Quiz

Just about anything

Sandeep Mishra
PONDICHERRY UNIVERSITY

1. La Grande Illusion (1937) was the first foreign-language film to be

nominated for a Best Film Oscar. Name the director
Jean Renoir

2. The expression came into being in the late 18th Century when the
American settlers were pushing further and further west towards
Oregon, California, etc. Since they were exploring uncharted territory and
didn't want to get lost along the way, they used to mark the X that they
had taken. One of the ways that they used to indicate the route they had
taken was to remove the bark from some of the trees. This method of
marking trees was known as "Y". And since they were marking an X, we get
the expression in question. What?
Trailblazer
3. Satyabhama, queen of Krishna, prides herself about the love Krishna has
for her and her grasp over his heart. On one occasion, the sage Narada
arrived in Dwaraka and in the course of conversation hinted to Satyabhama
that the love that Krishna exhibits towards her is not all that real and in
fact it is Rukmini who has real control over his heart. Unable to bear this,
Satyabhama challenges Narada to prove it. Narada, with his way with
words, tricked her into accepting a Vrata where she has to give Krishna
away in charity to Narada and reclaim him by giving the weight of Krishna
in wealth, else Krishna will become his slave and do as he pleases. All that
she has is soon put on the scale, but it doesn't budge. Satyabhama, in
frantic panic begs all the other wives to give their jewels. They agree out of
love for Krishna but alas, it is of no use. Narada suggests to Satyabhama
that Rukmini may be able to get her out of the predicament. She finally
swallows her pride and appeals to the devoted first wife of Krishna.
Rukmini comes and with a prayer to her husband puts a single leaf of the
sacred Tulasi on the scale. The scales then become all at once so heavy
that even after removing all the jewels, the scales are weighed down on
the side of the Tulasi leaf. This story is often repeated to enunciate the
significance of Tulsi and how a humble offering to God is greater than any
material wealth. What is this Hindu ritual called?
Tulabharam
4. Located in Savar, about 35 km north-west of the capital, Dhaka, it was
designed by Syed Mainul Hossain, whose design was chosen following a
nationwide design competition. This is the national monument of
Bangladesh and the symbol of the valour and the sacrifice of all those who
gave their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. What?
Jatiyo Smriti Soudho
5.