Somnath ChandaSomnath Chanda

Kolkata Quiz-PrelimsKolkata Quiz-PrelimsAntaragni - 2015Antaragni - 2015

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.

In the 1962 Indo-China In the 1962 Indo-China War, Major Shaitan War, Major Shaitan

Singh, Commander of Singh, Commander of the ‘C’ Company of 13 the ‘C’ Company of 13 Kumaon Regiment led Kumaon Regiment led his 123 jawans against his 123 jawans against around 1000 Chinese around 1000 Chinese

and defended the post of and defended the post of Rezangla. His bravery is Rezangla. His bravery is said to be the inspiration said to be the inspiration

behind a certain behind a certain something which still something which still

moves us to tears.moves us to tears.What?What?

A

This European city, a This European city, a prominent World Heritage prominent World Heritage

Site of UNESCO, is the setting of the Site of UNESCO, is the setting of the popular song and other related popular song and other related

scenes in this movie. Incidentally, scenes in this movie. Incidentally, this is the first bolly-movie to be shot this is the first bolly-movie to be shot

there.there.Identify this city.Identify this city.

B

Three Perfections Three Perfections was an art form, was an art form, flourished in the Middle Ages in flourished in the Middle Ages in

China, where experts of three China, where experts of three different arts contributed together. different arts contributed together.

Two of them were - a poet and a Two of them were - a poet and a painter. painter.

Who was the third one to complete Who was the third one to complete this artistic troica?this artistic troica?

(vis – next slide)(vis – next slide)

C

C

Found mostly in North India, this Found mostly in North India, this musical instrument originates from musical instrument originates from the Taus. Some historians believed the Taus. Some historians believed that it was mostly associated with that it was mostly associated with

Guru Govind Singh. Guru Govind Singh. Which musical instrument, literally Which musical instrument, literally

meaning meaning ‘robber of the heart’‘robber of the heart’, is this?, is this?

D

Whom did Helena Bonham Whom did Helena Bonham Carter portray in this BBC movie?Carter portray in this BBC movie?

E

ShahnamehShahnameh (the Persian for ‘Book of  (the Persian for ‘Book of King’) is said to be the world’s King’) is said to be the world’s

longest epic poem created by a single longest epic poem created by a single poet. According to legend, Sultan poet. According to legend, Sultan

Mahmud of Ghazni agreed to offer the Mahmud of Ghazni agreed to offer the poet a gold piece for every couplet of poet a gold piece for every couplet of the book he wrote. After thirty years the book he wrote. After thirty years of backbreaking work, he finished his of backbreaking work, he finished his

masterpiece.masterpiece.Who was the poet?Who was the poet?

F

Which organisation has recently Which organisation has recently recreated these iconic Bollywood recreated these iconic Bollywood posters to highlight nationwide posters to highlight nationwide

crackdown on civil liberties?crackdown on civil liberties?

G

  One of the most well-known works of One of the most well-known works of Amrita Pritam was her poignant Amrita Pritam was her poignant

poem, poem, Ajj aakhaan Waris Shah nuAjj aakhaan Waris Shah nu, , written on the trauma faced by the written on the trauma faced by the

families during the 1947 Partition of families during the 1947 Partition of India. India.

The poem is addressed to the famous The poem is addressed to the famous Punjabi poet Waris Shah, mostly Punjabi poet Waris Shah, mostly

remembered for which classic work of remembered for which classic work of Punjabi literature? Punjabi literature? 

H

Which 2013 book, co-written by a Which 2013 book, co-written by a teenager and Christina Lamb, has teenager and Christina Lamb, has sold over a million copies and has sold over a million copies and has

already been translated into Kannada, already been translated into Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam and Marathi?Tamil, Malayalam and Marathi?

(The title of the book actually refers (The title of the book actually refers to the answer to a question asked by a to the answer to a question asked by a member of an extremist organisation member of an extremist organisation

to a group of school kids.) to a group of school kids.)

