Ramayana Beyond Valmiki Quiz
We have all heard Ramayana from someone before we read it ourselves. Along the way, we hear several versions and anecdotes. Some of these are not part of the Valmiki Ramayana. They were added by latter composers. Most of them strengthen the spirit of the related incident of Valmiki Ramayana. Thus they have got embedded in popular memory.
In this quiz, we take you through 12 such popular incidents. The beautiful book ” The Essential Ramayana” by Shri Arjun Bharadwaj summarises these later day narratives.
5 lucky quizzers stand a chance to win this book.
Deccan Empires Quiz
Gudi Padwa and Ugadi are Deccan new year festivals. They are celebrated today in the Deccan region – Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
This quiz covers the Deccan rulers, who were enlightened but not well-known.
Five lucky quizzers win the Essential Ramayana book.
Games of India Quiz
As we celebrate Holi, lets explore the traditional games that kept our ancestors engaged. What is the Indian contribution to the origins of chess? At which game did Yudhistira foolishly gamble away his wife and brothers? Where in India is bull fighting as traditionally popular as in Spain?
Five lucky quizzers win Vikram Sampath book – “Waiting for Shiva”
Forms of Shiva Quiz
Shiva comes to us in several forms. Perhaps from the times of Sindu Saraswati civilization we have worshipped Shiva. Sixty four manifestations of Shiva are mentioned in the Sivagamas. Let us explore some of these forms.
Five lucky quizzers win Vikram Sampath book – “Waiting for Shiva”
MahaKumbh Quiz
Today is Maghi Poornima Day, the last Amrit Snan at MahaKumbh before Shivaratri. Kumbha is the Mela Raja, a microcosm of Hindu India’s spiritual life. Even the avowedly agnostic Nehru was moved by “the tremendous faith that had drawn our people for untold generations.”
Why is the Kumbh Mela called Kumbh? How does Kumbh reveal our knowledge of astronomy? Who are Kalpavasis? Who brought the Sadhus to Kumbh?
Saraswati Quiz
Today is Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja. This quiz takes you through the history and tradition of Sarasvati. What is the nature of Sarasvati in the Rig Veda? What musical instrument does Sarasvati hold? Which bird is the mount or vahan of Sarasvati? Which Islamic country gifted a 16 ft tall Sarasvati sculpture to the United States?
Temple Prasad Quiz
Let us start this year with sweet questions. This is a quiz about Prasad from Temples. How big can a Modak be? Who makes so much Prasad that it needs a conveyor belt? What do Jalebi, Khichidi and Chow Mein have with our temples? Where is Vishnu believed to dine?
Many Ramayanas Quiz
Ramakatha is one but Ramayanas are many. We featured foreign Ramayanas last year. We feature popular Indian Ramayanas this year.
Stories of Devi Quiz
Devi worship is 10,000 years old. Devi is probably first seen in Harappa seals and stories of Devi are atleast 1500 years old. Let us explore some powerful stories from the Devi tradition.
Kerala’s Onam Quiz
Onam is Kerala’s festival identity. The festival has a history going back two thousand years. In this short quiz, we try to explore the stories associated with Onam. Where is it first mentioned? Which story is most associated with Onam? Which temples celebrate Onam?