MCQs - 2026-09

While Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and Thanjavur painting are significant art forms, they are generally well-established and promoted. Specific traditional crafts and needlework, like that of certain minority communities, often face greater risks of extinction and are targeted by such preservation initiatives.

The initiative's core aim is to safeguard India's rich intangible cultural heritage by supporting the practitioners of endangered folk arts through grants, training, and documentation, ensuring their continuity.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of the national cultural heritage of India. This includes conducting excavations, maintaining monuments, and promoting awareness.

While black-slipped pottery, punch-marked coins, and terracotta figurines are commonly found in Mauryan sites, iron pillar inscriptions are more characteristic of the Gupta period, such as the famous Iron Pillar of Delhi.

Recent ASI findings in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, have revealed artifacts that scholars believe could be linked to the Mauryan era, offering new insights into the period's material culture and trade networks.

Prior to their bronze medal in 2026, the Indian Men's Hockey Team had won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup gold medal five times (1985, 1991, 1995, 2009, 2010 - shared).

The Federation Internationale de Hockey (FIH) is the international governing body for the sport of field hockey and is responsible for world rankings.

The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is an invitational international men's field hockey tournament held annually in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.

Neeraj Chopra won gold medals at both the Tokyo Olympics 2020 (held in 2021) and the World Athletics Championships 2023, making him a multiple global champion before 2026.

The Diamond League is the premier annual series of track and field meetings, organized by World Athletics, the international governing body for the sport.