Home
Current Questions
Tholpavakoothu (Shadow Puppetry)

Current Question
National

Tholpavakoothu (Shadow Puppetry)

Consider the following statements with reference to the Tholpavakoothu (shadow puppetry) art of South India:

Tholpavakkoothu is a traditional temple art form prevalent in Karnataka.
The story of Tholppavakoothu performance is from the Indian epic, Ramayana.
This entertainment art is performed on a special stage called koothumadam in the temple courtyard.

Which of the statements(s) is/are correct?

	A	Only 1

	B	2 and 3

	C	1 and 3

	D	1, 2 and 3

Your Ans is

Right ans is B

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

Context: Recently, a shadow leather puppet in Kerala’s famous temple art Tholpavakkoothu has been animated by a robot.

Tholpavakoothu or shadow puppetry is a temple art form which is prevalent in the Bhagavathy temples (mother Goddess) in Palakkad district and nearby regions in Kerala.
Also known as Nizhalkkoothu and Olakkoothu, it is a ritual art performed during the annual festivals in the Kaali temples of Palakkad district.
The theme of the play is based on the Kamba Ramayana (the Tamil version of the epic).
The art is performed on a special stage called koothumadam in the temple courtyard.
It is performed using the mythological figures along with the use of fire and lighting of lamps behind the screen.
The chief puppeteer is known as ‘Pulavan’.
Musical Instruments Used: Ezhupara, Chenda and Maddalam etc.

Related Question

Sattras

Consider the following statements with reference to the Sattras of Assam:

Sattras are monastic institutions created as part of the 16th century Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement started by Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva.
Sattras promulgate Sankardeva’s unique “worship through art” approach with music (borgeet), dance (xattriya) and theatre (bhauna).
Each Sattra has a naamghar (worship hall) as its nucleus and is headed by an influential “Sattradhikar”.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? Choose the correct answer from the option given below:

	A	1 and 2

	B	Only 3

	C	2 and 3

	D	1, 2 and 3

Your Ans is

Right ans is D

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

Context: In Assam, the campaigns of political parties often include going to different Sattras to seek blessings or to glorify the teachings of Sankardeva.

Sattras are monastic institutions in Assam. They were created as part of the 16th century Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement. Movements started by the Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva(1449-1596).
They were established to spread the Sankardeva’s unique “worship through art” approach. They are doing it presently with music (borgeet), dance (sattriya), and theatre (bhauna).
Each Satra has a naamghar (worship hall) as its nucleus and is headed by an influential “Satradhikar”.
Monks known as bhakats are inducted into Sattras at a young age. They may or may not be celibate depending on the kind of Sattra they are inducted into.
There are about 900 Sattras across Assam, but the main centers are Bordowa (Nagaon), Majuli and Barpeta. These institutions are of paramount importance and lie at the heart of Assamese culture.

Sankardeva’s Philosophy

Sankardeva propagated a form of Bhakti called eka-sharana-naam-dhrama, and espoused a society based on equality and fraternity, free from caste differences, orthodox Brahmanical rituals and sacrifices.
His teaching focused on prayer and chanting (naam) instead of idol worship.
His dharma was based on the four components of deva (god), naam (prayers), bhakats (devotees), and guru (teacher).

Samantwadi Toys

With reference to the Samantwadi toys of Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, consider the following statements:

Samantwadi toys are made from the wood of the cedar mangrove(Xylocarpus granatum).
Craftsmen who make these toys belong to the Chittari community who came to Sawantwadi from Karwar and Goa.

Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

	A	Only 1

	B	Both 1 and 2

	C	Only 2

	D	Neither 1 nor 2

Your Ans is

Right ans is C

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

To mark the occasion of 151 years of postcards in India, Maharashtra Circle of India Post has released picture postcards on Sawantwadi Toys on October 1, 2020.

The postcard is inspired by Prime Miniinsp'sspeech about the country's ability to become a "toy hub”.

