2. Rules
* 26 questions.
* Each question carries 1 mark.
* Star-marked questions (all the vowel ones, i.e – A, E,
I, O & U) will be counted to break the ties.
* Every decision of the QM is final.
3.
4.
5. In the 1962 Indo-China War,In the 1962 Indo-China War,
Major Shaitan Singh,Major Shaitan Singh,
Commander of the ‘C’ CompanyCommander of the ‘C’ Company
of 13 Kumaon Regiment led hisof 13 Kumaon Regiment led his
123 jawans against around 1000123 jawans against around 1000
Chinese and defended the post ofChinese and defended the post of
Rezangla. His bravery is said toRezangla. His bravery is said to
be the inspiration behind abe the inspiration behind a
certain something which stillcertain something which still
moves us to tears.moves us to tears.
What?What?
A
6. This European city, a prominent World HeritageThis European city, a prominent World Heritage
Site of UNESCO, is the setting of the popularSite of UNESCO, is the setting of the popular
song and other related scenes in this movie.song and other related scenes in this movie.
Incidentally, this is the first bolly-movie to be shotIncidentally, this is the first bolly-movie to be shot
there.there.
Identify this city.Identify this city.
B
7. Three PerfectionsThree Perfections was an art form, flourished inwas an art form, flourished in
the Middle Ages in China, where experts of threethe Middle Ages in China, where experts of three
different arts contributed together. Two of themdifferent arts contributed together. Two of them
were - a poet and a painter.were - a poet and a painter.
Who was the third one to complete this artisticWho was the third one to complete this artistic
troica?troica?
(vis – next slide)(vis – next slide)
C
9. Found mostly in North India, this musicalFound mostly in North India, this musical
instrument originates from the Taus. Someinstrument originates from the Taus. Some
historians believed that it was mostly associatedhistorians believed that it was mostly associated
with Guru Govind Singh.with Guru Govind Singh.
Which musical instrument, literally meaningWhich musical instrument, literally meaning
‘robber of the heart’‘robber of the heart’, is this?, is this?
D
10. Whom did Helena Bonham Carter portray in thisWhom did Helena Bonham Carter portray in this
BBC movie?BBC movie?
E
11. ShahnamehShahnameh (the Persian for ‘Book of King’) is said (the Persian for ‘Book of King’) is said
to be the world’s longest epic poem created by ato be the world’s longest epic poem created by a
single poet. According to legend, Sultan Mahmudsingle poet. According to legend, Sultan Mahmud
of Ghazni agreed to offer the poet a gold piece forof Ghazni agreed to offer the poet a gold piece for
every couplet of the book he wrote. After thirtyevery couplet of the book he wrote. After thirty
years of backbreaking work, he finished hisyears of backbreaking work, he finished his
masterpiece.masterpiece.
Who was the poet?Who was the poet?
F
12. Which organisation has recently recreated theseWhich organisation has recently recreated these
iconic Bollywood posters to highlight nationwideiconic Bollywood posters to highlight nationwide
crackdown on civil liberties?crackdown on civil liberties?
G
13. One of the most well-known works of AmritaOne of the most well-known works of Amrita
Pritam was her poignant poem, Pritam was her poignant poem, Ajj aakhaan WarisAjj aakhaan Waris
Shah nuShah nu, written on the trauma faced by the, written on the trauma faced by the
families during the 1947 Partition of India.families during the 1947 Partition of India.
The poem is addressed to the famous PunjabiThe poem is addressed to the famous Punjabi
poet Waris Shah, mostly remembered for whichpoet Waris Shah, mostly remembered for which
classic work of Punjabi literature? classic work of Punjabi literature?
H
14. Which 2013 book, co-written by a teenager andWhich 2013 book, co-written by a teenager and
Christina Lamb, has sold over a million copies andChristina Lamb, has sold over a million copies and
has already been translated into Kannada, Tamil,has already been translated into Kannada, Tamil,
Malayalam and Marathi?Malayalam and Marathi?
