UP Culture & Heritage GK Questions & Answers for UPSC, SSC, UPPSC

Art, Dance & Music

Q1:  What is the state dance of Uttar Pradesh, characterised by intricate footwork and graceful spins?
Answer: Kathak

Q2:  In which year did UNESCO inscribe 'Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana' — including the version performed at Ramnagar, Varanasi — as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?
Answer: 2008

Q3:  Which Varanasi-centred classical music tradition is closely associated with thumri, tabla, and shehnai performance styles?
Answer: Banaras Gharana

Q4:  Which classical Kathak dance gharana, closely associated with the Nawabs of Awadh, developed in Lucknow?
Answer: Lucknow Gharana

Q5:  Which classical shehnai maestro, a Bharat Ratna recipient in 2001, was closely associated with Varanasi and famously played at India's independence ceremony in 1947?
Answer: Ustad Bismillah Khan

Q6:  Which legendary Kathak dancer, a Padma Vibhushan recipient (1986) and leading exponent of the Lucknow 'Kalka-Bindadin' Gharana, was born in Uttar Pradesh in 1938?
Answer: Pandit Birju Maharaj

Q7:  Which traditional UP folk theatre form, combining storytelling with music, drama, and dance, often features narratives of romance, heroism, and social issues?
Answer: Nautanki

Q8:  Which UP dramatic tradition, re-enacting the life of Lord Krishna through dance-drama performed by trained artists, is especially popular in the Mathura-Vrindavan region?
Answer: Raslila

Q9:  Which folk singing tradition, rooted in the monsoon season and closely tied to the Sawan month, is a hallmark of Purvanchal (eastern UP) culture, with an annual festival (Kajri Utsav) also held in its honour at Mirzapur?
Answer: Kajri

Q10:  Which legendary sitar maestro, a Bharat Ratna recipient and three-time Grammy winner, was born in Varanasi in 1920?
Answer: Pandit Ravi Shankar

Q11:  Which renowned thumri vocalist of the Banaras Gharana, born in Varanasi in 1929, was celebrated for her mastery of semi-classical vocal styles?
Answer: Girija Devi

Q12:  Which celebrated tabla player of the Banaras Gharana was born in the Kabir Chaura locality of Varanasi in 1923?
Answer: Pandit Kishan Maharaj

Q13:  Which Kathak maestro, born in 1830 in Handia Tehsil of Allahabad district, is regarded as the founding figure of the Lucknow Gharana?
Answer: Bindadin Maharaj

Q14:  Who co-founded the Lucknow Kathak Gharana alongside his brother Bindadin Maharaj, and resided in Banaras where he taught and propagated Kathak dancing and Thumri singing?
Answer: Kalka Prasad

Q15:  Which Kathak dancer, father of Pandit Birju Maharaj and son of Kalka Prasad, was a leading exponent of the Lucknow Gharana in the early 20th century?
Answer: Acchan Maharaj

Q16:  Which Kathak dancer, born in Lucknow in 1910 and the youngest son of Kalka Prasad, served as a court dancer under Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and later received the Padma Shri?
Answer: Shambhu Maharaj

Q17:  Which Kathak dancer and choreographer, born in Lucknow in 1901, went on to choreograph dance sequences for the Hindi films Mughal-e-Azam and Pakeezah?
Answer: Lachhu Maharaj

Q18:  Which legendary ghazal, thumri, and dadra singer, born in Bhadarsa, Faizabad district in 1914, was celebrated as 'Mallika-e-Ghazal' (Queen of Ghazals)?
Answer: Begum Akhtar

Q19:  The Ramlila performed at Ramnagar, Varanasi, was started around 1830 by which Kashi Naresh (King of Varanasi)?
Answer: Maharaja Udit Narayan Singh

Q20:  For how many days does the famous Ramnagar Ramlila, one of the longest theatrical enactments of the Ramayana in the world, continue each year?
Answer: 31 days

Q21:  The Ramlila performed annually at Chitrakoot, a pilgrimage site associated with Lord Rama's exile, typically continues for how many days?
Answer: Five days

Q22:  Which folk singing tradition, associated with the month of Chaitra (spring season) and popular in eastern UP, expresses themes of longing and seasonal change?
Answer: Chaiti

Q23:  Which UP folk song genre is traditionally sung by women during childbirth celebrations, welcoming a newborn into the family?
Answer: Sohar

