Portal:India/Quiz/Archive16

[edit] Questions

[edit] Q1

Lets start with a ditty:

It's a story not oft told.
Donated some trinkets. They were sold.
Got an institution named after me

In my forefathers' country-of-old
A establishment my name stole
That's two institutions named after me

Much effort did I pour
To develop an institute in a fort.
Alas, this one is named after a city!

To get full credit, name the person and the three institutions (especially the third!) Abecedare 14:26, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

Hmmm ... no guesses yet ? Here is a hint: The person is not an Indian and the three institutions are all educational and on three different continents. Abecedare 18:03, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

And yet the question has something to do with India?Vignesh 19:32, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

Could it be Lord Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquess Wellesley, former Governer General of India? Two of the institutions can be Wellesley College in New Zealand and Fort William College in Calcutta. If this is the right answer, I still can't find the third instituion which should be somewhere in Ireland.Vignesh 20:36, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

Nice guess but no. You are on the right track in terms of how a person can be influential on three continents. Hint: The person I am looking lived about a century before Richard Wellesley! Abecedare 20:54, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

Vignesh: I assume you were referring to Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA and not the relatively unknown Wellesley College (New Zealand). Anyway, those are not the right ones and the institute referred to in the first stanza is better known than either of those ! Abecedare 21:05, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

I was actually referring to the one in New Zealand as I figured the Wellesley influence in America wouldn't be that great.Vignesh 21:28, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

OK, in order to keep the quiz moving, here is a big hint: "the institute in a fort" is Madras Medical College (at one time the "Government General Hospital" housed in Fort St. George). Happy googling :-) Abecedare 00:03, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

Elihu Yale donated nine bales of goods, 417 books and a portrait of King George I and so Yale University was named after him. Yale College Wrexham was founded in 1950, simply named after Elihu Yale. And Elihu Yale, while Governor of the settlement of the British East India Company in Madras, was instrumental in founding MMC inside Fort St George. It soon moved out of there, and re-established elsewhere in 1772. [1]--ti 00:10, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

Looking into the 17th century, all I could think of was the College of William and Mary and Harvard. I should have looked at the third-oldest university in the U.S! --ti 00:19, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

Righto, ti ! More details about Elihu Yale's life in India are discussed in [2] (unfortunately not accessible for free). Next question please :-) Abecedare 00:21, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

I think both Elihu Yale and Madras Medical College pages should be updated. Abecedare 00:23, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

Thanks Abecedare, as should Fort St George the fort in question! --ti 00:29, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

Oh yes. I didn't even look at that page. Perhaps will work on it later tonight. Abecedare 00:33, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q2

Sorry for the slight delay. Spurred by the case of a brahmin widow convicted of infanticide, this woman went on to write a book in her native language which is regarded today as one of the first modern treatises on feminism and casteism in India. The book has since been translated into English as well. Identify the woman and her book. --ti 01:12, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

Is it Tarabai Shinde and Stri Purush Tulana ? 70.20.122.147 01:29, 10 December 2006 (UTC) Dang ! Got logged out. Pradiptaray 01:29, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

pradiptaray gets it. Tarabai Shinde, along with Pandita Ramabai and Savitribai Phule fought for women's rights in Maharashtra. Interesting fact: in her time, a strongwoman using the same name was a popular circus performer, pulling 500 lbs with her braided hair and riding iron-wheel carts over her thighs and thus demonstrating female physical strength. [3] --ti 02:46, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q3

Sorry for the gap in proceedings !

Connect:

• An annual event won by Indians 5 out of the last 7 times
• The greatest champion of the Penny Press newspapers in the 19th century
• A notable "first" by the BBC in 1938 -- Pradiptaray 14:39, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

Indians have won the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee in America,five out of the last seven times. In 1938, BBC telecast the first quiz show which was also a spelling bee. Still working on the second one.Vignesh 15:14, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

E.W Scripps, the person who is gave his name to the National Spelling bee founded the Cleveland Penny Press.Are these connects right?Vignesh 15:17, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

Guess. World Press Photo Award, First regular import of a foreign newspaper to US, first foreign language (from POV of English) news broadcast. --BostonMA ^talk 15:29, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

