Kaun TALHA quiz Prelims - El Dorado 2025

Prelims of Kaun TALHA : a Travel, Architecture, Lifestyle, Heritage and Activism quiz, organized by Conquiztadors, the Quiz society of Sri Venkateswara College under their annual quizzing fest El Dorado 2025.

2. ●There are 20 questions in the prelims.
●One point for each correct answer. No negative marking.
●Q2,6,10,14 and 18 are star marked questions and will be
used to resolve ties.
●No. of blocks ∝ No. of Hints given.
●The decision of the QM is final and binding.


RULES

3. Q1. Give the title and the famous monument it inspired?
Khetri Mahal,whose ruins are an example of palace architecture
was built by Bhopal Singh.
The palace is remarkable among buildings of its region because
of the presence of numerous open portals rather than doors.
This served as an inspiration for a certain ustad to design a
much more famous monument for a king who earned the title of
one and a quarter from the emperor Aurangzeb for outwitting
his contemporaries one and a four times.

4. A1. Sawai, Hawa Mahal

5. Q2*. FITB and what does the glimmering of lightbulbs signify?
An installation titled _____ island which is an array of over
4,000 edison light bulbs creating a topology that illuminates
the plant life of lulu island.
Each light bulb glimmers to the rhythm of different
participants, detected by ppg sensors which are embedded
within the installation. As individuals contribute to the
recording, the oldest recording in the collection is replaced,
evoking the concept of Memento Mori.

6. A2. Pulse Island, Heartbeat

7. Q3. Give Funda
Back in 2003, the Hong Kong Tourism Board had to
withdraw a long-running ad campaign that used the
phrase, "Hong Kong: Takes Your Breath Away". The
campaign was created by Banks Hoggins O'Shea FCB
and was pulled down because of sensitivity over
the strapline.

8. A3. SARS virus

9. Q4. Give Funda
Recently, London witnessed an unusual sight where
statues of distinguished male figures found themselves
with certain bundles of joy attached. The act
underscored an overlooked imbalance—one that
influences the earliest moments of shared responsibility
and has lasting ripples across generations.

10. A4. Paternity Leaves

11. Q5. What is the library called?
Shown beside is an image of
a library located in Haikou,
China. Designed by MAD
Architects, its seamless
curves and reflective
surfaces create a continuous,
immersive experience,
drawing visitors into a space
that seems to fold upon
itself.

12. A5. Wormhole library

13. Q6*. Give Funda
This commodity experienced
an unexpected rise in demand,
explained by a cultural
practice which was recently
popularised by a Hispanic
character in a comedic take on
family life.

14. A6. The tradition of eating 12 grapes on New Year to bring
luck

15. Q7. What is this new field of study?
In 2024, a university in China introduced an unexpected
academic program, responding to concerns about
evolving societal patterns and long-term stability. As
certain foundational structures wane, this initiative aims
to offer structured learning for an institution
traditionally shaped by experience alone.

16. A7. Marriage studies (degree of marriage)

17. Q8. What makes them unique?
Tina Singh, recognizing a gap in protective gear for
young riders, founded Bold Helmets to ensure both
safety and comfort.
Designed with a specific group in mind, these helmets
address a long-overlooked need without forcing
compromise. She described Bold Helmets as more than
just a product—it’s a symbol of identity, acceptance,
inclusion, and diversity.”

18. A8. Helmets made for young Sikh children who wear patkas.

19. Q9. ID the drink
Havana, Cuba is the birthplace of this popular drink, which
has routinely been presented as the favourite drink of the
author Ernest Hemingway, who is once quoted to have said “
My ______ in La Bodeguita, my Daquiri in El Floridita.”
The drink was originally prepared as a medicine to potentially
prevent scurvy and dysentery - using the knowledge of native
people for natural remedies.
This drink is a combination of aguardiente de cana ( a crude
form of rum made from sugarcane), lime, sugarcane juice and
mint.

20. A9. Mojito

21. Q10*. ID the company and the product
Naraparaju, the CSO of _________, shared that the idea about the
product came about as they deliberated which flavour to introduce to
the market. They got to the unique flavour that they lacked as they
staggered to a lightbulb moment inspired by the aroma of a certain
delicacy that wafted through their office canteen regularly. They
realised they couldn’t use ______ masala powder as it might leave a
residue after fermentation, thus they focused more on whole spices.

This led to their product containing notes of star anise, clove,
cardamom, and cinnamon stick.

The company also shares its name with a term initially used to describe
huge bombs that could destroy large-scale city blocks.

22. A10. Blockbuster, Beeryani

23. Q11. ID the entity and the company
As an April Fool’s Day joke in 1996, this particular company ____
____ aptly announced loudly via ads and press releases that it had
bought this entity _______ ____ .
Even though it was a joke, this struck many at their hearts with
outrage calls flooding Independence National Historical Park,
where the iconic entity is kept. This marketing strategy paid off as
it chimed customers & the sales rose by over half a million dollars
that week.
This entity was first commissioned in 1752, before being “retired”
post World War II, with its two centuries of service lending an
iconic imprint on it. Its image appears on the current $100 note.