Q24:  Which UP folk song genre describes the changing moods, emotions, and hardships of a woman across all twelve months of the year, often themed around separation from a loved one?
Answer: Barahmasa

Q25:  What is the name of the small metal bells tied around a Kathak dancer's ankles, whose rhythmic sound is a key element of the dance's footwork?
Answer: Ghungroo

Q26:  Which classical string instrument, played with a bow and closely associated with Varanasi's musical heritage, often accompanies thumri and Kathak performances?
Answer: Sarangi

Q27:  Which Braj-region folk dance involves veiled women balancing a multi-tiered wooden pyramid lit with 108 oil lamps on their heads, performed on the third day after Holi to mark Radha's birth?
Answer: Charkula

Q28:  The Charkula dance is particularly associated with which Mathura-district village, considered its traditional home?
Answer: Mukhrai

Q29:  Which classical percussion instrument, a double-headed drum central to the Dhrupad singing tradition, is closely associated with UP's temple and classical music heritage?
Answer: Pakhawaj

Q30:  In Kathak dance terminology, what term refers to the rhythmic, percussive footwork performed by dancers, often accompanied by ghungroo bells?
Answer: Tatkar

Q31:  Which large-scale annual Ramlila and Dussehra celebration ground in Lucknow's Aishbagh locality is one of the city's most prominent effigy-burning venues?
Answer: Aishbagh Ramlila Maidan

Festivals & Fairs

Q32:  In which year did UNESCO inscribe the Kumbh Mela on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?
Answer: 2017

Q33:  Which unique Holi tradition, celebrated in Barsana where women playfully beat men from Nandgaon with sticks, re-enacts a legend of Radha and Krishna?
Answer: Lathmar Holi

Q34:  Which twin town, near Barsana in Mathura district, is where the men participating in Lathmar Holi traditionally come from?
Answer: Nandgaon

Q35:  Which Varanasi festival, held on Kartik Purnima, is famous for illuminating the Ganga ghats with thousands of oil lamps?
Answer: Dev Deepawali

Q36:  Which day, marked by a special ritual at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, traditionally signals the official start of Holi celebrations in the city?
Answer: Rangbhari Ekadashi

Q37:  Which annual fair, held at Nauchandi Ground in Meerut and centred around an ancient Chandi Devi temple, typically begins on the second Sunday after Holi?
Answer: Nauchandi Mela

Q38:  Which annual religious fair, held every year (not just during the 12-yearly Maha Kumbh) at the Sangam in Prayagraj during the month of Magh, draws large numbers of pilgrims?
Answer: Magh Mela

Q39:  Which annual cattle fair, held near Agra along the banks of the Yamuna, is one of North India's largest livestock trading events?
Answer: Bateshwar Fair

Q40:  Which Varanasi festival, held during the period around Dev Deepawali, features cultural performances, boat races, and other events along the Ganga?
Answer: Ganga Mahotsav

Q41:  Which specific Teej festival, falling in the monsoon month of Sawan and marked by married women fasting for their husbands' wellbeing, green attire, and swinging on decorated jhulas, is also known as Sawan Teej or Choti Teej?
Answer: Hariyali Teej

Q42:  Which festival, marking the arrival of spring and dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, is traditionally celebrated in Lucknow?
Answer: Basant Panchami

Q43:  Due to Lucknow's Shia Nawabi heritage, which Islamic month of mourning is observed with particularly elaborate processions and Imambara rituals in the city?
Answer: Muharram

Language & Literature

Q44:  Which dialect, closely tied to the Awadh region and the language of the Ramcharitmanas, is predominantly spoken around Lucknow and Ayodhya?
Answer: Awadhi

Q45:  Which dialect, closely associated with the Mathura-Vrindavan region and used extensively in medieval Krishna devotional poetry, is predominant in the Braj region of western UP?
Answer: Braj Bhasha

Q46:  Which dialect, widely spoken across the eastern UP (Purvanchal) districts including Ballia, Deoria, and Ghazipur, is also spoken across the border in Bihar?
Answer: Bhojpuri

Q47:  Which dialect is predominantly spoken across the Bundelkhand region of southern UP, including Jhansi, Banda, and Hamirpur?
Answer: Bundeli

Q48:  Which folk epic, popular across northern India, narrates the heroic deeds of the legendary Bundelkhand warriors Alha and Udal, associated with Mahoba?
Answer: Alha-Khand