(The title of the book actually refers to the answer(The title of the book actually refers to the answer
to a question asked by a member of an extremistto a question asked by a member of an extremist
organisation to a group of school kids.)organisation to a group of school kids.)
I
15. The name ____ of this once-popular butThe name ____ of this once-popular but
currently-defunct group came to one of thecurrently-defunct group came to one of the
important members in a dream where one of hisimportant members in a dream where one of his
teachers shook him and curtly said, “Tumheteachers shook him and curtly said, “Tumhe
mousiqui ka ____ hai!.mousiqui ka ____ hai!.
Which group?Which group?
J
16. Very recentlyVery recently
shared inshared in
Instagram……Instagram……
Which bolly bigWhich bolly big
shot’sshot’s
childhood snapchildhood snap
is this?is this?
K
17. In the world of literature, how do we better knowIn the world of literature, how do we better know
Mr. Oliver Mellors, a gamekeeper by profession?Mr. Oliver Mellors, a gamekeeper by profession?
L
18. X was an ancient Indian city mentioned in severalX was an ancient Indian city mentioned in several
texts including Mahabharata. As mentioned in thetexts including Mahabharata. As mentioned in the
Buddhist text Buddhist text Digha Nikaya,Digha Nikaya, X wasX was located on thelocated on the
banks of the Narmada river and used to serve asbanks of the Narmada river and used to serve as
the capital of Avanti Kingdom. It came into big-the capital of Avanti Kingdom. It came into big-
time news in 2015 and is likely to be in the news intime news in 2015 and is likely to be in the news in
the next year also.the next year also.
Identify X.Identify X.
M
19. The original painting made in 1898 had an EdisonThe original painting made in 1898 had an Edison
Bell phonograph in it. But it was later modified byBell phonograph in it. But it was later modified by
the painter and the phonograph was replaced withthe painter and the phonograph was replaced with
a Berliner disc gramophone. It was done only fora Berliner disc gramophone. It was done only for
commercial purpose.commercial purpose.
Who was the subject of the painting being referredWho was the subject of the painting being referred
to in the question?to in the question?
N
20. Abd el-Ouahed benAbd el-Ouahed ben
Messaoud ben MohammedMessaoud ben Mohammed
Anoun – the MoorishAnoun – the Moorish
Ambassador to the court ofAmbassador to the court of
Queen Elizabeth I ofQueen Elizabeth I of
England, to promote theEngland, to promote the
establishment of an Anglo-establishment of an Anglo-
Moroccan alliance, is oftenMoroccan alliance, is often
cited as the inspiration forcited as the inspiration for
which well-known literarywhich well-known literary
character?character?
O
21. As a child, this famous American Lawyer-turned –As a child, this famous American Lawyer-turned –
author used to follow the magazineauthor used to follow the magazine TheThe Youth’sYouth’s
CompanionCompanion very religiously. After getting boredvery religiously. After getting bored
with his profession, when he decided to become awith his profession, when he decided to become a
full time author he coined the name of his famousfull time author he coined the name of his famous
creation after the Massachusetts-based companycreation after the Massachusetts-based company
which published that magazine.which published that magazine.
What was the name of his most famous creation?What was the name of his most famous creation?
(vis of the author – next slide)
P
23. One of the viral videos of 2014, Going Home is aOne of the viral videos of 2014, Going Home is a
short feature where director Vikas Bahl quoted,short feature where director Vikas Bahl quoted,
““I pledge to create a short film titled ‘Going Home’,I pledge to create a short film titled ‘Going Home’,
in which we visualise a utopia for women, where,in which we visualise a utopia for women, where,
unlike today, mistrust and fear don't dictate actionsunlike today, mistrust and fear don't dictate actions
and decisions.”and decisions.”
For which of his directorial venture, did Vikas BahlFor which of his directorial venture, did Vikas Bahl
win the National Award in recent times?win the National Award in recent times?