• Vignesh has it spot on. When I said "Indian" in the first connect, I basically meant "ethnic Indian". Maybe we should add a sentence to the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee about the growing Indian American trend ? Scripps was the third, lesser known member of the US media mogul triumvirate (Pulitzer and Hearst are better known). He largely expanded his empire by buying out local newspapers, using local advertising to undercut costs of the big national dailies. Penny Press requires at least a passing mention of him. Good guess, though BostonMA. But Indians haven't dominated the World Press Photo Awards in such a fashion lately. Arko Datta won in 2004, though. Pradiptaray 15:36, 10 December 2006 (UTC)
  

[edit] Q4

This one is either really obscure or really easy. A wrote a song. B sang the song. C was B's husband. C and D were really good friends. D was a freedom frighter whose pen name was one of ten in Hindu mythology. Identify A,B,C and D.Vignesh 21:27, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

let's give it a shot: A - Rajaji who wrote a poem Kurai Onrum Illai (I have no regrets), B - M. S. Subbulakshmi who set it to music and sang it, C - her husband T. Sadasivam, D - "Kalki" R. Krishnamurty. --ti 22:09, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

I have an incomplete answer, but I'm kind of stuck, so I'll open up my line of thinking as well. D - Parashuram aka Rajsekhar Bose. Close friend of C - Prafulla Chandra Roy. And this is where I get stuck. Did his wife sing Vande Mataram, penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay ? Pradiptaray 22:22, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

ti has it right. I am not very sure of Pradiptaray's answer. It will take some looking into. The T. Sadasivam page should be started as well. There is a lot that he did that is worthy of mention.Vignesh 02:18, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q5

Married to a foreigner amidst controversy, she rejected a nomination for herself to the Presidency of India. In her young years, she pursued western art, but was encouraged to turn her attention to Indian art. She was a lifelong champion in preserving Indian artforms and their traditions, one of her first students being her niece. Who is she, who was the foreigner she was married to, and who is her niece? --ti 03:23, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Rukmini Devi Arundale, George Arundale, Radha Burnier - Parthi ^{talk/contribs} 03:32, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

wow, answered like a true trivia fan, Parthi. correcting the red-link for bernier to burnier. Rukmini Devi was offered a nomination to the Presidency by Prime Minister Morarji Desai but she rejected it. Her husband George was the president of the Theosophical Society Adyar, and Radha is the current president. your turn Parthi. --ti 03:45, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q6

My earlier questions were answered in record time. So hands on the buzzer champions...

Who is this? Married at a very young age to a clergyman, this lady renounced her religion and divorced her husband. She later wrote a book which was denounced by the Times newspaper of London as "bawdy and obscene". Joining the Fabian society, she fought for the rights of working women. Later in her life she returned to religion, although not her original faith. - Parthi ^{talk/contribs} 03:52, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Is it Annie Besant?-Vignesh 03:55, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Wow! Three minutes. Was it that easy?? I need to learn how to ask difficult questions! Over to Vignesh! Parthi ^{talk/contribs} 03:58, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Interesting theme developing in this round with references to Tarabai Shinde, Rukmini Devi Arundale, Annie Besant ... Abecedare 04:02, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

I lived in Adyar for 7 years. I know about Annie Besant, the Theosophical Society and Arundale very well. I am not sure if the question was really that easy.-Vignesh

[edit] Q7

Keeping with the "theme". An easy one-
This woman worked as a servant to a great poet-saint. She was a great poet-saint herself. Identify her and her "employer".Vignesh 04:17, 11 December 2006 (UTC)
I guess that it isn't as easy as I thought.Vignesh 04:42, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Could you be refering to Andal and Periyalwar? I thought it was more a daughter-father relationship. --Gurubrahma 05:15, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Andal and Periyalwar was more of a daughter-father relationship (as far as I know). The answer that I am looking for has something to do with (HINT!!) Abhangs.-Vignesh 05:32, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Nam Dev and Jani ? I really dont know much about this. Just googling Pradiptaray 05:40, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

You have it right. Namdev and Janabai it is. Both pages as well as the Abhang page could use a lot of changes. I have found quite a few factual errors in them. And what are you doing up so late Pradiptaray?-Vignesh 05:47, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Dont even ask. Having to keep long hours slogging away at research even when there are no finals around. Pradiptaray 07:18, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q8

