Folk Dances — Set 3
Arts & Culture · लोक नृत्य · Questions 21–30 of 90
The 'Thang-Ta' is a martial art-cum-folk dance of which state?
Correct Answer: A. Manipur
• **Thang-Ta** = This traditional martial art form from Manipur involves the use of a sword ('Thang') and a spear ('Ta'). • **Meitei people** — This form is deeply rooted in their history and is performed as a display of skill and physical prowess. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Mizoram: Known for Cheraw dance; Sikkim: Features Maruni and Limboo dances; Assam: Famous for Bihu dance and Sattriya.
The 'Gumura' dance is a traditional folk dance of which state, often depicting the triumph of good over evil?
Correct Answer: D. Odisha
• **Gumura** = This folk dance of the Kalahandi district in Odisha involves dancers carrying and playing a drum around their necks. • **War dance** — It was historically considered a war dance performed during military expeditions. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Bihar: Known for Jat-Jatin and Bidesiya dances; Jharkhand: Features Chhau and Karma dances; West Bengal: Associated with Chhau (Purulia) and Baul.
'Padayani' is a ritualistic folk dance performed in the temples of which state?
Correct Answer: D. Kerala
• **Padayani** = This traditional folk dance and ritual art from Kerala is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. • **'Kolams'** — Performers wear huge masks called 'Kolams' made from the stems of areca palms. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Tamil Nadu: Known for Bharatanatyam and Karkattam; Andhra Pradesh: Features Kuchipudi and Vilasini Natyam; Karnataka: Associated with Yakshagana and Dollu Kunitha.
The 'Tippani' dance is a folk tradition of Gujarat performed by which group of workers?
Correct Answer: D. Construction laborers
• **Tippani** = This folk tradition from the Chorwad region of Gujarat was performed by women laborers who flattened the ground. • **Long poles** — The dancers used these 'Tippanis' to flatten the ground, singing and dancing to overcome the boredom of hard labor. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Fishermen: Have their own specific folk dances like Koli dance; Potters: Not typically associated with this dance; Farmers: Perform harvest-related dances like Garba.
'Vilasini Natyam' is a traditional folk dance form from which Indian state?
Correct Answer: A. Andhra Pradesh
• **Vilasini Natyam** = This ritual dance form from Andhra Pradesh is performed by female temple dancers (Devadasis). • **Telugu people** — It has roots in the ancient temple traditions of the Telugu people, focusing on abhinaya and graceful footwork. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Odisha: Known for Odissi and Gumura dances; Telangana: Shares some cultural dances with Andhra Pradesh but Vilasini Natyam is specific to the original combined state's traditions; Tamil Nadu: Famous for Bharatanatyam and Karkattam.
The 'Karkattam' is an ancient folk dance of Tamil Nadu performed in honor of which natural element?
Correct Answer: A. Rain
• **Karkattam** = This ancient folk dance of Tamil Nadu is performed to appease Mariamman, the goddess of rain. • **Water and grains** — Dancers balance pots filled with these elements to symbolize fertility and abundance. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Fire: Not the primary element honored; Sun: Not the central element for this dance; Wind: Not the focus of the Karkattam dance.
Which folk dance of Bihar is traditionally performed during the rainy season to please the God of Rain?
Correct Answer: B. Jat-Jatin
• **Jat-Jatin** = This popular folk dance of Bihar is performed by a pair of dancers representing the epic lovers Jat and Jatin. • **Mithila and Koshi regions** — It is especially prevalent in these regions and depicts the daily quarrels and deep affection between the lovers. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Jijhiya: Performed during Dashain (Dussehra) for good harvest; Bidesiya: A folk theatre form dealing with social issues; Fagun: Associated with the Holi festival and spring, not primarily rain.
The 'Panthi' dance is the traditional folk dance of the Satnami community in which state?
Correct Answer: C. Chhattisgarh
• **Panthi** = This significant folk dance of Chhattisgarh is performed by the Satnami tribe. • **Guru Ghasidas** — The dance conveys the teachings of their spiritual leader and is characterized by fast-paced movements and acrobatic pyramids. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Madhya Pradesh: Known for Karma and Gaur dances; Bihar: Features Jat-Jatin and Bidesiya dances; Uttar Pradesh: Has folk dances like Charkula and Nautanki.
The 'Gaur Maria' dance, where dancers wear headgears with bison horns, belongs to which state?
Correct Answer: C. Chhattisgarh
• **Gaur Maria** = This spectacular folk dance of the Maria tribes of Bastar belongs to Chhattisgarh. • **Bison horns** — Men wear headgears adorned with these and peacock feathers, mimicking the movements of a bison. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Assam: Known for Bihu and Sattriya dances; Odisha: Features Odissi and Gumura dances; Jharkhand: Associated with Chhau and Karma dances.
'Fugdi' is a folk dance performed by women in the Konkan region of which two states?
Correct Answer: C. Goa and Maharashtra
• **Fugdi** = This traditional folk dance is performed by women in the Konkan region of Goa and coastal Maharashtra. • **Ganesh Chaturthi** — It is usually performed during festivals like this, involving women holding hands in pairs and swirling at high speed. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Gujarat and Rajasthan: Have distinct folk dances like Garba, Dandiya, Kalbelia, Ghoomar; Kerala and Karnataka: Known for Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha; Odisha and West Bengal: Feature Odissi, Gumura, Chhau, Baul.