About Samantwadi Toys

Sawantwadi toys refer to hand made works of art made of wood in Sawantwadi a town in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Most of these toys are made in the village of Kolgaon in Sawantwaditaluka.
These toys are made from the wood of the Indian Coral tree (Erythrinavariegata).
Craftsmen who make these toys belong to the Chittari community who came to Sawantwadi from Karwar and Goa.

Indian Coral Tree

Also known as tiger's claw, it is a species of Erythrina native to the tropical and subtropical regions of eastern Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, northern Australia, and the islands of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean east to Fiji.
It is often used in agroforestry systems. It can be used for fodder as its foliage has a good nutritive value for most livestock.

Trami Tradition

Trami Tradition is centuries old tradition which involves eating together from one plate during weddings. In which of the following State/ Union Territory, this tradition is being practiced till date?

	A	Himachal Pradesh

	B	Ladakh

	C	Jammu & Kashmir

	D	None of the above

Your Ans is

Right ans is C

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, which is wreaking havoc the world over, has hit the Kashmir Valley’s centuries-old culinary tradition of Trami.

About TramiTardition

It is the Kashmir Valley’s centuries-old culinary tradition.
It’s origin can be traced during the Sultan period, especially during eighth Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, between 1418 and 1470.
It involves eating together from one plate during weddings.
In trami four guests join in simultaneously to have their portion of food from around a circular 2X2 feet decorated copper plate.Itsymbolised brotherhood and sharing.
But due to COVID-19 the Kashmiris have learnt to adapt to the situation and have replaced the Trami tradition with individual copper utensils in the weddings.

Jnanpith Award

Consider the following statements with reference to the Jnanpith Award:

The award is bestowed only on Indian writers writing in Indian languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India and English with no posthumous conferral.
Until 1982 it was presented for a specific work; thereafter, it was given for a writer’s overall contribution to literature.

Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

	A	Only 1

	B	Both 1 and 2

	C	Only 2

	D	Neither 1 nor 2

Your Ans is

Right ans is B

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

On 24th September, 2020, renowned Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri was conferred the 55th edition of the Jnanpith Award.

About Award

Jnanpith Award is an Indian literary award presented annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to an author for their "outstanding contribution towards literature".
Instituted in 1961, the award is bestowed only on Indian writers writing in Indian languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India and English, with no posthumous conferral.
Until 1982 it was presented for a specific work; thereafter, it was given for a writer’s overall contribution to literature. Since then, the award has typically been given every year to one author, although in some years it has been jointly offered to two.
The first recipient of the award was the Malayalam writer G. SankaraKurup who received the award in 1965 for his collection of poems, Odakkuzhal (The Bamboo Flute), published in 1950.

Dhrupad Style Of Hindustani Classical Music

Consider the following statements with reference to the Dhrupad style of Hindustani classical music:

Dhrupad is a form of devotional music that traces its origin to the ancient text of Yajurveda.
The nature of Dhrupad music is spiritual. It does not seek to entertain, but to induce feelings of peace and spirituality in the listener.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

	A	Only 1

	B	Both 1 and 2

	C	Only 2

	D	Neither 1 nor 2

Your Ans is

Right ans is C

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

Dhrupad is the most ancient style of Hindustani classical music that has survived until today in its original form. The Dhrupad tradition is a major tradition of Indian culture.
The word ‘Dhrupad’ is derived from DHRUVA the steadfast evening star that moves through our galaxy and ‘Pada’ meaning poetry.
It is a form of devotional music that traces its origin to the ancient text of Samaveda. The Samavedawas chanted with the help of melody and rhythm called Samgana.
Gradually this developed into other vocal style called ‘Chhanda’ and ‘Prabandha’ with introduction of verse and meter. The fusion of these two elements led to the emergence of Dhrupad.
The nature of Dhrupad music is spiritual, seeking not to entertain, but to induce feelings of peace and contemplation in the listener.
Performance of Dhrupad is done in two parts viz. the Alap and Bandish.
In the Alap, the singer uses syllables from Sanskrit Mantra which add texture to the notes. The Raga is slowly and methodically developed in a meditative mode.