75% of all first level and second level X in the world are associated with the Cooch Behar District of West Bengal in India. The only third level X in the world is also associated with the Cooch Behar District. A controversial Government of India decision in 1992 changed the status of the largest X associated with Cooch Behar, but created a new X instead. What is X ? Pradiptaray 07:18, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Ok, hint. The most famous X in the world ceased to exist on October 3, 1990. Pradiptaray 12:13, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Ok, I am guessing and I did not get this from your hint. From List of enclaves and exclaves, I am assuming that the answer is enclaves/exclaves. By levels, I believe you are refering to sub-enclaves and sub-exclaves. great question, btw. --Gurubrahma 12:37, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Correct. By levels, I did mean counter enclaves, and counter counter enclaves. The Dohogram- Angapota enclave was connected to Bangladesh by the Teen Bigha Corridor in 1992 (see India-Bangladesh relations), which created a new enclave ! The largest Indian exclave, Balapara Khagrabari, surrounds a Bangladeshi exclave, Upanchowki Bhajni, which itself surrounds an Indian exclave called Dahala Khagrabari, of less than one hectare. The situation is just crazy. A treaty which called for mutual switching of the enclaves over a time period, was signed in 1974 but has never been ratified by the Parliament of India (not very sure about the pros and cons of the treaty). A detailed article on the India - Bangladesh enclaves on Wikipedia is probably called for, with neither country publishing material on them (for example, no census takes place in the enclaves). A good place to start is the Ph. D. thesis of Brendan Whyte (online here)and Willem van Schendel's "Stateless in South Asia: The Making of the India-Bangladesh Enclaves" in The Journal of Asian Studies, Feb. 2002. And of course, the most famous enclave in the world was West Berlin. Over to you, Gurubrahma. Pradiptaray 14:03, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q9

Connect a feature in Alaska to a World Heritage Site in India. --Gurubrahma 15:55, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Not sure what kind of a feature you want. The Mountain Railways of India and the famous tourism centric Alaska Railroad might be a connect. Pradiptaray 19:49, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Another possibility is the cave paintings in Alaska [4] and the World Heritage sites of Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta or Bhimbetka. Abecedare 19:59, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

I am sorry that the question was a bit ambiguous. I am looking at a geographic feature in Alaska. The heritage site in India is indeed Mountain Railways of India but the connect that Pradptaray gave is not what I was looking for. --Gurubrahma 03:37, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

Just a wild guess. The Mountain Railways of India consists of four different independant railway sections. The geography of Alaska is divided into four different regions namely South Central Alaska,Alaska Panhandle, Alaska Interior and Alaskan Bush.Vignesh 03:45, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

Too wild a guess for my liking! The connect I am looking for is a name comprising of two words. --Gurubrahma 04:18, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

Is it Agony Point, a cape in Alaska [5] as well as the tight loop on the Darjeeling Mountain Railway track? --ti 04:54, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

And look at that place ! Google Maps shows it to be in the middle of nowhere VERY close to the International Date Line Pradiptaray 05:17, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

Yes ti, you got it. Agony Point was what I was looking for. --Gurubrahma 05:48, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

thanks guru, next qn in 2-3 hours when i come up with a good one! --ti 18:16, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q10

Americans heading back from Asia after World War II dropped these off in Delhi so as to travel with a lighter load. Back then they were part of Delhi's hip culture; they were forced out towards the turn of the millenium. Their striking name has carried onto their successors, but critics say this is no longer justified. What am I talking about, and who are their successors? --ti 20:33, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

It is the phat-phati or the modified Harley Davidson. The Mahindra vehicles that replaced them still carry their name. Sadly, they aren't anywhere close to the icons they replaced.--Jisha(Talk) 20:47, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

i'll give it to you jisha, the vehicles that replaced them now ply on the same routes and are part of the phat-phat sewa. the WW II bit i got from here. i am not sure whether the new vehicles are Mahindras or Traxes or Jeeps, but they sure are colored maroon! anyone want to add info to these red-links? your turn jisha (and welcome if this is your first time here!) --ti 22:00, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

Thanks ti, just posted the next one.--Jisha(Talk) 22:45, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q11

It's heavy and black. President Abdul Kalam likes the thing too. President Abdul Kalam is a loner too. What am I talking about?--Jisha(Talk) 22:39, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

A hint please?Vignesh 05:02, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

INS Sindhurakshak? --hydkat 05:42, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Sukhoi-30 MKI -- Samir धर्म 05:44, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