Q
24. For weeks, France and the Netherlands wrangledFor weeks, France and the Netherlands wrangled
over the fate of a pair of 17th-Century weddingover the fate of a pair of 17th-Century wedding
paintings. While the Dutch govt. and Rijksmuseumpaintings. While the Dutch govt. and Rijksmuseum
tried to secure both paintings for the nation, Francetried to secure both paintings for the nation, France
sought to buy atleast one for the Louvre. Aftersought to buy atleast one for the Louvre. After
tortuous negotiations the two nations have finallytortuous negotiations the two nations have finally
agreed to buy the paintings together.agreed to buy the paintings together.
Who was the painter of these artworks?Who was the painter of these artworks?
(vis – next slide)(vis – next slide)
R
26. The son, of a more famous father, made his film-The son, of a more famous father, made his film-
debut in 1998, by composing for the backgrounddebut in 1998, by composing for the background
score of the Malayalam movie,score of the Malayalam movie, Ennu SwanthamEnnu Swantham
JanakikuttyJanakikutty. Shortly afterwards, John Matthew. Shortly afterwards, John Matthew
Matthan roped him in to compose the backgroundMatthan roped him in to compose the background
score ofscore of SarfaroshSarfarosh. He was also nominated for the. He was also nominated for the
Star Screen Award in the Best Music DirectorStar Screen Award in the Best Music Director
category forcategory for A WednesdayA Wednesday..
Who was his father?Who was his father?
(vis of the son – next slide)(vis of the son – next slide)
S
28. American blues musician Henry Saint ClairAmerican blues musician Henry Saint Clair
Fredericks has started using his two-word stageFredericks has started using his two-word stage
name since 1959 after he visualised a particularname since 1959 after he visualised a particular
landmark when he was dreaming aboutlandmark when he was dreaming about
Gandhiji and his activities.Gandhiji and his activities.
How do we know him better?How do we know him better?
T
29. What is the Italian word for ‘a Bright Warrior’What is the Italian word for ‘a Bright Warrior’
doing in a MELA Quiz?doing in a MELA Quiz?
U
30. Who is the alleged inspiration behind this cartoonWho is the alleged inspiration behind this cartoon
character created by Sergei Kalenik and few others?character created by Sergei Kalenik and few others?
V
31. Written by Billie Joe Armstrong after the death ofWritten by Billie Joe Armstrong after the death of
his father, this song was said to be the mosthis father, this song was said to be the most
autobiographical in nature. In the USA, the songautobiographical in nature. In the USA, the song
became symbolic after Hurricane Katrina, where itbecame symbolic after Hurricane Katrina, where it
was dedicated to victims of the disaster.was dedicated to victims of the disaster.
Which hit song is this?Which hit song is this?
W
32. An offshoot of the X-Men, this team comprisingAn offshoot of the X-Men, this team comprising
Boom Boom, Cannonball, Domino, Feral,Boom Boom, Cannonball, Domino, Feral,
Shatterstar & Warpath takes a more militant andShatterstar & Warpath takes a more militant and
aggressive approach towards its enemiesaggressive approach towards its enemies
compared to the X-Men. A movie about this elitecompared to the X-Men. A movie about this elite
group is also on the cards.group is also on the cards.
Name this super-group.Name this super-group.
X
33. I am lookingI am looking
for a 9-letterfor a 9-letter
word whichword which
will fit in allwill fit in all
the boxesthe boxes
(with red(with red
circle) in thecircle) in the
panels.panels.
Y
34. Rhea Pillai, ex-wife of Sanjay Dutt (and alsoRhea Pillai, ex-wife of Sanjay Dutt (and also
Leander Paes) was the grand daughter of X. BornLeander Paes) was the grand daughter of X. Born
in Surat, X was a stunningly beautiful princess,in Surat, X was a stunningly beautiful princess,
the daughter of Nawab Sidi Ibrahim Muhammadthe daughter of Nawab Sidi Ibrahim Muhammad
Yakut Khan III. Very much part of the filmYakut Khan III. Very much part of the film
fraternity, X appeared for the last time on screenfraternity, X appeared for the last time on screen
in an Assamese movie, tiled ‘Ajala Kokai’ in 1989.in an Assamese movie, tiled ‘Ajala Kokai’ in 1989.
