1
Which of the following was the first element from India to be inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?
🎭 Intangible Cultural Heritage
Intangible Cultural Heritage of India
By Priya Sharma · Static GK Expert
100 Questions Indian Culture
20 MCQs on India's UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — Vedic Chanting, Ramlila, Kutiyattam, Yoga, Kumbh Mela and more for UPSC and SSC exams.
2
The 'Ramlila', a performance of the Ramayana, was inscribed in the UNESCO list in 2008. It is primarily associated with which region?
3
Which of the following is a Sanskrit theatre tradition from Kerala included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list?
4
The 'Ramman' festival, a religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas, belongs to which state?
5
Which dance form from Kerala, characterized by ritualistic performances involving elaborate makeup, was inscribed in the UNESCO list in 2010?
6
The 'Kalbelia' folk songs and dances belong to which Indian state?
7
Chhau dance, inscribed in the UNESCO list in 2010, is a semi-classical dance form primarily performed in the states of:
8
Which Buddhist chanting tradition from Ladakh was inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2012?
9
Sankirtana, a collection of arts involving ritual singing, drumming, and dancing, is a heritage tradition of which state?
10
Which traditional craft involving the making of brass and copper utensils by the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru was inscribed in 2014?
11
Yoga was inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in which year?
12
Nawrouz, which is a part of India's Intangible Cultural Heritage, is primarily celebrated by which community?
13
Kumbh Mela, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, is celebrated at four sites. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
14
The 'Durga Puja in Kolkata' was inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in which year?
15
Which of the following is the most recently inscribed element on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list from India as of 2023?
16
The UNESCO convention that protects the 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' was adopted in which year?
17
Which of the following is a traditional performance art from Kerala included in the UNESCO list, involving ritualistic costume and dance?
18
The 'Traditional brass and copper craft of Thatheras' is a community-based craft from which Indian state?
19
Which of the following accurately describes the 'Sankirtana' ritual?
20
The 'Kutiyattam' tradition involves the use of which language for its dramatic performances?
21
The 'Mudiyettu' is a ritual theatre and dance drama from Kerala inscribed in the UNESCO list. It is based on the myth of the battle between Goddess Bhadrakali and which demon?
22
Which of the following is an oral tradition of Vedic chanting that was included in the UNESCO Representative List in 2008?
23
The 'Kalbelia' dance, often called the 'Snake Charmer dance', is performed by the Kalbelia tribe primarily residing in which desert region?
24
Which Indian state is associated with the 'Chhau dance' tradition that utilizes masks to represent characters and moods?
25
Which musical instrument is central to the 'Sankirtana' tradition of Manipur?
26
The 'Thatheras of Jandiala Guru' craft, inscribed in 2014, specifically involves the manufacture of:
27
Which UNESCO intangible heritage element is associated with the Parsi community in India?
28
The 'Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh' involves the recitation of sacred texts by monks in which language?
29
The 'Ramman' festival is a religious festival celebrated in which specific valley of the Garhwal Himalayas?
30
Which UNESCO-recognized art form involves 'Kutiyattam', the oldest existing theatre tradition in India?
31
Which of the following is true about 'Durga Puja in Kolkata' as an intangible cultural heritage?
32
The 'Yoga' tradition was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List in which year?
33
Which of these is NOT a location where the Kumbh Mela is held?
34
The 'UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage' was adopted in which year?
35
Which of the following is a traditional performance art from Kerala that uses elaborate makeup and costumes?
36
Garba of Gujarat was inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in which year?
37
What is the primary theme of the 'Ramman' festival performances?
38
Which of the following is the 'traditional brass and copper craft' from Punjab recognized by UNESCO?
39
The 'Sankirtana' performance is closely linked to which philosophical tradition?
40
Kutiyattam, the ancient Sanskrit theatre, is typically performed in special theater halls known as:
41
The 'Mudiyettu' ritual theatre of Kerala is performed in honor of which goddess to celebrate her victory over the demon Darika?
42
The 'Vedic Chanting' tradition, inscribed in the UNESCO list in 2008, is primarily preserved through which method?
43
In which state is the 'Ramman' festival celebrated, which is noted for its unique 'Bhandari' mask dance?
44
Which of these is a unique feature of the 'Chhau' dance that distinguishes its three regional styles (Seraikella, Purulia, and Mayurbhanj)?