(Hint) A Japanese company cures smelly fridges with it.--Jisha(Talk) 05:58, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Charcoal?Vignesh 06:00, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

It doesn't burn.--Jisha(Talk) 06:11, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Could it be Graphite? I can't place it with the "loner" part though. --Gurubrahma 06:19, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Under the right conditions even Graphite burns, as do diamonds -- with liquid oxygen. I remember seeing an experiment on the BBC showing how to burn a diamond. It's interesting that you are thinking of burning the thing though. Why would you want to burn something?--Jisha(Talk) 06:33, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Activated carbon? I don't think it satisfies any of the conditions though.Vignesh 06:39, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Actually, it is black. Abdul Kalam apparently likes it too.Vignesh 06:46, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Dead plants and carbon are out of the equation. The next hint in a hour, unless someone asks.--Jisha(Talk) 07:26, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Next hint please.Vignesh 08:26, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Though it was exactly an hour away, it was a mere coincidence.Vignesh 08:27, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Carry it! Make MI6 talk to you!--Jisha(Talk) 08:39, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Polonium ? Pradiptaray 08:44, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

(Hint) "Mmh, it's delicious.”--Jisha(Talk) 08:47, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Monazite?Vignesh 08:49, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

You got it Vignesh. If you google for the last statement in quotes you will get the answer. Monazite is a source for thorium, and something that Dr. Kalam has been talking about as the future of India's energy needs. You cant burn it. If you do try, it releases helium, no because it decomposes, but because there is helium trapped in it too. Strangely, some Japanese company also sells deodorizers with the Monazite in it. You'll get the loner connection if you read up on monazite, its from the greek "to be alone". Your turn now Vignesh.--Jisha(Talk) 08:56, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Excellent question! Had me stumped for so long. Pradiptiray's polonium was what gave it away to me. It reminded of thorium which then lead to Monazite. And Pradiptiray, you continue to stay up at such ungodly hours.Vignesh 09:01, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q12

Connect Kanyakumari to the Antioquia region of Colombia.Vignesh 09:03, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

It's related to archeology and relics/structures?--Jisha(Talk) 09:08, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

No, it isn't. Here is a hint though. You may find google really useful but only when used unconventionally.Vignesh 09:11, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

I have final exams for two days and am not sure if I'll be able to give any clues later, so here is another hint.
The people of Babylon came up with certain theories,which were further expanded and explained by the Greeks, Ptolemy in particular. A certain 17th century René may also be of help.Vignesh 09:19, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Not able to come-up with exact references, but these two were among the first areas from where early scientists could correctly predict heliocentrism. Failing this, my second guess is theories of refraction. --Gurubrahma 10:28, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Not what I am looking for. It is a rather small area within the Antiquia region within which lies the answer. The answer has nothing to do with people,climate, or almost any other physical feature. HINT- 7th millenium BC, Anatolia. Something thought to be first made there is discovered. That thing will lead you to the answer.Vignesh 15:39, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Ok, I'm still not sure, but this seems to fit. Is poison the connect? People in Anatolia in 7th millenium BC had used poisoned arrows. Same was the case of tribes in Antioquia who used them for hunting. Namboothiri kings used poisoned swords. Ptolemy was poisoned once. Can't fit Descartes though, nor can see atheory. --Gurubrahma 15:59, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Antioquia was once part of the United States of Colombia before being trnsferred to colombia, while Kanyakumari was a part of Kerala before going to Tamil Nadu --Agεθ020 (ΔT • ФC) 20:14, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

All these may be correct, but they aren't the connects I am thinking of. Think of things that are usually spoken of together and that are represnted by lambda and phi. Then use google maps.Vignesh

latitude and longitude? kanyakumari is at 8.07N 77.54E while antioquia is 8.07N 77.54W (as far as i could tell on the map)? not true antipodes in that sense, for the antipode of kanyakumari would be at 8.07S and (180-77.54)W. --ti 20:58, 13 December 2006 (UTC) it also may have something to do with the seven climes. --ti 21:02, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Exactly what I was looking for. Kanyakumari is the only city in India to have a counterpart in the western hemisphere. Your tuen next ti.Vignesh 21:49, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

wow, thanks vig, although by the time i looked at the question it was just a matter of crossing the lambdas and dotting the phis. next question within an hour, have your pencil and paper ready! --ti 04:27, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q13