Rogan Painting

In which of the following state, Rogan painting, art of cloth printing, is being practiced?

	A	Gujarat

	B	Rajasthan

	C	Maharashtra

	D	Chhattisgarh

Your Ans is

Right ans is A

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

Rogan painting is an art of cloth printing practiced in the Kutch District of Gujarat.
It is the technique of painting on fabric, crafted from a thick brightly coloured paint like substance made with castor seed oil.
Rogan Art, an ancient textile art, with its origins in Persia, came to Kutch around 300 years ago.
Traditionally, the craft was used to beautify bridal clothing of the regional tribes.
Beautiful borders and floral patterns on ghagras, odhanis and bed spreads were painstakingly painted.
The intricate motifs – geometric flowers, peacocks, the tree of life, etc. – are drawn from the history and folk culture of the Kutch region.

Channapatna Toys

In which of the following states, wooden toys known as Channapatna toys are being manufactured?

	A	Karnataka

	B	Andhra Pradesh

	C	Telangana

	D	Tamil Nadu

Your Ans is

Right ans is A

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys that are manufactured in the town of Channapatna, Ramanagara district of Karnataka.
As a result of the popularity of these toys, Channapatna is known as Gombegala Ooru (toy-town) of Karnataka.
The origin of these toys can be traced to the reign of Tipu Sultan who invited artisans from Persia to train the local artisans in the making of wooden toys.
The major raw material used for the manufacturing of toys is the wood of the Wrightiatinctoria tree,colloquially called Aalemara (ivory-wood).
However, the craft has diversified over time; in addition to the traditional ivory-wood, other woods—including rubber, sycamore, cedar, pine and teak—are now used as well.
This traditional craft is protected as a geographical indication (GI)(2006) under the World Trade Organization, administered by the Government of Karnataka

Indian Council For Cultural Relations (ICCR)

Consider the following statements with reference to the Indian Council for Cultural Relations(ICCR):

ICCR was founded in 1950 by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, independent India’s first Deputy Prime Minister.
It publishes six quarterly journals which are published in five different languages.

Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

	A	Only 1

	B	Only 2

	C	Both 1 and 2

	D	Neither 1 nor 2

Your Ans is

Right ans is B

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations(ICCR) is an autonomous body under the administrative control of the Ministry of External Affairs.
It was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who was the first Education Minister of independent India.
Its objectives are to actively participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes pertaining to India’s external cultural relations; to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries; to promote cultural exchanges with other countries and people, and to develop relations with nations.
ICCR has also been assigned the responsibility of facilitating the celebration of the International Day of Yoga by Indian Missions/Posts abroad since 2015.
It publishes six quarterly journals in five different languages:

Tangam Language

Consider the following statements with reference to the Tangam Language:

Tangam is an endangered Sino-Tibetan language of the Tani subgroup spoken in Arunachal Pradesh state in North-East India.
It has been marked ‘critically endangered’ by the UNESCO World Atlas of Endangered Languages (2009).

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

	A	Only 1

	B	Both 1 and 2

	C	Only 2

	D	Neither 1 nor 2

Your Ans is

Right ans is B

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

Tangam is an endangered Sino-Tibetan language of the Tani subgroup spoken in Arunachal Pradesh state in North-East India.
It has been marked ‘critically endangered’ by the UNESCO World Atlas of Endangered Languages (2009).

Tangam People

It is a little-known community within the larger Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh which resides in the hamlet of Kugging in Upper Siang district’s Paindem circle.