I

The name ____ of this once-popular The name ____ of this once-popular but currently-defunct group came to but currently-defunct group came to one of the important members in a one of the important members in a dream where one of his teachers dream where one of his teachers

shook him and curtly said, “Tumhe shook him and curtly said, “Tumhe mousiqui ka ____ hai!.mousiqui ka ____ hai!.

Which group?Which group?

J

Very Very recently recently

shared in shared in Instagram…Instagram…

… Which … Which bolly big bolly big

shot’s shot’s childhood childhood

snap is snap is this?this?

K

In the world of literature, how do we In the world of literature, how do we better know Mr. Oliver Mellors, a better know Mr. Oliver Mellors, a

gamekeeper by profession?gamekeeper by profession?

L

X was an ancient Indian city X was an ancient Indian city mentioned in several texts mentioned in several texts including Mahabharata. As including Mahabharata. As

mentioned in the Buddhist text mentioned in the Buddhist text Digha Digha Nikaya, Nikaya, X wasX was located on the banks of located on the banks of the Narmada river and used to serve the Narmada river and used to serve as the capital of Avanti Kingdom. It as the capital of Avanti Kingdom. It

came into big-time news in 2015 and came into big-time news in 2015 and is likely to be in the news in the next is likely to be in the news in the next

year also.year also.Identify X.Identify X.

M

The original painting made in 1898 The original painting made in 1898 had an Edison Bell phonograph in it. had an Edison Bell phonograph in it.

But it was later modified by the But it was later modified by the painter and the phonograph was painter and the phonograph was

replaced with a Berliner disc replaced with a Berliner disc gramophone. It was done only for gramophone. It was done only for

commercial purpose.commercial purpose.Who was the subject of the painting Who was the subject of the painting being referred to in the question?being referred to in the question?

N

Abd el-Ouahed ben Abd el-Ouahed ben Messaoud ben Messaoud ben

Mohammed Anoun – Mohammed Anoun – the Moorish the Moorish

Ambassador to the Ambassador to the court of Queen court of Queen Elizabeth I of Elizabeth I of

England, to promote England, to promote the establishment of the establishment of an Anglo-Moroccan an Anglo-Moroccan

alliance, is often alliance, is often cited as the cited as the

inspiration for inspiration for which well-known which well-known literary character?literary character?

O

As a child, this famous American As a child, this famous American Lawyer-turned –author used to follow Lawyer-turned –author used to follow the magazine the magazine TheThe Youth’s Companion Youth’s Companion very religiously. After getting bored very religiously. After getting bored with his profession, when he decided with his profession, when he decided

to become a full time author he to become a full time author he coined the name of his famous coined the name of his famous

creation after the Massachusetts-creation after the Massachusetts-based company which published that based company which published that

magazine.magazine.What was the name of his most What was the name of his most

famous creation? famous creation? (vis of the author – next slide)

P

P

One of the viral videos of 2014, Going One of the viral videos of 2014, Going Home is a short feature where director Home is a short feature where director

Vikas Bahl quoted, Vikas Bahl quoted, ““I pledge to create a short film titled I pledge to create a short film titled ‘Going Home’, in which we visualise a ‘Going Home’, in which we visualise a

utopia for women, where, unlike today, utopia for women, where, unlike today, mistrust and fear don't dictate actions mistrust and fear don't dictate actions

and decisions.”and decisions.” For which of his directorial venture, For which of his directorial venture,

did Vikas Bahl win the National Award did Vikas Bahl win the National Award in recent times?in recent times?

