Tag: history

According to Hindu mythology, during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), Lord Shiva drank the deadly halahala poison to save the universe. The poison turned his throat blue, earning him the name 'Neelkantha' (the blue-throated one). 'Nilkanta' in option A is a variant spelling of Neelkantha, making it the correct answer.

According to Hindu tradition and scriptures, there are 33 crore (330 million) deities in Hindu mythology. This figure represents the countless forms and manifestations of the divine. The term 'crore' means 10 million, so 33 crore equals 330 million. Option B correctly states this traditional number.

In Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga was created through the combined energies of all the gods to defeat the demon Mahishasura. However, it was Rishi Katayana (also spelled Katyayana) who performed the intense rituals and penance that gave life to the goddess. For this reason, Durga is also known as 'Katyayani.' Option B correctly identifies Rishi Katayan as the one who gave life to Devi Durga.

During the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), when the amrit (nectar of immortality) emerged, Vishnu took the female form of 'Mohini' to distribute the amrit only to the gods (devas) and not to the demons (asuras). This form was so enchanting that even the demons were mesmerized, allowing Vishnu to ensure the amrit went only to the rightful recipients. Option B correctly identifies Mohini as the name Vishnu took while distributing the amrit.

When Lord Shiva drank the halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan, the poison was stuck in his throat and could have killed him. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Tara (a form of Devi and one of the Mahavidyas) appeared and stopped the poison from spreading further into his body, thus saving him. Tara's name literally means 'one who saves' or 'star.' Option B correctly identifies Goddess Tara as the one who saved Shiva after he consumed the poison.

Braveheart won the Best Picture Oscar at the 68th Academy Awards ceremony held in 1996, honoring films released in 1995. The film, directed by and starring Mel Gibson, is about Scottish warrior William Wallace. It won five Oscars total including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup, and Best Sound Editing. Option B correctly identifies Braveheart as the 1996 Best Picture winner.

The English Patient won the Best Picture Oscar at the 69th Academy Awards ceremony held in 1997, honoring films released in 1996. Directed by Anthony Minghella and starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, the film won nine Oscars total, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actress for Binoche. Option C correctly identifies The English Patient as the 1997 Best Picture winner.

Titanic won the Best Picture Oscar at the 70th Academy Awards ceremony held in 1998, honoring films released in 1997. Directed by James Cameron, this epic romance-disaster film tied a record with 11 Oscar wins (later matched by Ben-Hur and later by The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King). Titanic was a massive commercial and critical success. Option A correctly identifies Titanic as the 1998 Best Picture winner.

Shakespeare in Love won the Oscar for Best Picture at the 71st Academy Awards, held in 1999 for films released in 1998. The film is a romantic comedy-drama about William Shakespeare.

American Beauty won the Oscar for Best Picture at the 72nd Academy Awards in 2000. It's a drama film exploring themes of beauty and suburban disillusionment, starring Kevin Spacey.