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Questions & Answers
Test your understanding of this current affair.
1
Which classical dance form of Kerala is famous for its elaborate facial makeup, colorful costumes, and storytelling based on Hindu epics?
Answer:
Kathakali
2
Which classical dance of Kerala is traditionally performed solo by women, characterized by graceful, swaying body movements and white-and-gold kasavu attire?
Answer:
Mohiniyattam
3
What is the ancient Sanskrit theatrical art form of Kerala recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity?
Answer:
Koodiyattam
4
Which ritualistic dance-cum-worship form of North Kerala involves vibrant body costumes, elaborate headgears, and intense trance-like performances?
Answer:
Theyyam
5
Who is the legendary author of the classic Malayalam epic poem 'Marthandavarma', published in 1891?
Answer:
C. V. Raman Pillai
6
Which 1889 novel written by O. Chandu Menon is celebrated as the first major novel in the Malayalam language?
Answer:
Indulekha
7
Who among the following is renowned as one of the triumvirate poets (Kavithrayam) of modern Malayalam literature alongside Ulloor and Vallathol?
Answer:
Kumaran Asan
8
What is the name of the satirical art form created by Kunchan Nambiar, performed with rhythmic narration and dance movements?
Answer:
Ottamthullal
9
Which famous festival held in Thrissur, Kerala, is renowned for its spectacular caparisoned elephant procession and traditional percussion ensemble (Pandi Melam)?
Answer:
Thrissur Pooram
10
Who was the first-ever recipient of the prestigious Jnanpith Award for Malayalam literature, honored in 1965 for his poetry collection 'Odakkuzhal'?
Answer:
G. Sankara Kurup
11
Which epic Malayalam novel written by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai depicts the lives of fishermen in a coastal village of Kerala?
Answer:
Chemmeen
12
What is the traditional mural art style of Kerala, prominently seen on the inner walls of ancient temples and palaces, characterized by rich natural pigments?
Answer:
Kerala Mural Painting
13
Which classical percussion instrument of Kerala, made of jackfruit wood and animal hide, is the principal accompaniment in Kathakali and traditional temple rituals?
Answer:
Chenda
14
Who wrote the famous Malayalam novel 'Kayar', a monumental epic depicting the socio-economic transformation of Kuttanad over a century?
Answer:
Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai
15
What is the name of the traditional martial art form practiced in Kerala, considered one of the oldest fighting systems in existence?
Answer:
Kalaripayattu
16
Which famous poet composed the patriotic nationalist poem 'Ente Bhoomi' and was honored with the title 'Mahakavi'?
Answer:
Vallathol Narayana Menon
17
Which famous traditional boat race of Kerala is held annually in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha?
Answer:
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
18
Who is the acclaimed author of the Malayalam novel 'Balyakalasakhi' (The Childhood Friend), a poignant tragedy of unfulfilled love?
Answer:
Vaikom Muhammad Basheer
19
What is the name of the traditional ritualistic harvest dance performed by women in Kerala during the Onam festival, moving in circles clapping hands?
Answer:
Thiruvathirakali / Kaikottikali
20
Which historic temple in Kerala is globally famous for its monumental architecture, intricate stone carvings, and the 'Murajapam' festival?
Answer:
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
21
Who authored 'Oru Desathinte Katha' (The Story of a Locale), which won both the Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith awards?
Answer:
S. K. Pottekkatt
22
What is the name of the traditional Muslim wedding art form and folk dance prevalent in the Malabar region of Kerala?
Answer:
Oppana
23
Which iconic Malayalam novel by O. V. Vijayan portrays the existential disillusionment of Ravi in the remote village of Thasildar?
Answer:
Khasinte Ithihasam
24
Which classical Carnatic music trinity composer composed the famous 'Pancharatna Kritis'?
Answer:
Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri
25
What is the name of the traditional copper drum instrument of Kerala played extensively during temple festivals alongside the Chenda?
Answer:
Idakka
26
Who is the legendary author of 'Randamoozham' (The Second Turn), a retelling of the Mahabharata from the perspective of Bhima?
Answer:
M. T. Vasudevan Nair
27
Which UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kerala features 16th-century Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture alongside traditional Kerala structures?
Answer:
Fort Kochi and Mattancherry (Historic townscape)
28
What is the name of the ancient ritualistic theatre art form performed in the Bhagavathi temples of Kerala, featuring intricate body paintings of deities?
Answer:
Mudiyettu
29
Who composed the immortal Malayalam lyric 'Manushyan Mathangale Srishtichu' (Man Created Religions)?
Answer:
Kumaran Asan
30
Which traditional percussion ensemble of Kerala features a grand assembly of drums like Chenda and Ilathalam, performed in temple festivals?
Answer:
Pandi Melam / Panchavadyam