Q49:  Which 15th-century mystic poet-saint, born near Kashi (Varanasi) and known for dohas blending Hindu and Islamic mystical thought, remains one of the most influential Bhakti-era figures?
Answer: Kabir Das

Q50:  Which UP town, in present-day Sant Kabir Nagar district, is where the poet-saint Kabir spent his final years and where both a Hindu samadhi and a Muslim mazaar stand side by side in his memory?
Answer: Maghar

Q51:  Which Sufi poet, associated with the town of Jais in present-day Amethi district, composed the celebrated Awadhi epic 'Padmavat' in 1540?
Answer: Malik Muhammad Jayasi

Q52:  Malik Muhammad Jayasi's epic 'Padmavat,' completed in 1540, is widely described by most sources as holding which distinction among Awadhi-language works, despite the earlier (1379) Chandayan by Maulana Da'ud?
Answer: It is the oldest extant (well-preserved) text in Awadhi

Q53:  Which Urdu poetic gathering tradition, where poets recite verses before an audience, flourished under the patronage of the Nawabs of Awadh and remains a cultural hallmark of Lucknow?
Answer: Mushaira

Heritage & Monuments

Q54:  Which Ayodhya temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is considered the guardian deity shrine of the city and is one of its most visited sites?
Answer: Hanuman Garhi

Q55:  Which Ayodhya temple, according to popular legend, is believed to have been gifted by Queen Kaikeyi to Sita as part of her wedding gifts, and is closely linked to traditions surrounding Lord Rama's palace?
Answer: Kanak Bhawan

Q56:  Which Vrindavan temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his 'Banke Bihari' form, is one of the most visited Krishna shrines in the Braj region?
Answer: Banke Bihari Temple

Q57:  Which Mathura temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his 'Dwarkadhish' form, is one of the city's most prominent Krishna shrines?
Answer: Dwarkadhish Temple

Q58:  Which Barsana temple, dedicated to Radha, is one of the few in India where she is worshipped as the primary deity?
Answer: Radha Rani Temple (Shreeji Temple)

Q59:  Which Varanasi temple, founded by Goswami Tulsidas and dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is a major centre of devotion in the city?
Answer: Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Q60:  Which structure, also called "Naubat Khana," stands opposite the main hall within the Bara Imambara complex in Lucknow and was traditionally used to announce the arrival of dignitaries through drumming?
Answer: Nakkar Khana

Q61:  Which Vrindavan temple, built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh of Amber with red sandstone, is one of the seven prominent Thakur temples of the city?
Answer: Govind Dev Temple

Q62:  Which set of ghats in Ayodhya, built along the Sarayu river for ritual bathing, has become a major site for religious gatherings and the annual Deepotsav?
Answer: Ram Ki Paidi

Q63:  Which area of old Lucknow, a hub of traditional bazaars, street food, and historic markets, is one of the city's most iconic heritage zones?
Answer: Chowk

Q64:  Which Varanasi locality, where the 15th-century mystic poet-saint Kabir was reportedly found as an abandoned infant near a pond and later raised by his adoptive weaver parents, is home to the Kabir Math dedicated to his memory?
Answer: Kabir Chaura

Crafts, Cuisine & Lifestyle

Q65:  Which UP city is renowned for its traditional Chikankari embroidery, a delicate white-thread needlework?
Answer: Lucknow

Q66:  Which UP city is famous for producing Banarasi sarees, traditional silk garments woven with gold and silver zari brocade?
Answer: Varanasi

Q67:  Which UP handicraft, involving intricate gold and silver wire embroidery and closely associated with Lucknow alongside Chikankari, is often used for bridal and festive wear?
Answer: Zardozi

Q68:  Which famous Lucknow eatery, known for its melt-in-the-mouth galouti kebabs, is a landmark of the city's Awadhi cuisine heritage?
Answer: Tunday Kababi

Q69:  Which translucent sweet, made from ash gourd and a culinary specialty of Agra, is a well-known part of UP's food heritage?
Answer: Petha

Q70:  Which UP city, known as the 'Brass City' or 'Peetal Nagri,' is a major centre for brass and bell-metal handicrafts?
Answer: Moradabad

Q71:  Which UP city, often called the 'Glass City' or 'Suhaag Nagri,' is famous for its glass bangle manufacturing?
Answer: Firozabad

Q72:  Which UP city, known for its traditional ceramic and pottery work, is a major handicraft hub in Bulandshahr district?
Answer: Khurja

