Folk Dances — Set 2
Arts & Culture · लोक नृत्य · Questions 11–20 of 90
Which of the following is a famous folk dance of Himachal Pradesh performed during the Dussehra festival?
Correct Answer: C. Nati
• **Nati** = Nati is a popular folk dance of Himachal Pradesh, specifically from the Kullu and Shimla regions. • **Guinness Book** — This dance holds a record in the Guinness Book for being the largest folk dance in terms of participants. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Jhumar]: Jhumar is a folk dance from Haryana and Punjab, not Himachal Pradesh; [Rouf]: Rouf is a traditional folk dance of Jammu and Kashmir; [Kirtan]: Kirtan is a devotional singing practice, not a folk dance of Himachal Pradesh.
The 'Dollu Kunitha' is a major drum-based folk dance of which state?
Correct Answer: D. Karnataka
• **Dollu Kunitha** = Dollu Kunitha is a high-energy drum dance from Karnataka performed by the men of the Kuruba community. • **Lord Beeralingeshwara** — This powerful dance is dedicated to Lord Beeralingeshwara, a form of Lord Shiva. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Tamil Nadu]: Tamil Nadu has folk dances like Karagam and Kavadi, not Dollu Kunitha; [Andhra Pradesh]: Andhra Pradesh is known for Kuchipudi and Lambadi; [Telangana]: Telangana's folk dances include Perini Sivatandavam, distinct from Dollu Kunitha.
'Chhau' dance, characterized by its use of masks and martial movements, is popular in which region?
Correct Answer: D. Eastern India
• **Chhau** = Chhau is a semi-classical Indian dance with martial, tribal, and folk origins prevalent in Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. • **UNESCO's Representative List** — Chhau was inscribed in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Western India]: Western India includes states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, known for different folk forms; [Southern India]: Southern India has dances like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and Kuchipudi; [Northern India]: Northern India features Kathak and various folk dances, but not Chhau as its primary form.
The 'Koli' dance is a traditional folk dance of the fishing community in which state?
Correct Answer: D. Maharashtra
• **Koli** = Koli dance is performed by the fishing community of Maharashtra, specifically in the coastal regions. • **Fishing community** — This traditional dance vividly reflects the daily life and rhythm of the Koli fishing community and the sea. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Gujarat]: Gujarat has folk dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas, not Koli; [Goa]: Goa has folk dances like Fugdi and Dekhni, distinct from Koli; [Kerala]: Kerala is known for Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, not Koli.
'Giddha' is a popular folk dance performed by women in which Indian state?
Correct Answer: A. Punjab
• **Giddha** = Giddha is a popular folk dance performed by women in Punjab and is considered the female counterpart to Bhangra. • **Bolis** — Performers sing 'bolis' or verses that depict everyday village life during this energetic group dance. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Himachal Pradesh]: Himachal Pradesh is known for Nati, not Giddha; [Haryana]: Haryana has folk dances like Raas Leela and Phag, but Giddha is primarily Punjabi; [Rajasthan]: Rajasthan is famous for Ghoomar and Kalbelia, not Giddha.
The 'Kalbelia' dance is associated with a tribe of snake charmers in which state?
Correct Answer: C. Rajasthan
• **Kalbelia** = This sensuous folk dance from Rajasthan is performed by women of the Kalbelia community. • **UNESCO** — This dance form is recognized as part of India's intangible heritage. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Gujarat: Known for Garba and Dandiya Raas; Madhya Pradesh: Famous for Karma and Gaur dances; Haryana: Has popular folk dances like Dhamal and Loor.
In which state is the 'Cheraw' dance, also known as the bamboo dance, performed?
Correct Answer: D. Mizoram
• **Cheraw** = This traditional folk dance from Mizoram involves dancers stepping in and out of bamboo grids. • **Bamboo staves** — People sit on the ground and beat these against each other, creating a complex rhythmic pattern for the dancers. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Nagaland: Famous for Hornbill Festival dances; Tripura: Associated with Hojagiri dance; Meghalaya: Known for Shad Suk Mynsiem and Nongkrem dances.
The 'Garadi' dance is a popular folk performance of which Union Territory?
Correct Answer: B. Puducherry
• **Garadi** = This famous dance of Puducherry is performed to celebrate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. • **Vanaras (monkeys)** — Dancers are dressed like these and carry flags, characterized by heavy rhythmic footwork. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Lakshadweep: Known for Lava and Kolkali dances; Ladakh: Features mask dances and folk music; Chandigarh: As a city, it doesn't have a distinct traditional folk dance like Garadi.
Which folk dance of Jammu and Kashmir is primarily performed by women during the spring season?
Correct Answer: D. Rouf
• **Rouf** = This popular folk dance of Kashmir is performed by women who stand in two rows facing each other. • **Two rows** — Women interlock their arms and sway forward and backward to a simple rhythmic tune, often during Eid and Ramzan. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Dumhal: Performed by male Watal tribe; Kud: A ritual dance performed in praise of deities; Bhand Pather: A form of traditional folk theatre.
The 'Hojagiri' dance involves balancing bottles and lamps and is native to which state?
Correct Answer: B. Tripura
• **Hojagiri** = This folk dance of the Reang community in Tripura involves balancing earthen lamps or bottles on the head. • **Young girls** — They perform intricate waist movements while balancing objects, requiring immense concentration and flexibility. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Arunachal Pradesh: Known for Ponung and Buiya dances; Nagaland: Famous for Hornbill Festival dances; Manipur: Home to Manipuri classical dance and Thang-Ta.