Q

For weeks, France and the Netherlands For weeks, France and the Netherlands wrangled over the fate of a pair of wrangled over the fate of a pair of

17th-Century wedding paintings. While 17th-Century wedding paintings. While the Dutch govt. and Rijksmuseum tried the Dutch govt. and Rijksmuseum tried to secure both paintings for the nation, to secure both paintings for the nation,

France sought to buy atleast one for France sought to buy atleast one for the Louvre. After tortuous negotiations the Louvre. After tortuous negotiations the two nations have finally agreed to the two nations have finally agreed to

buy the paintings together.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

R

The son, of a more famous father, The son, of a more famous father, made his film-debut in 1998, by made his film-debut in 1998, by

composing for the background score composing for the background score of the Malayalam movie, of the Malayalam movie, Ennu Ennu Swantham JanakikuttySwantham Janakikutty. Shortly . Shortly

afterwards, John Matthew afterwards, John Matthew Matthan roped him in to compose the Matthan roped him in to compose the

background score of background score of SarfaroshSarfarosh. He . He was also nominated for the Star was also nominated for the Star Screen Award in the Best Music Screen Award in the Best Music

Director category for Director category 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

S

American blues musician Henry Saint American blues musician Henry Saint Clair Fredericks has started using his Clair Fredericks has started using his two-word stage name since 1959 after two-word stage name since 1959 after

he visualised a particular landmark he visualised a particular landmark when he was dreaming about 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

What is the Italian word for ‘a Bright What is the Italian word for ‘a Bright Warrior’ doing in a MELA Quiz?Warrior’ doing in a MELA Quiz?

U

Who is the alleged inspiration behind Who is the alleged inspiration behind this cartoon character created by this cartoon character created by Sergei Kalenik and few others?Sergei Kalenik and few others?

V

Written by Billie Joe Armstrong after Written by Billie Joe Armstrong after the death of his father, this song was the death of his father, this song was said to be the most autobiographical said to be the most autobiographical

in nature. In the USA, the song in nature. In the USA, the song became symbolic after Hurricane became symbolic after Hurricane Katrina, where it was dedicated to Katrina, where it was dedicated to

victims of the disaster.victims of the disaster.Which hit song is this?Which hit song is this?

W

An offshoot of the X-Men, this team An offshoot of the X-Men, this team comprising Boom Boom, Cannonball, comprising Boom Boom, Cannonball, Domino, Feral, Shatterstar & Warpath Domino, Feral, Shatterstar & Warpath takes a more militant and aggressive takes a more militant and aggressive

approach towards its enemies approach towards its enemies compared to the X-Men. A movie compared to the X-Men. A movie

about this elite group is also on the about this elite group is also on the cards.cards.

Name this super-group. Name this super-group.

X

I am I am looking looking for a 9-for a 9-letter letter word word which which

will fit in will fit in all the all the boxes boxes

(with red (with red circle) in circle) in

the the panels.panels.

Y

Rhea Pillai, ex-wife of Sanjay Dutt Rhea Pillai, ex-wife of Sanjay Dutt (and also Leander Paes) was the (and also Leander Paes) was the

grand daughter of X. Born in Surat, grand daughter of X. Born in Surat, X was a stunningly beautiful X was a stunningly beautiful

princess, the daughter of Nawab Sidi princess, the daughter of Nawab Sidi Ibrahim Muhammad Yakut Khan III. Ibrahim Muhammad Yakut Khan III. Very much part of the film fraternity, Very much part of the film fraternity,

X appeared for the last time on X appeared for the last time on screen in an Assamese movie, tiled screen in an Assamese movie, tiled

‘Ajala Kokai’ in 1989.‘Ajala Kokai’ in 1989.    Identify X who has a very special Identify X who has a very special

place in the history of Indian place in the history of Indian Cinema.Cinema.

Z

In the 1962 Indo-China In the 1962 Indo-China War, Major Shaitan War, Major Shaitan

Singh, Commander of Singh, Commander of the ‘C’ Company of 13 the ‘C’ Company of 13 Kumaon Regiment led Kumaon Regiment led his 123 jawans against his 123 jawans against around 1000 Chinese around 1000 Chinese

and defended the post of and defended the post of Rezangla. His bravery is Rezangla. His bravery is said to be the inspiration said to be the inspiration

behind a certain behind a certain something which still something which still

moves us to tears.moves us to tears.What?What?