Q73:  Which UP town/region is well known for its handwoven carpet industry, exporting extensively worldwide?
Answer: Bhadohi

Q74:  Which was the first product from Uttar Pradesh to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag?
Answer: Allahabad Surkha Guava

Q75:  Which GI-tagged mango variety, grown in the Malihabad region near Lucknow, is prized for its smooth texture and distinct flavour?
Answer: Dussehri Mango

Q76:  In which year did 'Banaras Brocades and Sarees' officially receive its GI tag certification?
Answer: 2009

Q77:  In which year did the 'Hand Made Carpet of Bhadohi' receive its official GI tag certification?
Answer: 2010

Q78:  Which GI-tagged craft item, made of decorative colourful glass beads, is a traditional product of Varanasi, certified in 2016?
Answer: Varanasi Glass Beads

Q79:  Which GI-tagged craft, a colourful enamelling technique on metal (mainly silver), is traditionally practised in Varanasi and known as 'Banaras Gulabi Meenakari'?
Answer: Banaras Gulabi Meenakari Craft

Q80:  Which UP town, part of Azamgarh district, is famous for its GI-tagged distinctive black pottery craft?
Answer: Nizamabad

Q81:  Which GI-tagged product from Kanpur covers high-quality saddles, harnesses, and leather goods known for durability?
Answer: Kanpur Saddlery

Q82:  Which UP city is known for its GI-tagged traditional hand-block printing craft, called 'Farrukhabad Prints'?
Answer: Farrukhabad

Q83:  Which GI-tagged product, quarried near Chunar in Mirzapur district, is also called 'Chunar Balua Patthar'?
Answer: Chunar Sandstone

Q84:  The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act was enacted in 1999, but in which year did it actually come into force, enabling GI registration for products like UP's crafts?
Answer: 2003

Q85:  Which saffron-flavoured, milk-and-ghee-enriched flatbread is a signature specialty of Lucknow's Awadhi cuisine, historically prepared for the Nawabs?
Answer: Sheermal

Q86:  In October 2025, which UP city was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, becoming only the second Indian city (after Hyderabad) to receive this honour?
Answer: Lucknow

Q87:  Which aromatic black-husk rice, a GI-tagged specialty of the Siddharthnagar region of Uttar Pradesh, is often called "Buddha's rice"?
Answer: Kalanamak

Q88:  In which year did Lucknow's Chikan Craft receive its official GI (Geographical Indication) tag?
Answer: 2008

Q89:  Which slow-cooked, spiced meat stew, traditionally eaten for breakfast, is a well-known part of Lucknow's Awadhi cuisine heritage?
Answer: Nihari

Q90:  Which airy, cloud-like winter dessert, made from milk froth and traditionally sold in Lucknow's old city in the early morning, is a beloved local delicacy?
Answer: Malai Makhan

Q91:  Which vegetarian rice dish, cooked with vegetables and mild spices, is a well-known part of Awadhi (Lucknow-style) cuisine?
Answer: Tehri

Q92:  Which Lucknow street-food dish, served in an edible basket made of fried potato and layered with chutneys and yoghurt, is a popular chaat variety unique to the city?
Answer: Basket Chaat (Tokri Chaat)

Q93:  Which historic Lucknow eatery, located in the bustling Chowk area and serving since 1968, is renowned for its Awadhi-style biryani?
Answer: Idris Biryani

Q94:  Which Uttar Pradesh city is most famous for its milk-based sweet "Peda"?
Answer: Mathura

Q95:  Which UP city, a major hub for lock manufacturing, is popularly known as 'Tala Nagri' (City of Locks)?
Answer: Aligarh

Q96:  Which UP city, home to a large sports goods manufacturing industry, is often referred to as the 'Sports City of India'?
Answer: Meerut

Q97:  Which UP city, historically known for its leather and textile industries, earned the nickname 'Manchester of India'?
Answer: Kanpur

Q98:  Which UP town is well known for its traditional wood carving and furniture-making craft?
Answer: Saharanpur

Q99:  Which slow-cooked Awadhi kebab, named after a village near Lucknow and later revived by chef Imtiaz Qureshi, is famous for its melt-in-the-mouth minced meat texture?
Answer: Kakori Kebab

Q100:  Which traditional milk-based drink, flavoured with nuts and spices and sometimes infused with bhang, is closely associated with Holi celebrations in the Mathura-Vrindavan region?
Answer: Thandai