At the same event, Kapil Dev mentioned that having one too many of these helped set back his academics, while P.T.Usha was grateful to them for the motivation they provided at the beginning of her athletic career. Any idea what I am talking about? --ti 05:22, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

The Sportstar magazine which is published by the Hindu Newspaper? And why did you ask us to have pencil and paper ready? Check here. [6]Vignesh 06:17, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

Too bad Vignesh came up with the right answer before I could enter my guess "Fans of opposite sex" - I surely could imagine them effecting Kapil Dev's acads  ! :-) Abecedare 06:34, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

Vignesh gets it! according to the article, Ramanathan Krishnan mentioned that he might still have a few issues of the predecessor to Sportstar, the Sport and Pastime magazine also belonging to The Hindu Group. --ti 16:13, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q14

The answer can be found on google with the right combination of words. Connect Lalbhai to a comic about space debris collecters.Vignesh 22:50, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

who or what is lalbhai? is it a redlink on WP? --ti 23:39, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

Not really a red link. Lalbhai is the name of a person who can be found on WP itself. It might be easier to figure out the comic first.131.94.169.38 00:01, 15 December 2006 (UTC)Sorry forgot to sign in.Vignesh 00:02, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

A guess: Kasturbhai Lalbhai is the founder of Arvind Mills. Arvind "Robbie" Lavie is a character on Planetes - a manga and anime with story revolving around space debris collectors. Abecedare 00:39, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Your guess is absolutely correct. The baton is yours Abecedare.Vignesh 00:47, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Thanks, Vignesh. Abecedare 04:06, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q15

X and Y were acknowledged experts on Z, especially as it pertained to the Indian subcontinent. They both led long, fruitful lives filled with travel and idiosyncratic biographical details. For instance, X once served in a spy service, while Y was a motor-cycling enthusiast. Who are these stalwarts ? Abecedare 04:06, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Is X == Robert Baden-Powell ? Y == T. E. Lawrence ? and Z == Islamic extremism / armed revolt / independence movement, especially in Afghanistan - Northwest Frontier Province - Kashmir? Pradiptaray 05:43, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Very good guesses but I am looking for a more "academic" expertise (and longer lives than Lawrence's 47 years :-) ). Hint: Only one of X and Y is an Indian but they collaborated to produce the definitive study in their area of expertise. Abecedare 05:59, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Hehe, I thought about Lawrence's early death, but cast such thoughts aside Pradiptaray 06:06, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Ok, how about Edward Henry, Azizul Haque and fingerprinting ? Pradiptaray 06:21, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

I am learning a lot through your guesses, but they have not hit the mark yet ! Abecedare 06:36, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

And I am learning that these years of detachment from the quizzing community in Kolkata have left me rusty :) I will rather shamelessly, try one final time. The only other "academic" Indo-Brit collaboration I can think of is the Great Trigonometric Survey. I will choose Nain Singh (I dont think Radhanath Sikdar is well travelled enough to qualify), the spy cum surveyor as the Indian, cartography as the discipline, and lets see .. a well travelled Brit with connections to the Survey of India .. I ll go for Francis Younghusband. And so ends the third age with the crossing of the Eldar. I will guess no more for this question. Pradiptaray 06:59, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

No again. I think you'll kick yourself when you realize/learn the correct answer. :-) Feel free to enter another answer if you get an overnight brainwave ! Abecedare 07:12, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

More hints: Believe it or not, X's short career in the intelligence service is only a footnote in his life. He is mainly known for, (1) his work on Z, especially with Y and (2) as an overseer of a world-famous institute.
As for Y: at least in India he is far better known than X ! Abecedare 07:26, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

X=Salim Ali, Y=W.S.Millard, Z=Ornitholgy? Actually, your hints weren't very helpful. --Gurubrahma 07:31, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Correction: Y=Richard Meinertzhagen and I am more confident of my answer now. --Gurubrahma 07:37, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

I'll give that. Actually X = Sidney Dillon Ripley, Y = Salim Ali and Z = Ornithology. Ripley worked with Office of Strategic Services during WWII, was the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution for 2 decades and of course penned the 10 volume Handbook of the Birds of India & Pakistan as well as Birds of Bhutan with Salim Ali (who was an enthusiastic motorcyclist according to his autobiography Fall of a sparrow. Do the hints make more sense now ? Abecedare 07:43, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