24. A11. The Liberty bell and Taco bell

25. Q12. ID the campaign
This Valentine's season, a global nonprofit launched a
campaign urging consumers to reflect on their chocolate
choices, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation
for those cultivating the primary ingredient.
By supporting brands that ensure equitable wages, the
initiative aims to transform affection into action.
What is the name of this campaign, cleverly blending the
essence of the cherished treat with a call to ethical
responsibility demanding their time and attention.

26. A12. Cocoamitment

27. Q13. ID the movie and the structure
This 1954 movie (5,5,2,3,8) features an eponymous title song sung
by Frank Sinatra, deriving inspiration from an aesthetically beautiful
structure in Rome - one of the most famous of its kind. It is a site
where people rather unusually donate money as an estimated 3000
euros are donated here by the public on a daily basis.
This money has been used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome’s
poor. The reason for the unusual generosity of people here derives
from a legend:
1.The act will bring you back to Rome again.
2.The second rendition of this act will help you find
love/romance while in Rome.
3.The third rendition will help you to happily marry in Rome.

28. A13. Three Coins In The Fountain and Trevi Fountain

29. Q14*. ID the physicist and which site?
This architectural technique was named after a Nobel-prize
winning mathematician and physicist who shaped it. The
physicist experimented with a set of five differently shaped
entities in the 1970s to come up with patterns with special
geometric properties.
Focusing more on Timurid styles, you would associate similar
stylings to A UNESCO World Heritage mausoleum of a famous
Sufi saint - known for a royal foretelling.

31. A14. Roger Penrose and Tomb of Salim Chisti

32. Q15. What was the apt name of the fragrance?
A prominent Middle Eastern princess recently launched a
fragrance under her brand, Mahra M1, as a statement of
independence and resilience.
With a name symbolizing both an ending and a new beginning,
it has been described as a scent that ‘smells like her freedom.’

34. A15. Divorce

35. Q16. What is this outlet aptly known as?
Built upon the beliefs of a well-known story, this food
outlet offers authentic Northwest-inspired Asian cuisine.

Touted as a faithful gathering, it is located at the
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

37. A16. Hachi-ko

38. Q17. ID the monument which was replicated and the country
The kanthwala temple whose name means wooden in hindi
is situated on the banks of River Ganges in a eastern UP city
is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It was constructed in 19th century by Rana Bahadur
Shah,who was exiled from his kingdom from 1800-1804.
During his stay, he decided to replicate a world renowned
heritage monument from his country which is situated on
the banks of Bagmati river.

39. A17. Pashupatinath Temple and Nepal

40. Q18*. ID the person and the song.
This is an Instagram post by a Canadian-American songwriter
and singer, where he issued the following statement in shock
and anger after his version of a famous song was used in an
event, that NPR characterised as “ going from a Q-and-A
session to a bizarre musical event where this person stood in
front of his audience for an extended period while songs
played on the sound system”.
Besides, the publishing company for the estate of the
progenitor of the song also sent the person a cease and desist
letter.

42. A18. Donald Trump and Hallelujah

43. Q19. What gesture? Give the different context
This gesture - when given with the ____ outward - originated in
its most popular context in January 1941 as a part of a
campaign by the Allied Forces in the World War II, made more
popular by a dogged leader.
During the Vietnam War, the same gesture was widely adopted
by the counterculture in a different context, still used
worldwide especially in USA.

44. A19. The V-sign/victory sign
And Peace

45. Q20. ID the city and the stalwart.
With a standalone sequel slated to release later this year, the
music album adds to the glory of this romantic tragedy (with
some problematic elements) - bringing out the essence of an
entire city and paying tribute to one of its stalwarts by the use
of a certain element regularly.
A particular track - though - hits differently, transcending
boundaries as it is beautifully set amidst the backdrop of a
festival taking us on a fragile boat towards the destination -
with surreal music and lyrics, with a soothing voice.
The lead singer of this track had to cut his Goan vacation in
short, to record this - and to say the least, it was more than
worth it.

46. A20. Varanasi and Bismillah Khan

47. Answers
1)Sawai, Hawa Mahal
2)Pulse Island, Heartbeat
3)Sars Virus
4)Paternity Leave
5)Wormhole
6)12 grapes
7)Marriage degree
8)Sikh kid helmet
9)Mojito
10)Blockbuster, Beeryani
11) Liberty bell and taco bell
12) Cocoamittment
13) Three coins in the fountain
14) Roger Penrose, Tomb of
Salim Chisti
15) Divorce
16) Hachi-ko
17) Pashupatinath, Nepal
18) Donald Trump and
Hallelujah
19) Victory Sign
20) Varanasi, Bismillah khan