A

A

Aye Mere Waton Ki Aye Mere Waton Ki LogonLogon

This European city, a This European city, a prominent World Heritage prominent World Heritage

Site of UNESCO, is the setting of the Site of UNESCO, is the setting of the popular song and other related popular song and other related

scenes in this movie. Incidentally, scenes in this movie. Incidentally, this is the first bolly-movie to be shot this is the first bolly-movie to be shot

there.there.Identify this city.Identify this city.

B

B

Bruges, Bruges, BelgiumBelgium

Three Perfections Three Perfections was an art form, was an art form, flourished in the Middle Ages in flourished in the Middle Ages in

China, where experts of three China, where experts of three different arts contributed together. different arts contributed together.

Two of them were - a poet and a Two of them were - a poet and a painter. painter.

Who was the third one to complete Who was the third one to complete this artistic troica?this artistic troica?

(vis – next slide)(vis – next slide)

C

C

C

CalligrapheCalligrapherr

Found mostly in North India, this Found mostly in North India, this musical instrument originates from musical instrument originates from the Taus. Some historians believed the Taus. Some historians believed that it was mostly associated with that it was mostly associated with

Guru Govind Singh. Guru Govind Singh. Which musical instrument, literally Which musical instrument, literally

meaning meaning ‘robber of the heart’‘robber of the heart’, is this?, is this?

D

D

DilrubaDilruba

Whom did Helena Bonham Whom did Helena Bonham Carter portray in this BBC movie?Carter portray in this BBC movie?

E

E

Enid Enid BlytonBlyton

ShahnamehShahnameh (the Persian for ‘Book of  (the Persian for ‘Book of King’) is said to be the world’s King’) is said to be the world’s

longest epic poem created by a single longest epic poem created by a single poet. According to legend, Sultan poet. According to legend, Sultan

Mahmud of Ghazni agreed to offer the Mahmud of Ghazni agreed to offer the poet a gold piece for every couplet of poet a gold piece for every couplet of the book he wrote. After thirty years the book he wrote. After thirty years of backbreaking work, he finished his of backbreaking work, he finished his

masterpiece.masterpiece.Who was the poet?Who was the poet?

F

F

FerdowsiFerdowsi

Which organisation has recently Which organisation has recently recreated these iconic Bollywood recreated these iconic Bollywood posters to highlight nationwide posters to highlight nationwide

crackdown on civil liberties?crackdown on civil liberties?

G

G

GreenpeaceGreenpeace

  One of the most well-known works of One of the most well-known works of Amrita Pritam was her poignant Amrita Pritam was her poignant

poem, poem, Ajj aakhaan Waris Shah nuAjj aakhaan Waris Shah nu, , written on the trauma faced by the written on the trauma faced by the

families during the 1947 Partition of families during the 1947 Partition of India. India.

The poem is addressed to the famous The poem is addressed to the famous Punjabi poet Waris Shah, mostly Punjabi poet Waris Shah, mostly

remembered for which classic work of remembered for which classic work of Punjabi literature? Punjabi literature? 

H

H

Heer RanjhaHeer Ranjha

Which 2013 book, co-written by a Which 2013 book, co-written by a teenager and Christina Lamb, has teenager and Christina Lamb, has sold over a million copies and has sold over a million copies and has

already been translated into Kannada, already been translated into Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam and Marathi?Tamil, Malayalam and Marathi?

(The title of the book actually refers (The title of the book actually refers to the answer to a question asked by a to the answer to a question asked by a member of an extremist organisation member of an extremist organisation

to a group of school kids.) to a group of school kids.)

I

I

I Am I Am MalalaMalala

The name ____ of this once-popular The name ____ of this once-popular but currently-defunct group came to but currently-defunct group came to one of the important members in a one of the important members in a dream where one of his teachers dream where one of his teachers

shook him and curtly said, “Tumhe shook him and curtly said, “Tumhe mousiqui ka ____ hai!.mousiqui ka ____ hai!.

