Q11. Which festival is considered the state festival of Kerala?
a) Vishu
b) Onam
c) Thrissur Pooram
d) Attukal Pongala
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Correct Answer: b) Onam
Explanation: Onam is considered the state festival of Kerala. It is a harvest festival celebrated annually, typically falling in August or September. Onam commemorates the mythical King Mahabali and the return of the Vamana avatar of Vishnu. The festival is marked by elaborate feasts, boat races, and floral decorations.
Q12. Which hill station in Kerala is known as the “Kashmir of South India”?
a) Munnar
b) Wayanad
c) Thekkady
d) Ponmudi
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Correct Answer: a) Munnar
Explanation: Munnar is often referred to as the “Kashmir of South India” due to its picturesque landscapes and cool climate. Located in the Western Ghats, Munnar is known for its vast tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and diverse flora and fauna. It’s a popular tourist destination in Kerala.
Q13. What is the traditional boat race of Kerala called?
a) Regatta
b) Vallam Kali
c) Jallikattu
d) Kambala
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Correct Answer: b) Vallam Kali
Explanation: Vallam Kali, also known as Snake Boat Race, is a traditional boat race in Kerala. It is a form of canoe racing and is a major tourist attraction. The most famous of these races is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held on the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha. These races are an integral part of Kerala’s cultural heritage.
Q14. Which famous Indian philosopher and social reformer was born in Kerala?
a) Swami Vivekananda
b) Sree Narayana Guru
c) Rabindranath Tagore
d) Mahatma Gandhi
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Correct Answer: b) Sree Narayana Guru
Explanation: Sree Narayana Guru was a renowned philosopher, spiritual leader, and social reformer born in Kerala in 1856. He played a significant role in reforming the caste-ridden society of Kerala and promoted the idea of “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man”. His teachings had a profound impact on Kerala’s social and cultural landscape.
Q15. What is the name of the famous backwater region in Kerala?
a) Sundarbans
b) Chilika Lake
c) Vembanad Lake
d) Pulicat Lake
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Correct Answer: c) Vembanad Lake
Explanation: Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in Kerala and is part of the famous Kerala backwaters. It’s a hub for houseboat tourism and is known for its scenic beauty. The lake spans several districts and is an important wetland ecosystem. It plays a crucial role in the state’s tourism industry and local livelihoods.
Q16. Which UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in Kerala?
a) Taj Mahal
b) Western Ghats
c) Qutub Minar
d) Khajuraho Temples
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Correct Answer: b) Western Ghats
Explanation: The Western Ghats, a mountain range that runs parallel to India’s western coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A significant portion of the Western Ghats is located in Kerala. This region is known for its exceptional biodiversity and is considered one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity.
Q17. What is the traditional martial art form of Kerala?
a) Karate
b) Silambam
c) Kalaripayattu
d) Gatka
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Correct Answer: c) Kalaripayattu
Explanation: Kalaripayattu is the traditional martial art form of Kerala. It is considered one of the oldest fighting systems in existence. Kalaripayattu includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry, and healing methods. This martial art has influenced various other Indian and Asian martial arts.
Q18. Which famous mathematician and astronomer from Kerala made significant contributions to calculus in the 14th century?
a) Aryabhata
b) Brahmagupta
c) Madhava of Sangamagrama
d) Bhaskara II
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Correct Answer: c) Madhava of Sangamagrama
Explanation: Madhava of Sangamagrama was a 14th-century mathematician and astronomer from Kerala. He is considered the founder of the Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics. Madhava made significant contributions to calculus and trigonometry, including infinite series approximations for trigonometric functions, centuries before their development in Europe.
Q19. What is the name of the famous wildlife sanctuary in Kerala known for its tiger reserve?
a) Bandipur
b) Periyar
c) Ranthambore
d) Jim Corbett
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Correct Answer: b) Periyar
Explanation: Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Kerala known for its tiger reserve. Located in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the Western Ghats, it is notable for its elephant and tiger populations. The sanctuary is centered around the Periyar Lake, an artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam.
Q20. Which famous Kerala-born scientist is known as the “Father of India’s Green Revolution”?
a) C.V. Raman
b) M.S. Swaminathan
c) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
d) Homi J. Bhabha
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Correct Answer: b) M.S. Swaminathan
Explanation: M.S. Swaminathan, born in Kumbakonam (then part of Kerala), is known as the “Father of India’s Green Revolution”. He is a renowned agricultural scientist who played a crucial role in introducing and developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice in India. His work significantly increased India’s food production and helped achieve food security.