Identify X who has a very special place in theIdentify X who has a very special place in the
history of Indian Cinema.history of Indian Cinema.
Z
35.
36.
37. In the 1962 Indo-China War,In the 1962 Indo-China War,
Major Shaitan Singh,Major Shaitan Singh,
Commander of the ‘C’ CompanyCommander of the ‘C’ Company
of 13 Kumaon Regiment led hisof 13 Kumaon Regiment led his
123 jawans against around 1000123 jawans against around 1000
Chinese and defended the post ofChinese and defended the post of
Rezangla. His bravery is said toRezangla. His bravery is said to
be the inspiration behind abe the inspiration behind a
certain something which stillcertain something which still
moves us to tears.moves us to tears.
What?What?
A
39. This European city, a prominent World HeritageThis European city, a prominent World Heritage
Site of UNESCO, is the setting of the popularSite of UNESCO, is the setting of the popular
song and other related scenes in this movie.song and other related scenes in this movie.
Incidentally, this is the first bolly-movie to be shotIncidentally, this is the first bolly-movie to be shot
there.there.
Identify this city.Identify this city.
B
41. Three PerfectionsThree Perfections was an art form, flourished inwas an art form, flourished in
the Middle Ages in China, where experts of threethe Middle Ages in China, where experts of three
different arts contributed together. Two of themdifferent arts contributed together. Two of them
were - a poet and a painter.were - a poet and a painter.
Who was the third one to complete this artisticWho was the third one to complete this artistic
troica?troica?
(vis – next slide)(vis – next slide)
C
44. Found mostly in North India, this musicalFound mostly in North India, this musical
instrument originates from the Taus. Someinstrument originates from the Taus. Some
historians believed that it was mostly associatedhistorians believed that it was mostly associated
with Guru Govind Singh.with Guru Govind Singh.
Which musical instrument, literally meaningWhich musical instrument, literally meaning
‘robber of the heart’‘robber of the heart’, is this?, is this?
D
48. ShahnamehShahnameh (the Persian for ‘Book of King’) is said (the Persian for ‘Book of King’) is said
to be the world’s longest epic poem created by ato be the world’s longest epic poem created by a
single poet. According to legend, Sultan Mahmudsingle poet. According to legend, Sultan Mahmud
of Ghazni agreed to offer the poet a gold piece forof Ghazni agreed to offer the poet a gold piece for
every couplet of the book he wrote. After thirtyevery couplet of the book he wrote. After thirty
years of backbreaking work, he finished hisyears of backbreaking work, he finished his
masterpiece.masterpiece.
Who was the poet?Who was the poet?
F
50. Which organisation has recently recreated theseWhich organisation has recently recreated these
iconic Bollywood posters to highlight nationwideiconic Bollywood posters to highlight nationwide
crackdown on civil liberties?crackdown on civil liberties?
G
52. One of the most well-known works of AmritaOne of the most well-known works of Amrita
Pritam was her poignant poem, Pritam was her poignant poem, Ajj aakhaan WarisAjj aakhaan Waris
Shah nuShah nu, written on the trauma faced by the, written on the trauma faced by the
families during the 1947 Partition of India.families during the 1947 Partition of India.
The poem is addressed to the famous PunjabiThe poem is addressed to the famous Punjabi
poet Waris Shah, mostly remembered for whichpoet Waris Shah, mostly remembered for which
classic work of Punjabi literature? classic work of Punjabi literature?
H
54. Which 2013 book, co-written by a teenager andWhich 2013 book, co-written by a teenager and
Christina Lamb, has sold over a million copies andChristina Lamb, has sold over a million copies and
has already been translated into Kannada, Tamil,has already been translated into Kannada, Tamil,
Malayalam and Marathi?Malayalam and Marathi?
(The title of the book actually refers to the answer(The title of the book actually refers to the answer
to a question asked by a member of an extremistto a question asked by a member of an extremist
organisation to a group of school kids.)organisation to a group of school kids.)