I think the Salim Ali page needs to be updated to reflect this important collaboration. More biographical details on Ripley can be found at [7]. You may also want to read [8] to find out why he was jumping from a plane over Thailand with a machine gun in hand and a tuxedo in the backpack. Abecedare 07:49, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Awesome question and answer. Though I possess the 10 tomes, I never did get around to reading Fall of a Sparrow. These things have a way of coming back and haunting you. Pradiptaray 08:00, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Awesome question, indeed. However, the hints weren't something that could directly lead one to the answer. Also, I was misled (my mistake, entirely) into believing that X is a Brit. --Gurubrahma 04:57, 16 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q16

The first name of this person (let's call him X) is same as that of an ex-CM of Maharashtra; his last name is also the same. Incidentally, his first and last names are also same as that of the middle and last names of a union minister during the NDA regime. X is known as the "Father of Indian .... ....." identify X and fill in the blanks. --Gurubrahma 04:57, 16 December 2006 (UTC)

Manohar Joshi- Father of Indian Soap Operas?131.94.169.12 05:26, 16 December 2006 (UTC)Sorry, got logged out.Vignesh 05:27, 16 December 2006 (UTC)

Yes Vignesh, the floor is all yours. --Gurubrahma 05:39, 16 December 2006 (UTC)

Thanks, Gurubrahma! Vignesh

[edit] Q17

Keeping in theme with the previous question, connect an Indian comic hero to another "Father of Indian....". They both have the same name (or first name). Vignesh 07:08, 16 December 2006 (UTC)

Weak guess: Vikram Sarabhai, Father of Indian Space Program, and Vikram from Vikram and Betal series. [9] -- Longhairandabeard 17:49, 16 December 2006 (UTC)

Stronger guess: Raman Roy, Father of Indian BPO,[10] and Raman of Diamond Comics. -- Longhairandabeard 18:06, 16 December 2006 (UTC)

Neither of them are the ones I am looking for. Think Indrajal. Vignesh 04:26, 17 December 2006 (UTC)

Bahadur.--Dwaipayan (talk) 05:09, 17 December 2006 (UTC)

Exactly Dwaipayan. Bahadur is correct. Bahadur is an Indrajal comic hero, while Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi is widely regarded as the Father if the Indian Hotel Industry. The next qestion is yours.Vignesh 05:28, 17 December 2006 (UTC)

Will take some time.Expect the next question in 6 or 7 hours. Regards.--Dwaipayan (talk) 05:56, 17 December 2006 (UTC)

deindenting Am sorry to interrupt, but the question is patently wrong. As soon as I saw the question, the first comic character I could think of was "Bahadur" and he first guess that Google throws up for Bahadur and "Father of Indian" is indeed Rai Bahadur M. S. Oberoi - which I ended up with within the 10 minutes of question but did not hazard a guess. This is because Rai Bahadur is a title conferred by the British Government and not his name/ first name. After the constitution was adopted, using of such titles was prohibited. Anyways, we have another red link! and I hope that quizmasters wd exercise more caution in setting the questions. --Gurubrahma 07:28, 17 December 2006 (UTC)

I understand what you mean. I knew that Rai Bahadur was a title. Rai Bahadur Oberoi was always referred to as Bahadur by everyone. Even RajiniKanth was called as such even though it was not his real first name. But we cannot really say that Rajini is not his name. But, I understand my error and you a were perfectly correct in saying that the askers should excerise more caution. I am sorry and assure you that it will never happen again.Vignesh 09:58, 17 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q18

A very easily googlable one. This famous person spoke against Swadeshi movement resulting in a failed assassination attempt aginst him. However, later he became close friend of Gandhi and praised him. Identify the person.--Dwaipayan (talk) 13:26, 17 December 2006 (UTC) answer rabindranath tagoreNeoindia 16:50, 17 December 2006 (UTC)

yep neoindia is correct. Welcome to the quiz.--Dwaipayan (talk) 17:44, 17 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q19

connect mahindra with michael schumacher (tried to make a question ungooglable)Neoindia 16:53, 17 December 2006 (UTC) is the question tough shall i give a hint! its on tv nowadaysNeoindia 18:00, 17 December 2006 (UTC)

Must be that tie-up with Renaults, thats where schmi started his career. --hydkat 18:31, 17 December 2006 (UTC)