Which group?Which group?

J

J

JunoonJunoon

Very Very recently recently

shared in shared in Instagram…Instagram…

… Which … Which bolly big bolly big

shot’s shot’s childhood childhood

snap is snap is this?this?

K

K

Karan JoharKaran Johar

In the world of literature, how do we In the world of literature, how do we better know Mr. Oliver Mellors, a better know Mr. Oliver Mellors, a

gamekeeper by profession?gamekeeper by profession?

L

L

Lady Chatterley’s LoverLady Chatterley’s Lover

X was an ancient Indian city X was an ancient Indian city mentioned in several texts mentioned in several texts including Mahabharata. As including Mahabharata. As

mentioned in the Buddhist text mentioned in the Buddhist text Digha Digha Nikaya, Nikaya, X wasX was located on the banks of located on the banks of the Narmada river and used to serve the Narmada river and used to serve as the capital of Avanti Kingdom. It as the capital of Avanti Kingdom. It

came into big-time news in 2015 and came into big-time news in 2015 and is likely to be in the news in the next is likely to be in the news in the next

year also.year also.Identify X.Identify X.

M

M

MahishmatiMahishmati

The original painting made in 1898 The original painting made in 1898 had an Edison Bell phonograph in it. had an Edison Bell phonograph in it.

But it was later modified by the But it was later modified by the painter and the phonograph was painter and the phonograph was

replaced with a Berliner disc replaced with a Berliner disc gramophone. It was done only for gramophone. It was done only for

commercial purpose.commercial purpose.Who was the subject of the painting Who was the subject of the painting being referred to in the question?being referred to in the question?

N

N

NipperNipper

Abd el-Ouahed ben Abd el-Ouahed ben Messaoud ben Messaoud ben

Mohammed Anoun – Mohammed Anoun – the Moorish the Moorish

Ambassador to the Ambassador to the court of Queen court of Queen Elizabeth I of Elizabeth I of

England, to promote England, to promote the establishment of the establishment of an Anglo-Moroccan an Anglo-Moroccan

alliance, is often alliance, is often cited as the cited as the

inspiration for inspiration for which well-known which well-known literary character?literary character?

O

O

OthelloOthello

As a child, this famous American As a child, this famous American Lawyer-turned –author used to follow Lawyer-turned –author used to follow the magazine the magazine TheThe Youth’s Companion Youth’s Companion very religiously. After getting bored very religiously. After getting bored with his profession, when he decided with his profession, when he decided

to become a full time author he to become a full time author he coined the name of his famous coined the name of his famous

creation after the Massachusetts-creation after the Massachusetts-based company which published that based company which published that

magazine.magazine.What was the name of his most What was the name of his most

famous creation? famous creation? (vis of the author – next slide)

P

P

P

Perry MasonPerry Mason

One of the viral videos of 2014, Going One of the viral videos of 2014, Going Home is a short feature where director Home is a short feature where director

Vikas Bahl quoted, Vikas Bahl quoted, ““I pledge to create a short film titled I pledge to create a short film titled ‘Going Home’, in which we visualise a ‘Going Home’, in which we visualise a

utopia for women, where, unlike today, utopia for women, where, unlike today, mistrust and fear don't dictate actions mistrust and fear don't dictate actions

and decisions.”and decisions.” For which of his directorial venture, For which of his directorial venture,

did Vikas Bahl win the National Award did Vikas Bahl win the National Award in recent times?in recent times?

