INTACH HERITAGE

1. Begum Sumru, started her career as a Nautch girl in the 18th century, and eventually
became the ruler of Sardhana, near Meerut.
2. Gurugram, which used to come under Jharsa paragana, was under whose control
before the British took over?
BEGUM SAMRU
3. The Kalighat temple in Kolkata is dedicated to which Indian Goddess?
KALI
4. The Golden Temple is also known as Harmandir Sahib. It was built in 1588 under the
leadership of Guru Arjan Dev.
5. The Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is one of the largest forts in India. The foundations
of the fort were laid by Rao Jodha. The fort consists of some beautiful palaces and
gateways. The Mehrangarh museum is one of the finest museums in India.
6. The Red Fort in Delhi was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The construction
began in 1638 and was completed in 1648. The Red Fort was originally named “Qila-
I-Mubarak”. It was the focal point of Shahjahanabad.
7. The Mysore Palace is located in Mysore. It is the official residence of the royal family
of Mysore- the Wodeyars. The construction of the palace began in 1897 and was
completed in 1912.
8. The Golconda Fort is in Andhra Pradesh. It is situated west of Hyderabad. It was the
fortress of the city of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty who ruled over the area.
9. Fort William is a Fort built in Kolkata on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. The
fort was built by the British. It was named after King William III of England
10. The Jaisalmer Fort is situated in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It was built in 1156 AD by the
Bhati ruler Rawal Jaisal. It is made of yellow sandstone and looks golden in colour
during the day. Therefore, it is also known as the “Golden
11. Fortress.” The Golden Fortress looks beautiful at night.
12. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar during the second half of the 16th century. It
remained the capital of the Mughals for only 10 years. The famous gatewaythe
Buland Darwaza- leads to the different structures within the complex.
13. The Gwalior Fort is situated in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The Fort overlooks the
town of Gwalior and consists of a number of historical buildings. The Indian Postal
Service issued a stamp to commemorate the importance of this fort.
14. How many UNESCO cultural and natural heritage sites are there in India (* in 2022)?
A. 32 Cultural and 7 Natural and 1 mixed
15. Name the two historic cities on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List.
Jaipur and Ahmedabad
15. Name the Mountain Railway Heritage and the States it crosses through.
A. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Kalka Shimla
B. West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh
16. The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo (Japan), the House of Dr. Curuchet in La
Patla (Argentina) and the Unite’d’habitation in Marseille (France) reflect the Modern
Architecture Movement during the 20th century. Name the architect and the Indian World
Heritage Site associated with it.
Le Corbusier, Complexe du Capitol in Chandigarh
17. The park has the single largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros. Name the natural
heritage site
Kaziranga national park
18. In Tamil Nadu and lesser-known in Andhara Pradesh and Karnataka, the festival of
Navrathri is called Kolu or Navratri Golu. Women setup planks and decorate them with clay
dolls and collectibles collected over the years. The clay dolls are only displayed for 10 days
of Navratri but the rest of the setup is collected over time.
19. It is a traditional Bengali delicacy made from Banana flower called Mocha. Traditionally
it is a vegetarian dish although non-vegetarian variants are also available.
20. chettinad is a cuisine of the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. Chettinad cuisine is very
spicy and aromatic and has vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian variants.
Kerala was famous for its spices from the middle ages, it has attracted travelers from access
the world including the famous European traveler Vasco de Gama
21. Mohiniyattam - It is a traditional South Indian dance from Kerala. Considered to be a
very graceful dance. The word Mohiniyattam has derived from two words - Mohini and
Attam mean woman who enchants people with her dance moves.
22. Odissi - It is 1 of the 8 classical dance forms of India, originating from the state of
Odisha. On the basis of archaeological evidence, it is considered one of the oldest dance
forms.
23. Kathak - Shovana is a well-known Kathak dancer from India. A student of Birju Maharaj,
she has been awarded Padma Shree for her contribution to the arts.
24. The Mayong Village Museum and Research Centre in Assam is a community museum! It
is reputed for its valuable archive of oral traditions that contain information on tantric-
mantras and herbal medicine, among other things, from the 12th to 18th century.
25. The NIMHANS Brain Museum is equal parts awe-inducing and nauseating. It houses a
collection of about 400 brains affected by various head injuries, diseases, infections,
disorders, tumours, and brains of a few species of animals as well!
26. India’s first kite museum, and the world’s second, Paldi Kite Museum was established in
1985 by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. It houses the 50-years-old collection of rare
kites of the kite enthusiast, Bhanu Shah!
27. K. Sudhakar’s brainchild, the Sudha Car Museum in Hyderabad, is self-proclaimed as
“the world’s only wacky car museum”! The museum display includes all kinds of
unconventional cars – cars made from footballs, cricket bats, laptops, burgers, cameras and
even sharpeners.
28. Dedicated to folklorist Komal Kothari, the Arna Jharna displays the unique folk culture
and traditional knowledge of Rajasthan. The museum showcases more than 160 hand-made
brooms from different parts of Rajasthan, and helps observers in understanding society and
environment. For example, the broom fibers give clues about the vegetation that thrives in the
region.