Neoindia, the rule here is to wait for the quizmaster to acknowledge whether your answer is right before asking the next question. Even if we are very sure of the answer, and that happens often with me, sometimes it's dead wrong, or not exactly what the quizmaster was looking for. I would suggest we wait for Dwaipayan. If your answer is right, we can consider this question. If not, it will have to be scrapped. (Welcome to India Quiz, btw.. Wikipedia needs enthu members like you. :-) )-- Longhairandabeard 15:40, 18 December 2006 (UTC)

True LHAB, that was my first impression too. However, Dwaipayanc confirmed it as correct but neoindia seems to have deleted it by mistake - it can be seen from history. I've undid as much as I could. --Gurubrahma 16:11, 18 December 2006 (UTC)

Does the quiz "freeze" as such often?Vignesh 05:44, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

Since it has been well-over 24 hours since the question was posed and it is not clear if hydkat's answer is acceptable to Neoindia, perhaps we can invoke "Rule 3" and request the previous questioner, i.e. Dwaipayan tp pose an alternate Question 19. What do others think ? Abecedare 06:17, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

I just posted a reminder in Neoindia's talk page. Lets see if he comes. He is a new user, so we should wait for some time more. Regards.--Dwaipayan (talk) 06:46, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

The wait has been long. I'll put an alternative question 19 soon. Regards.

[edit] Alternative Q19

This is an item of everyday use. The English name for this item originates from a Hindi word. Again, that Hindi word may be traced to a Sanskrit word meaning a particular flower. This item was gradually introduced in England from 1700s. However the modern form of this item was introduced only in the 1930s. What am I talking about?--Dwaipayan (talk) 05:35, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

Shampoo? [11]-Vignesh 08:29, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

Yup. Vignesh got it. Now roll on, quick! Regards.--Dwaipayan (talk) 08:37, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

sorry i lost my connection Neoindia 14:03, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

Uh oh! That's really unfortunate neoindia. We waited quite a bit, and then decided to move on. Anyway, be here. You will have many more chances for sure. Bye the way, was the answer to your question by Hydkat correct?--Dwaipayan (talk) 14:31, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q20

Sorry for the delay, the time difference makes it hard. Anyway, a not too hard question. Connect Homer to a chain of stores in India.72.144.37.98 15:32, 22 December 2006 (UTC).Sorry, I got logged out.--Vignesh 15:33, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

Homer Simpson or the Greek poet?Jisha (Talk)

It would become a giveaway if I told you, but here goes. The greek guy it is.Vignesh 03:06, 23 December 2006 (UTC)

Is it Odyssey [12], a supermarket chain with multiple outlets in Tamil Nadu? --ti 03:59, 23 December 2006 (UTC)

ti has it right. Odyssey it is.--Vignesh 05:38, 23 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q21

He was requested by the Viceroy of India to travel to England to demonstrate the scholarship produced by the English system in India, but refused on the grounds that his mother disallowed it. He was one of the first proponents of academic study of Indian languages in the 20th century. Who are we talking about? --ti 09:05, 23 December 2006 (UTC)

Ashutosh Mukherji --Dwaipayan (talk) 09:17, 23 December 2006 (UTC)

It indeed was the Tiger of Bengal Ashutosh Mukherjee who refused Lord Curzon's wish. [13]. It's not surprising this question was snapped up so fast, the Bengalis seem to know their stuff! Your turn Dwaipayan! --ti 16:45, 23 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q22

This bollywood personality was spotted in a talent contest. He was part of many popular movies. He won his only regular filmfare award in a category which he is not famous for. Who I am talking about?--Dwaipayan (talk) 06:49, 24 December 2006 (UTC)

actually the conection was a bit arbit mahindra had a jv with renault flavio is boss of of renault schumi won his first championship with benetton-ford under flavio briatore and i wanted this much specification for that answer hydkat answer would not have satisfied me Neoindia 07:04, 24 December 2006 (UTC)

i think the answer of this question is aryan vaid Neoindia 07:07, 24 December 2006 (UTC)

not sure reallyNeoindia 07:07, 24 December 2006 (UTC)

a very wayward guess is it dharmendraNeoindia 07:16, 24 December 2006 (UTC)

