Celebrating Odisha: A Culture Quiz

What does "Odisha Asmita" or "Odia Asmita" primarily represent?

• Pride in Odisha's political power and spread during Kharavela's reign.

• Pride in Odisha's rich cultural, linguistic, and historical identity

• Glorious Economic development of the state

• Migration of Odias abroad and spreading cultural messages of Odisha globally

Which ancient text promotes the idea of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family), a central theme in Indian ethos?

• Arthashastra

• Manusmriti

• Mundaka Upanishad

• Mahabharata

Answer explanation

Muṇḍakopaniṣad) is an ancient Sanskrit Vedic text, embedded inside Atharva Veda. It is listed as number 5 in the Muktika canon of 108 Upanishads of Hinduism. It is among the most widely translated Upanishads. It is presented as a dialogue between sage Saunaka and sage Angiras. It is a poetic verse style Upanishad, with 64 verses, written in the form of mantras. However, these mantras are not used in rituals, rather they are used for teaching and meditation on spiritual knowledge.

India's cultural unity in diversity is best reflected in which of the following?

• Single language spoken nationwide

• Common dress code across all states

• Festivals and rituals celebrated differently across regions

• Uniform agricultural practices

Which is the largest tribal group in Odisha by population?

• Bonda

• Kondh

• Santal

• Juang

Answer explanation

The largest tribal group in Odisha by population is the Kondh (or Khond). They constitute the most populous tribe in the state. The Kondh tribe has a population of 1,395,643, representing 17.1 percent of the total tribal population of Odisha. They are based mainly in the Kandhamal and adjoining districts namely Rayagada, Koraput, Balangir and Boudh. The Santals with a population over 800,000, inhabit the Mayurbhanj district. The Ho people with a population more than 100,0000 inhabit in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sonepur, Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Anugul, Jharsuguda, Sundergarh, Kandhamal district. The Saura, with a population over 300,000, are found mainly in the undivided Ganjam and Puri district.

In Odisha, which cave complex includes inscriptions of King Kharavela and depicts early examples of Odia script?

• Satkosia Caves

• Khandagiri-Udaygiri Caves

• Dhauligiri Caves

• Jogimara Caves

Answer explanation

The Hathigumpha inscription in Khandagiri provides valuable historical and linguistic insights into early Odisha. The Hathigumpha inscription, found in the Udayagiri hills near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a crucial source of information about the early history and language of the region. Specifically, it provides valuable insights into the reign of King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty during the 1st century BCE. The inscription, written in Prakrit using the Brahmi script, details Kharavela's military campaigns, administrative policies, religious patronage (particularly of Jainism), and public works. 

Which animal, often seen in Odia folklore and Paala storytelling, is symbolically used to depict wisdom and devotion, especially in stories of Lord Shiva and Parvati?

• Monkey

• Elephants

• Bull (Nandi)

• Peacock

Answer explanation

Monkeys are considered sacred as they are associated with Hanuman, Rama's devoted servant and symbol of strength, loyalty, and devotion.Monkeys can often be seen depicted on temple carvings depicting Ramayana story panels. Elephants have become symbols for Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of wisdom. Additionally, elephants represent strength, power and royal authority - these characteristics often seen portrayed prominently in temple architecture, miniature paintings or royal processions.In Odia folklore and Paala storytelling, the bull, particularly Nandi, is the animal most often associated with wisdom and devotion, especially in narratives involving Lord Shiva and Parvati. Nandi, Shiva's faithful mount and devotee, embodies these qualities and is a common sight in temples dedicated to Shiva. While elephants (like Ganesha) are also symbols of wisdom in Hinduism, the bull (Nandi) is specifically linked to Shiva and his consort in the context of Odia storytelling and Paala tradition. Nandi's presence in these narratives emphasizes the themes of unwavering loyalty, dedication, and spiritual insight associated with Lord Shiva's divine presence. The peacock symbolizes beauty, grace, and the cycle of life. It serves as Kartikeya - god of war - as his vehicle. Depictions: Peacocks can often be found depicted in Mughal and Rajput paintings as well as temple decorations.