45
The 'Kalbelia' tribe of Rajasthan, famous for their folk dance, was historically known for which occupation?
46
The 'Kutiyattam' theatre is performed in traditional temple theatres called 'Koothambalams'. These are found in which state?
47
The UNESCO intangible cultural heritage 'Nawrouz' marks which cultural event?
48
Which musical instrument is considered essential to the 'Sankirtana' performance in Manipur?
49
The 'Thatheras of Jandiala Guru' craft is recognized for the manufacturing of which type of items?
50
What is the primary theme of the 'Durga Puja' festival in Kolkata as inscribed by UNESCO?
51
Which of the following Indian traditions was the first to be inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?
52
Kutiyattam, a Sanskrit theatre tradition inscribed on the UNESCO list, originated and is primarily practiced in which Indian state?
53
Which of these dance-theatre traditions of Kerala involves the ritualistic enactment of the victory of Goddess Bhadrakali over the demon Darika?
54
Ramman, a religious festival and ritual theatre, is a characteristic feature of which Indian state?
55
The 'Chhau' dance, recognized by UNESCO, is traditionally performed in which region of India?
56
Kalbelia folk songs and dances, which involve movements mimicking snakes, originate from which Indian state?
57
Which Buddhist chanting tradition from Ladakh was inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?
58
Sankirtana, a performance art involving singing, dancing, and drumming, is deeply associated with which state?
59
The traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru is located in which state?
60
Yoga was inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in which year?
61
Nawrouz (Nowruz), the Persian New Year festival, is celebrated by communities in India and was inscribed on the UNESCO list. It signifies:
62
Kumbh Mela, the largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims in the world, was inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2017. Which of these is NOT a venue for the Kumbh Mela?
63
Durga Puja in Kolkata was added to the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in which year?
64
Garba of Gujarat, recently inscribed on the UNESCO list, is a dance form primarily performed during:
65
Which of these is a traditional oral tradition involving the recitation of the Ramayana in the Garhwal region?
66
The 'Sattriya' dance, while a major classical dance of India, shares roots with the monastic traditions of which state?
67
Which intangible cultural element involves the physical act of 'Kumbh Mela' and is recognized for its collective religious practice?
68
The UNESCO intangible list aims to protect and promote which aspect of a culture?
69
Which of the following is a traditional martial arts form of Kerala included in the UNESCO list?
70
Which of these regions is most famous for 'Chhau' dance that incorporates masks in its performance?
71
Which ancient Vedic chanting tradition was the first among the Indian entries to be recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage?
72
Mudiyettu is a ritual theatre form that involves the depiction of a battle between Goddess Bhadrakali and the demon Darika. To which region is this performance restricted?
73
The 'Chhau' dance style, known as Mayurbhanj Chhau, is distinct from other forms because it traditionally:
74
Which of the following describes the 'Sankirtana' tradition of Manipur, which was inscribed by UNESCO in 2013?
75
The 'Thatheras of Jandiala Guru' are famous for which specific craft technique that gained UNESCO recognition?
76
Which of the following is a UNESCO-listed martial arts tradition of India, noted for its emphasis on physical training and weaponry?
77
The 'Ramman' festival, celebrated in the Garhwal Himalayas, is most notably famous for which of its aspects?
78
Which Indian state is the home to the 'Kalbelia' folk music and dance tradition, often referred to as the 'Snake Charmers' dance?
79
In the context of the UNESCO list, 'Nawrouz' is celebrated as a symbol of:
80
Which of the following is NOT one of the four traditional sites (Kumbh Mela) recognized by the intangible cultural heritage framework?
81
The 'Buddhist Chanting' of Ladakh, recognized by UNESCO, is typically performed by:
82
The 'Garba' of Gujarat was inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2023. What is the primary significance of this dance form?
83
Which of these UNESCO-listed traditions is strictly performed in the Sanskrit language?
84
The UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity serves which primary purpose?
85
Which region's 'Chhau' dance is specifically known for its integration of martial techniques and the use of masks representing characters from Puranas?
86
The 'Durga Puja in Kolkata' was inscribed by UNESCO in which year?
87
Which of these features is essential for a performance to be classified as 'Kutiyattam'?
