mohenjodaro and Harappa, represent the high watermark of the settlements. Subsequent archaeological excavations established that this civilization were not restricted to the Indus Valley but spread to a wide area in Northwestern and Western India. Thus this civilization is now better known as the Harappan Civilization.

Answer: Sangeet Natak Academy

Sangeet Natak Academy, the national academy of dance, drama, music was founded in 1953 for the furtherance of performing arts in India, a task in which it co-operates with similar institutions in the various states and voluntary organisations all over the country.

Answer: Jaishankar Prasad

Jaishankar Prasad (1889-1937) is one the pioneers of the Hindi Literary movement called "Chayavada". "Lehar" ("Waves") was his last collection of poems. It clearly demonstrates his lyrical and narrative ability. His sense of history and remarkable insight into the spiritual malady that plagues modern civilization, set Jaishankar Prasad apart from his poetic peers.

Answer: Kolkata

The Victoria Memorial, with its formal gardens and water courses was conceived by Viceroy Lord Curzon to commemorate the British Empire at its peak. The building was designed by Sir William Emerson and its construction was completed in 1921.

Its features include:

1.Italian style statues at its entrance.
2.Mughal domes in its corners
3.Tall elegant open colonnades along its sides.