I
56. The name ____ of this once-popular butThe name ____ of this once-popular but
currently-defunct group came to one of thecurrently-defunct group came to one of the
important members in a dream where one of hisimportant members in a dream where one of his
teachers shook him and curtly said, “Tumheteachers shook him and curtly said, “Tumhe
mousiqui ka ____ hai!.mousiqui ka ____ hai!.
Which group?Which group?
J
58. Very recentlyVery recently
shared inshared in
Instagram……Instagram……
Which bolly bigWhich bolly big
shot’sshot’s
childhood snapchildhood snap
is this?is this?
K
60. In the world of literature, how do we better knowIn the world of literature, how do we better know
Mr. Oliver Mellors, a gamekeeper by profession?Mr. Oliver Mellors, a gamekeeper by profession?
L
62. X was an ancient Indian city mentioned in severalX was an ancient Indian city mentioned in several
texts including Mahabharata. As mentioned in thetexts including Mahabharata. As mentioned in the
Buddhist text Buddhist text Digha Nikaya,Digha Nikaya, X wasX was located on thelocated on the
banks of the Narmada river and used to serve asbanks of the Narmada river and used to serve as
the capital of Avanti Kingdom. It came into big-the capital of Avanti Kingdom. It came into big-
time news in 2015 and is likely to be in the news intime news in 2015 and is likely to be in the news in
the next year also.the next year also.
Identify X.Identify X.
M
64. The original painting made in 1898 had an EdisonThe original painting made in 1898 had an Edison
Bell phonograph in it. But it was later modified byBell phonograph in it. But it was later modified by
the painter and the phonograph was replaced withthe painter and the phonograph was replaced with
a Berliner disc gramophone. It was done only fora Berliner disc gramophone. It was done only for
commercial purpose.commercial purpose.
Who was the subject of the painting being referredWho was the subject of the painting being referred
to in the question?to in the question?
N
66. Abd el-Ouahed benAbd el-Ouahed ben
Messaoud ben MohammedMessaoud ben Mohammed
Anoun – the MoorishAnoun – the Moorish
Ambassador to the court ofAmbassador to the court of
Queen Elizabeth I ofQueen Elizabeth I of
England, to promote theEngland, to promote the
establishment of an Anglo-establishment of an Anglo-
Moroccan alliance, is oftenMoroccan alliance, is often
cited as the inspiration forcited as the inspiration for
which well-known literarywhich well-known literary
character?character?
O
68. As a child, this famous American Lawyer-turned –As a child, this famous American Lawyer-turned –
author used to follow the magazineauthor used to follow the magazine TheThe Youth’sYouth’s
CompanionCompanion very religiously. After getting boredvery religiously. After getting bored
with his profession, when he decided to become awith his profession, when he decided to become a
full time author he coined the name of his famousfull time author he coined the name of his famous
creation after the Massachusetts-based companycreation after the Massachusetts-based company
which published that magazine.which published that magazine.
What was the name of his most famous creation?What was the name of his most famous creation?
(vis of the author – next slide)
P
71. One of the viral videos of 2014, Going Home is aOne of the viral videos of 2014, Going Home is a
short feature where director Vikas Bahl quoted,short feature where director Vikas Bahl quoted,
““I pledge to create a short film titled ‘Going Home’,I pledge to create a short film titled ‘Going Home’,
in which we visualise a utopia for women, where,in which we visualise a utopia for women, where,
unlike today, mistrust and fear don't dictate actionsunlike today, mistrust and fear don't dictate actions
and decisions.”and decisions.”
For which of his directorial venture, did Vikas BahlFor which of his directorial venture, did Vikas Bahl
win the National Award in recent times?win the National Award in recent times?