88
Which of the following is an accurate description of the 'Yoga' inscription by UNESCO?
89
The 'Sattriya' dance tradition is intrinsically linked to the neo-Vaishnavite movement and which religious leader?
90
What is the common theme among most of the Indian traditions included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list?
91
Which of the following is an ancient, ritualized form of Sanskrit theatre that centers on the enactments of Hindu epics and is known for the use of the 'Chakiar' actor?
92
The 'Vedic Chanting' tradition, inscribed by UNESCO in 2008, emphasizes the oral transmission of which ancient text?
93
Which specific style of Chhau dance is unique for NOT using masks, instead relying on facial expressions and complex footwork?
94
The 'Kalbelia' folk dance is traditionally performed by a community known by which nomadic profession?
95
Which of these UNESCO-recognized traditions of India is characterized by the use of distinct metal-crafting techniques involving fire-polishing?
96
The 'Sankirtana' tradition, involving ritual singing and dancing, is a core component of the cultural life of which religious sect?
97
The 'Ramman' festival is a unique religious ritual theatre that includes the performance of the 'Jagar'—an act of calling upon local deities. It is celebrated in which region?
98
Which of the following elements is a primary feature of 'Mudiyettu', a ritual theatre of Kerala?
99
In the context of Indian intangible heritage, 'Yoga' was formally inscribed by UNESCO in which year?
100
The 'Durga Puja in Kolkata' was added to the UNESCO Representative List in 2021. What does the inscription highlight most about this event?
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Important Notes — Intangible Cultural Heritage of India
Overview and UNESCO Convention
Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) refers to the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills—as well as the instruments, objects, and artifacts—that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage. Unlike tangible heritage (monuments), ICH is "living heritage."
- UNESCO Convention: The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is the primary international instrument. India ratified this convention in 2005.
- The Representative List: UNESCO maintains the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity to raise awareness of the importance of these traditions and ensure their respect.
- Objective: To safeguard ICH elements through identification, documentation, research, preservation, and revitalization.
India’s Representative List of ICH
As of 2023-24, India has 15 elements inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List. This is a highly frequent topic for UPSC and SSC aspirants.
List of Inscribed Elements (Chronological/Important):
- 2008: Kutiyattam (Sanskrit Theatre), Vedic Chanting, Ramlila (The traditional performance of the Ramayana).
- 2009: Ramman (Religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas).
- 2010: Mudiyettu (Ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala), Kalbelia (Folk songs and dances of Rajasthan), Chhau Dance (Eastern India).
- 2012: Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh.
- 2013: Sankirtana (Ritual singing, drumming, and dancing of Manipur).
- 2014: Traditional Brass and Copper Craft of Utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru (Punjab).
- 2016: Yoga and Nowruz (Shared with other nations).
- 2017: Kumbh Mela.
- 2021: Durga Puja in Kolkata.
- 2022: Garba of Gujarat.
Key Exam Points:
- Ministry of Culture: The nodal agency responsible for the preservation of cultural heritage in India.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi: The autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture designated as the nodal agency for the implementation of the UNESCO 2003 Convention.
- Criteria for Inscription: Elements must be transmitted from generation to generation, provide communities with a sense of identity, and be compatible with existing international human rights instruments.
- Significance: These elements showcase India’s "Unity in Diversity" and reflect the vast demographic and regional variations in Indian cultural expression.
Safeguarding Mechanisms
For competitive exams, it is essential to understand that safeguarding is not about "freezing" heritage in time but about ensuring its transmission to future generations.
- Inventorying: The Government of India maintains a National Inventory of ICH to document diverse traditions, including oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, and traditional craftsmanship.
- Schemes: The Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India provides financial assistance for the documentation, training, and research of dying art forms.
- Distinction: Questions often distinguish between Tangible (World Heritage Sites like Taj Mahal) and Intangible (Practices like Yoga). Always remember that UNESCO maintains separate lists for these categories.
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About the Author
PS
Priya Sharma Static GK Expert
Indian History · Geography · Polity & Economy Specialist
With 8+ years of teaching static GK for competitive exams, Priya has helped thousands of students master the foundational subjects that appear year after year in UPSC, SSC, and Railway exams. She focuses on making history, geography, and polity approachable through well-structured MCQs and memorable explanations.