29. The Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park in Gandhinagar, Gujarat is the only dinosaur
museum in the country! The petrified eggs and dinosaur fossils on display here are from the
world's 3rd-largest dinosaur fossil excavation site and 2nd-largest hatchery at Raiyoli, Gujarat
Art and Architecture
The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu, built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century, is
one of the largest temples in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is a fine
example of Dravidian architecture.
The Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha, built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I, is
designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars, and
walls.
Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai
Singh II in the 18th century. It features the world's largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
The Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh, built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, is
one of the oldest stone structures in India and is an important Buddhist site.
The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, built between 1906 and 1921, is a grand white marble
building that serves as a museum and tourist attraction. It is dedicated to Queen Victoria and
represents Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Craft
Phulkari is a traditional embroidery technique from Punjab, characterized by intricate floral
patterns made with silk threads on cotton fabric.
Kalamkari is a type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile, produced in Andhra
Pradesh and Telangana. The name comes from the Persian words 'kalam' (pen) and 'kari'
(craftsmanship).
Blue Pottery from Jaipur is known for its eye-catching cobalt blue dye, with origins tracing
back to Persia. The pottery is made from a unique mixture of quartz stone powder, glass, and
multani mitti.
Channapatna toys, crafted in Karnataka, are traditional wooden toys made using the age-old
lacquering technique. These toys are eco-friendly and often brightly colored.
Bandhani or Bandhej is a tie-dye textile originating from Gujarat and Rajasthan, known for
its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, often used in sarees and turbans.
Textiles
Pashmina shawls from Kashmir are world-renowned for their softness and warmth, made
from the fine undercoat of Himalayan mountain goats.
Kanjeevaram silk sarees from Tamil Nadu are famous for their rich texture and vibrant colors,
often adorned with gold or silver zari work.
Chanderi fabric from Madhya Pradesh is known for its lightweight and sheer texture,
traditionally used to make sarees with delicate motifs.
Patola sarees from Gujarat are double ikat woven sarees that are highly prized for their
intricate patterns and vibrant colors.
Bhagalpuri silk, also known as Tussar silk, from Bihar, is famous for its natural gold sheen
and rich texture, often used in sarees and fabrics.
Literature
The Mahabharata, attributed to the sage Vyasa, is one of the longest epic poems in the world,
consisting of over 100,000 verses.
The Ramayana, attributed to the sage Valmiki, is an ancient Indian epic that narrates the life
of Prince Rama and his quest to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana.
Kalidasa was a classical Sanskrit writer, widely regarded as the greatest poet and dramatist in
the Sanskrit language. His works include 'Abhijnanasakuntalam' and 'Meghaduta'.
Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature (1913), is
best known for his poetry collection "Gitanjali."
Thirukkural, written by the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, is a classic text consisting of 1,330
couplets, offering guidance on ethics, politics, economics, and love.
Music
Pandit Ravi Shankar was an Indian sitar virtuoso who popularized Indian classical music in
the West and collaborated with artists like George Harrison of The Beatles.
M.S. Subbulakshmi, a Carnatic vocalist, was the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna,
India's highest civilian award.
The Tabla is a pair of twin hand drums from North India, often used in Hindustani classical
music, and is believed to have been invented by Amir Khusro.
Santoor is a trapezoid-shaped hammered dulcimer played in the Indian classical music
tradition of Kashmir.
Thumri is a semi-classical vocal genre from North India, known for its romantic and
devotional themes, often associated with Kathak dance.
Political History
The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur in 1526 after his victory at the Battle of Panipat,
marking the beginning of Mughal rule in India.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy is known as the 'Father of the Indian Renaissance' for his role in social
and educational reforms, including the abolition of Sati.
The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume, and it played a crucial
role in the Indian independence movement.
The Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India,
following the defeat of the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, by the British East India
Company.
The Quit India Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942, was a significant
campaign during the Indian independence struggle, calling for an end to British rule.
Social History
The Varna System in ancient India categorized society into four groups: Brahmins (priests),
Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (merchants), and Shudras (laborers).
The Bhakti Movement in medieval India emphasized devotion to a personal god, with saints
like Kabir and Meera Bai advocating for a casteless and classless society.
The Satyagraha Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was based on the principle of
nonviolent resistance and played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919 was a turning point in the Indian independence
movement, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indian civilians.
The Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s transformed Indian agriculture, leading to
increased food production through the use of high-yield variety seeds and modern agricultural
techniques.
Haryana and Gurgaon
Kurukshetra in Haryana is believed to be the site of the epic battle of the Mahabharata, where
Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.
The Sultanpur National Park in Gurgaon is a bird sanctuary known for its rich diversity of
migratory birds, including the Siberian crane.
The Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon is India's first live entertainment, theatre, and leisure
destination, showcasing Indian culture through performances and exhibits.
Charkhi Dadri in Haryana is known for the deadly mid-air collision in 1996, which was one
of the deadliest air disasters in history.