Yes, its Dharmendra. He won a filmfare award in Best Producer category in 1990 for Ghayal, [14]. Later he recieved Lifetime Achievement award. Next question will be by Neoindia. Regards.--Dwaipayan (talk) 11:40, 24 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q23

ok my turn again to ask question here it is hope u get it fast very easy one "how i want a drink alcoholic of course" what is special about this quote by isaac asimov? Neoindia 08:22, 25 December 2006 (UTC) and merry christmas to allNeoindia 08:23, 25 December 2006 (UTC)

The number of letters in each word gives us the first few digits of Pi. Madhava of Sangamagrama of the Kerala School is said to be the first discoverer of an infinite series for Pi. --BostonMA ^talk 14:07, 25 December 2006 (UTC)

yup you are right and now you havr the baton post the question quick Neoindia 15:20, 25 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q24

Plans for an event E at location L on festival day D caused concerns of communal tensions in South India which were widely reported in newspapers weeks beforehand. However, when day D arrived, another, unexpected, event E2 brought many communities together. Give E1, L, D, and E2. --BostonMA ^talk 01:10, 26 December 2006 (UTC)

My guess for E2 is Tsunami of 2004. Hopefully this line of thought will help someone reach the correct answer ... Abecedare 15:22, 26 December 2006 (UTC)

... which would make D = December 26, 2004; and the possible festival (since I doubt Boxing Day would cause communal tensions in India :-) ), would be Mandala Puja at Sabarimala, Kerela ... of course, I could (unintentionally) be leading everyone astray. Abecedare 15:28, 26 December 2006 (UTC)

OK, Abecedare is correct that E2 is the Tsunami of 2004. No Boxing day would probably not be a source of communal tensions. There was debate regarding the exclusion of women between ages 10 and 50 at Mandala Puja at Sabarimala. However, I wouldn't describe this as "communal" tension. If no guesses soon, I will give a big hint. --BostonMA ^talk 23:04, 26 December 2006 (UTC)

Could E1 be the arrest of the Kanchi Sankaracharya? Then D becomes Diwali and L is Mehboobnagar,Andhra Pradesh.But I highly doubt that this is correct.-Vignesh 00:47, 27 December 2006 (UTC)

Or could E1 be the trial itself? December 26th was when he was granted bail.-Vignesh 00:54, 27 December 2006 (UTC)

The date for both events was the same day. From previous guess, the unexpected event was Tsunami of 2004, so the date was 26 December 20062004. Bail of the Kanchi Sankaracharya is not likely to cause communal tensions. Here is a (possibly big) hint. The event which was planned for that day, was very much related to the fact that it was a festival day. The event actually took place. However, concern about the event was greatly reduced before the tsunami arrived. (I'll explain why in another hint if needed). --BostonMA ^talk 01:03, 27 December 2006 (UTC)

26th December of 2004 or 2006?-131.94.169.12 02:07, 27 December 2006 (UTC)

All quiet, so a big hint. In perhaps an overdramatization, press likened Event E at Location L to a possible South Indian Ayodhya. --BostonMA ^talk 21:27, 27 December 2006 (UTC)

Nice question. I think I may have the answer. E1- Datta Yatra organised by the Sangh Parivar. L- Datta Peeta in Chikmagalur. D- Datta Jayanthi???131.94.169.12 04:49, 28 December 2006 (UTC)Sorry. Got logged out.-Vignesh 04:50, 28 December 2006 (UTC)

Vignesh has it. On Babadudangiri in Chikmagalur is the site of both Dattatreya Peetha and Bababudangiri Dargah. Concern about pilgrimages on Datta Jayanti (2004) were widely reported in newspapers in the weeks prior. However a combination of factors, including police refusal of bus access, led to a small turnout. The tragedy of the tsunami arrived on the same day. --BostonMA ^talk 13:34, 28 December 2006 (UTC)

Thanks BostonMA!Vignesh 06:55, 29 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Q25

Connect ten songs to a South Indian scholar who was born in 1855. There may be a small play on words in the question.-Vignesh 06:56, 29 December 2006 (UTC)

U. V. Swaminatha Iyer, who collected palm-leaf manuscripts of Pattupattu (Translated to 10 songs) :) --Natrajdr 07:11, 29 December 2006 (UTC)

Couldn't have put it any better. Great answer Natraj!!-Vignesh 10:41, 29 December 2006 (UTC)

Thanks Vignesh! I'm getting it right after a looooooong time.... Next Q within 4 Hours --Natrajdr 13:14, 29 December 2006 (UTC)