Nagara School Of Temple Architecture

Consider the following statements with reference to the Nagara School of Temple architecture:

In the Nagara style, the temple is generally constructed on an upraised platform called jagati.
Mandapas are present in front of the Garbhagriha.
Nagara style doesn’t usually have elaborate boundary walls or gateways (South Indian temples often sport magnificent Gopurams).
Nagara School is further subdivided into different schools based on region like Odisha, Khajuraho, Solanki, etc.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

	A	1 Only 2

	B	2 and 3

	C	1 and 4

	D	1, 2, 3 and 4

Your Ans is

Right ans is D

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

The Nagara style of temple architecture is found in northern India.
In the Nagara style, the temple is generally constructed on a upraised platform called jagati.
Mandapas are present in front of the Garbhagriha. These are adorned with the Shikhara, the tallest one being above the Garbhagriha.
Unlike the temples in south India, Nagara style doesn’t usually have elaborate boundary walls or gateways (South Indian temples often sport magnificent Gopurams).
Generally, there is no water tank in the temple premises and the pradakshinapatha is covered.
NagaraSchool is further subdivided into different schools based on region like Odisha, Khajuraho, Solanki, etc.
Three subtypes of Nagara temple depending upon the shape of Shikhara- Rekha Prasad / Latina, Phamsana and Valabhi.
Some of the best examples of the north Indian style (Nagara style) of temple architecture are the Khajuraho Group of temples, Sun temple (Konark), Sun temple at Modhera, Gujarat and Ossian temple, Gujarat.

Section

Current News

Ecology & Environment

Biodiversity
Conservation
Disaster Management
Pollution
Survey/Study/Report
Sustainable Developement

Indian Economy

Agriculture & Allied Sector
Banking & Finance
Budget
Education
Infrastructure
Labor & Employment
Organizations
Plan Policy
Reports
Survey And Index

International

Bilateral, Regional And Global Groupings
India And Its Bilateral Relations
International Organizations
International Relations
International Trade & Treaties
International Treaties & Agreements
Reports,Survey And Index
United Nations
WHO
WTO

National

Defence
Indian Art, Culture & Heritage
Judiciary
Miscellaneous
National Security
Plan/Policy
Polity & Governance
Social Issue & Social Justice
Study/Survey/Report/Index

Science & Technology

Biotechnology
Geophysical Phenomena
Health & Disease
New Technology
Space

News Crux

Appointment & Resignation
Art/Culture/Heritage
Awards In News
Bill/Act/Amendment
Defence
Defence/Military Exercises
Famous Books
Important Days/Weeks
Important Decade
Miscellaneous
Obituary
Organisation In News
Persons In News
Places In News
Plans & Policy
Reports/Committee/Commission
Scheme & Programme
Species In News
Summit, Seminars & Conferences
Survey/Index
Web Portal & Apps

PIB News

Ecology & Environment
Indian Economy
Infrastructure
International
IT/Cyber Security
National
Science & Technology

Sports In News

Archery
Athletics
Badminton
Billiards
Boxing
Chess
Cricket
Football
Formula One
Hockey
Racing
Shooting
Skiing
Snooker
Tennis
Tokyo 2020 Paralympics
Weightlifting
Wrestling

State In News

Andhra Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
Bihar
Chhattisgarh
Delhi
Goa
Gujarat
Haryana
Himachal Pradesh
Jammu And Kashmir
Jharkhand
Karnataka
Kerala
Ladakh
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Manipur
Meghalaya
Mizoram
Nagaland
Odisha
Punjab
Rajasthan
Tamil Nadu
Telangana
Tripura
Uttar Pradesh
Uttarakhand
West Bengal

Points to Ponder

Ecology & Environment
Economy
International
National
Science & Technology

Current Questions

Art & Culture
Ecology & Environment
Economy Watch
India Watch
International
National
Science & Technology
Society Watch
State Watch
World Watch

Current GK

Ecology & Environment
Indian Economy
International
National
Science & Technology

Parliament Q & A