Raja Nahar Singh Palace in Ballabgarh, Haryana, is a historic fort and palace dating back to
the 18th century, showcasing the architectural heritage of the region.
Quiz Questions
Art and Architecture
Which Indian ruler is credited with building the famous Gol Gumbaz, known for its massive
dome and whispering gallery?
A: Mohammed Adil Shah of Bijapur.
Which ancient Indian city is known for its rock-cut temples carved into a basalt cliff?
A: Ellora.
In which state is the Meenakshi Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess
Meenakshi and her consort Sundareswarar?
A: Tamil Nadu.
Name the Mughal garden located in Srinagar, which is known for its terraced lawns,
cascading fountains, and panoramic views of Dal Lake.
A: Shalimar Bagh.
Which structure, known as the "Tower of Victory," was built by Rana Kumbha in Chittorgarh
to commemorate his victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujarat?
A: Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower).
Craft
What is the traditional craft of making toys from soft wood in Varanasi, known for its
intricate designs and colorful patterns?
A: Lacquerware.
Name the traditional Indian technique of block printing on fabric, originating from Rajasthan
and Gujarat.
A: Ajrakh.
Which state in India is famous for its bamboo craft, producing items like baskets, mats, and
furniture?
A: Assam.
What is the name of the traditional jewelry craft from Odisha, known for its delicate filigree
work in silver?
A: Tarakasi.
Which craft involves weaving carpets with intricate designs, often seen in the regions of
Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh?
A: Carpet weaving.
Textiles
Which Indian state is known for producing the famous Muga silk, a golden-colored silk
exclusive to the region?
A: Assam.
Name the fabric traditionally used to make Kerala’s famous "Mundu," a garment worn by
men and women in the state.
A: Kasavu.
Which type of saree, known for its fine weave and light weight, originates from the town of
Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh?
A: Maheshwari saree.
Name the handloom saree known for its unique red and black colors, traditionally worn by
the women of West Bengal during festivals.
A: Garad saree.
Which textile art involves weaving with pure cotton and silk threads, originating from the
region of Pochampally in Telangana?
A: Ikat.
Literature
Who is the author of the ancient Tamil text "Silappatikaram," considered one of the great
epics of Tamil literature?
A: Ilango Adigal.
Name the Persian traveler who authored the book "Rihla," providing a detailed account of his
travels in India during the 14th century.
A: Ibn Battuta.
Which Sanskrit poet wrote the epic "Raghuvamsa," which narrates the history of the Raghu
dynasty?
A: Kalidasa.
Who wrote the famous collection of Sanskrit fables known as "Panchatantra"?
A: Vishnu Sharma.
Name the author of "Ain-i-Akbari," a 16th-century document that details the administration,
culture, and economy during the reign of Akbar.
A: Abu'l-Fazl.
Music
Which Indian classical musician was famously referred to as the "Nightingale of India"?
A: Lata Mangeshkar.
Which musical instrument, originating from South India, is a long bamboo flute played in
Carnatic music?
A: Veena.
Name the percussion instrument, played with hands, that is central to the music of Punjab.
A: Dhol.
Which Raga is traditionally played early in the morning in Hindustani classical music?
A: Bhairav.
Who was the first Indian composer to win an Oscar for Best Original Score?
A: A.R. Rahman.
Political History
Which Indian leader was instrumental in the drafting of the Indian Constitution and served as
the Chairman of the Drafting Committee?
A: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Name the first Indian woman to become the President of the United Nations General
Assembly.
A: Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit.
Which Act passed by the British Parliament in 1935 formed the basis for the Government of
India Act 1935?
A: Government of India Act 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms).
Which Indian state was formed in 1966, primarily on a linguistic basis, splitting from Punjab?
A: Haryana.
Who led the Salt March in 1930, a significant event in the Indian independence movement?
A: Mahatma Gandhi.
Social History
Which 19th-century social reformer founded the Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement
promoting values based on the Vedas?
A: Swami Dayananda Saraswati.
Name the Indian social reformer who fought for women's education and established the first
school for girls in Pune.
A: Savitribai Phule.
Which movement, initiated by B.R. Ambedkar, sought to abolish the caste system and
promote social equality in India?
A: Dalit Movement.
Which social reformer is known as the "Father of the Indian Renaissance" and campaigned
for the abolition of practices like Sati?
A: Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
Which British social reformer, known for his opposition to the East India Company, played a
key role in the abolition of slavery?
A: William Wilberforce.
Haryana and Gurgaon
Which annual fair, held in Haryana, is one of the largest cattle fairs in North India, attracting
traders from all over the region?
A: Mela Surajkund.
Name the ancient city in Haryana that was the capital of the Mahajanapada Kuru during the
Vedic period.
A: Indraprastha.
Which 10th-century temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the Nuh district of
Haryana?
A: Ancient Shiva Temple in Hathin.
Which institution, located in Gurgaon, is known for promoting Indian classical music and
dance?
A: Natya Ballet Centre.
Name the state-of-the-art museum in Gurgaon that houses over 2,500 vintage and classic cars,
motorcycles, and scooters.
A: Heritage Transport Museum.