Q

Q

QueeQueenn

For weeks, France and the Netherlands For weeks, France and the Netherlands wrangled over the fate of a pair of wrangled over the fate of a pair of

17th-Century wedding paintings. While 17th-Century wedding paintings. While the Dutch govt. and Rijksmuseum tried the Dutch govt. and Rijksmuseum tried to secure both paintings for the nation, to secure both paintings for the nation,

France sought to buy atleast one for France sought to buy atleast one for the Louvre. After tortuous negotiations the Louvre. After tortuous negotiations the two nations have finally agreed to the two nations have finally agreed to

buy the paintings together.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

R

R

RembrandRembrandtt

The son, of a more famous father, The son, of a more famous father, made his film-debut in 1998, by made his film-debut in 1998, by

composing for the background score composing for the background score of the Malayalam movie, of the Malayalam movie, Ennu Ennu Swantham JanakikuttySwantham Janakikutty. Shortly . Shortly

afterwards, John Matthew afterwards, John Matthew Matthan roped him in to compose the Matthan roped him in to compose the

background score of background score of SarfaroshSarfarosh. He . He was also nominated for the Star was also nominated for the Star Screen Award in the Best Music Screen Award in the Best Music

Director category for Director category 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

S

S

Salil Chowdhury Salil Chowdhury

American blues musician Henry Saint American blues musician Henry Saint Clair Fredericks has started using his Clair Fredericks has started using his two-word stage name since 1959 after two-word stage name since 1959 after

he visualised a particular landmark he visualised a particular landmark when he was dreaming about 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

T

Taj MahalTaj Mahal

What is the Italian word for ‘a Bright What is the Italian word for ‘a Bright Warrior’ doing in a MELA Quiz?Warrior’ doing in a MELA Quiz?

U

U

Umberto EcoUmberto Eco

Who is the alleged inspiration behind Who is the alleged inspiration behind this cartoon character created by this cartoon character created by Sergei Kalenik and few others?Sergei Kalenik and few others?

V

V

Vladimir PutinVladimir Putin

Written by Billie Joe Armstrong after Written by Billie Joe Armstrong after the death of his father, this song was the death of his father, this song was said to be the most autobiographical said to be the most autobiographical

in nature. In the USA, the song in nature. In the USA, the song became symbolic after Hurricane became symbolic after Hurricane Katrina, where it was dedicated to Katrina, where it was dedicated to

victims of the disaster.victims of the disaster.Which hit song is this?Which hit song is this?

W

W

Wake Me Up When September Wake Me Up When September EndsEnds

An offshoot of the X-Men, this team An offshoot of the X-Men, this team comprising Boom Boom, Cannonball, comprising Boom Boom, Cannonball, Domino, Feral, Shatterstar & Warpath Domino, Feral, Shatterstar & Warpath takes a more militant and aggressive takes a more militant and aggressive

approach towards its enemies approach towards its enemies compared to the X-Men. A movie compared to the X-Men. A movie

about this elite group is also on the about this elite group is also on the cards.cards.

Name this super-group. Name this super-group.

X

X

X-ForceX-Force

I am I am looking looking for a 9-for a 9-letter letter word word which which

will fit in will fit in all the all the boxes boxes

(with red (with red circle) in circle) in

the the panels.panels.

Y

Y

‘‘Yesterday’ by The BeatlesYesterday’ by The Beatles

Rhea Pillai, ex-wife of Sanjay Dutt Rhea Pillai, ex-wife of Sanjay Dutt (and also Leander Paes) was the (and also Leander Paes) was the

grand daughter of X. Born in Surat, grand daughter of X. Born in Surat, Gujarat , X was a stunningly Gujarat , X was a stunningly

beautiful princess, the daughter of beautiful princess, the daughter of Nawab Sidi Ibrahim Muhammad Nawab Sidi Ibrahim Muhammad

Yakut Khan III. Very much part of Yakut Khan III. Very much part of the film fraternity, X appeared for the film fraternity, X appeared for

the last time on screen in an the last time on screen in an Assamese movie, tiled ‘Ajala Kokai’ Assamese movie, tiled ‘Ajala Kokai’

in 1989.in 1989.    Identify X who has a very special Identify X who has a very special

place in the history of Indian place in the history of Indian Cinema.Cinema.

Z

Z

ZubeidaZubeida