Q
73. For weeks, France and the Netherlands wrangledFor weeks, France and the Netherlands wrangled
over the fate of a pair of 17th-Century weddingover the fate of a pair of 17th-Century wedding
paintings. While the Dutch govt. and Rijksmuseumpaintings. While the Dutch govt. and Rijksmuseum
tried to secure both paintings for the nation, Francetried to secure both paintings for the nation, France
sought to buy atleast one for the Louvre. Aftersought to buy atleast one for the Louvre. After
tortuous negotiations the two nations have finallytortuous negotiations the two nations have finally
agreed to buy the paintings together.agreed to buy the paintings together.
Who was the painter of these artworks?Who was the painter of these artworks?
(vis – next slide)(vis – next slide)
R
76. The son, of a more famous father, made his film-The son, of a more famous father, made his film-
debut in 1998, by composing for the backgrounddebut in 1998, by composing for the background
score of the Malayalam movie,score of the Malayalam movie, Ennu SwanthamEnnu Swantham
JanakikuttyJanakikutty. Shortly afterwards, John Matthew. Shortly afterwards, John Matthew
Matthan roped him in to compose the backgroundMatthan roped him in to compose the background
score ofscore of SarfaroshSarfarosh. He was also nominated for the. He was also nominated for the
Star Screen Award in the Best Music DirectorStar Screen Award in the Best Music Director
category forcategory for A WednesdayA Wednesday..
Who was his father?Who was his father?
(vis of the son – next slide)(vis of the son – next slide)
S
79. American blues musician Henry Saint ClairAmerican blues musician Henry Saint Clair
Fredericks has started using his two-word stageFredericks has started using his two-word stage
name since 1959 after he visualised a particularname since 1959 after he visualised a particular
landmark when he was dreaming aboutlandmark when he was dreaming about
Gandhiji and his activities.Gandhiji and his activities.
How do we know him better?How do we know him better?
T
83. Who is the alleged inspiration behind this cartoonWho is the alleged inspiration behind this cartoon
character created by Sergei Kalenik and few others?character created by Sergei Kalenik and few others?
V
85. Written by Billie Joe Armstrong after the death ofWritten by Billie Joe Armstrong after the death of
his father, this song was said to be the mosthis father, this song was said to be the most
autobiographical in nature. In the USA, the songautobiographical in nature. In the USA, the song
became symbolic after Hurricane Katrina, where itbecame symbolic after Hurricane Katrina, where it
was dedicated to victims of the disaster.was dedicated to victims of the disaster.
Which hit song is this?Which hit song is this?
W
86. W
Wake Me Up When September EndsWake Me Up When September Ends
87. An offshoot of the X-Men, this team comprisingAn offshoot of the X-Men, this team comprising
Boom Boom, Cannonball, Domino, Feral,Boom Boom, Cannonball, Domino, Feral,
Shatterstar & Warpath takes a more militant andShatterstar & Warpath takes a more militant and
aggressive approach towards its enemiesaggressive approach towards its enemies
compared to the X-Men. A movie about this elitecompared to the X-Men. A movie about this elite
group is also on the cards.group is also on the cards.
Name this super-group.Name this super-group.
X
89. I am lookingI am looking
for a 9-letterfor a 9-letter
word whichword which
will fit in allwill fit in all
the boxesthe boxes
(with red(with red
circle) in thecircle) in the
panels.panels.
Y
91. Rhea Pillai, ex-wife of Sanjay Dutt (and alsoRhea Pillai, ex-wife of Sanjay Dutt (and also
Leander Paes) was the grand daughter of X. BornLeander Paes) was the grand daughter of X. Born
in Surat, Gujarat , X was a stunningly beautifulin Surat, Gujarat , X was a stunningly beautiful
princess, the daughter of Nawab Sidi Ibrahimprincess, the daughter of Nawab Sidi Ibrahim
Muhammad Yakut Khan III. Very much part ofMuhammad Yakut Khan III. Very much part of
the film fraternity, X appeared for the last time onthe film fraternity, X appeared for the last time on
screen in an Assamese movie, tiled ‘Ajala Kokai’screen in an Assamese movie, tiled ‘Ajala Kokai’
in 1989.in 1989.
Identify X who has a very special place in theIdentify X who has a very special place in the
history of Indian Cinema.history of Indian Cinema.
Z