Which saint-poet is considered a seer among Odisha's Panchasakha?

• Jagannatha Das

• Balarama Das

• Achyutananda Das

• Yasovanta Das

Answer explanation

The Panchasakha are five revered figures in Odia literature and the Utkaliya Vaishnava tradition, whose literary and spiritual contributions in the 15th and 16th centuries have left an enduring mark on Odisha’s cultural and religious life. These five friends—Balarama Das, Jagannatha Das, Achyutananda Das, Ananta Das, and Jasobanta Das—were closely connected by shared spiritual beliefs and devotion to Lord Jagannatha. They played a central role in shaping Utkaliya Vaishnavism, emphasizing heartfelt devotion and making spiritual teachings accessible to the common people. Their collective works, spanning hymns, poetry, philosophical texts, and translations, enriched Odia literature and inspired generations. Among them, Achyutananda Das is considered the most influential, while Balarama Das authored the “Ramarayana,” and Jagannatha Das translated the Bhagavad Gita into Odia. Ananta Das is remembered for “Hetu Udaya Bhagabata,” and Jasobanta Das for his devotional poetry. The Panchasakha’s literary legacy, including the renowned Panchasakha Kaliyuga Jataka, continues to be celebrated and studied in Odisha, keeping their spiritual message alive.

Which steamed delicacy wrapped in turmeric leaves is traditionally prepared during Prathamashtami in Odisha?

• Manda Pitha

• Chakuli Pitha

• Enduri Pitha

• Kakara Pitha

Answer explanation

Filled with coconut-jaggery mix and rich in cultural symbolism. Enḍuri Piṭhā, also known as Haḷadi Patra Piṭhā , is a variety of pitha made in the Indian state of Odisha mostly in the northern, eastern and central region. Ingredients are turmeric leaves, black gram, rice flour, coconut or Chhena, jaggery, black pepper.Enduri is mostly prepared during Prathamastami and Manabasa Gurubara.It is a light snack and has laxative effect because of the turmeric leaves that are used to wrap the pitha. Traditionally, enduri used to be made by steaming in large earthen pots.Enduri is one of the many other pithas offered to Jagannath in the Jagannath Temple, Puri for "Sakala dhupa" (breakfast).

Which flower is considered most sacred in Jagannath worship and is offered daily at the Puri temple?

• Lotus

• Hibiscus

• Champa

• Marigold

Answer explanation

The lotus flower holds deep significance in the worship of Lord Jagannath, symbolizing purity, spiritual enlightenment, and divine beauty. This connection is celebrated through the ritual of Padma Besha, during which the deity is adorned with lotus flowers, traditionally in the month of Magha. The ritual commemorates the devotion of a humble devotee, Manohar Das, who offered lotus flowers to Lord Jagannath. The lotus is also sacred to Goddess Lakshmi, enhancing its auspiciousness, as Jagannath is a form of Vishnu, Lakshmi’s consort. The Padma Besha thus not only honors devotion but is believed to invoke blessings of health, wealth, and spiritual well-being upon the devotees.

Which tree is central to tribal festivals in Jharkhand and Odisha and is used to brew Mahua liquor?

• Arjuna

• Tamarind

• Mahua (Madhuca indica)

• Banyan

Answer explanation

In Odisha, Madhuca longifolia, locally known as mahula, is a culturally and economically significant tree, especially for tribal communities. Its flowers are traditionally collected, dried, and used to brew a mild alcoholic drink central to tribal festivals, rituals, and daily life, particularly in western Odisha districts like Kalahandi, Bolangir, and Koraput. The mahula drink is an essential part of tribal celebrations, marriages, and religious observances, reflecting deep cultural ties to nature. The seeds yield oil used in cooking, medicine, and soap-making, while the leftover cake fertilizes fields. Beyond its practical uses, the tree is revered by locals, often worshipped during village festivals, and seen as a symbol of sustenance and prosperity. Its preservation remains important for both cultural identity and the livelihoods of Odisha’s indigenous communities.