Folk Dances — Set 6

Correct Answer: B. Peacock

• **Peacock** = Mayilattam is an artistic folk dance where performers dress as this bird, mimicking its graceful movements. • **Tamil Nadu and Kerala** — Mayilattam is a traditional 'Peacock Dance' from these states, usually performed in Hindu temples as an offering to Lord Murugan. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Swan: not the central animal for this specific dance; Eagle: not depicted in Mayilattam; Parrot: another bird, but not the subject of this dance.

Correct Answer: C. Rajasthan

• **Rajasthan** = The 'Gauri' dance is a ritualistic folk theater of the Bhil tribe, performed exclusively by males. • **Month-long performance** — This dance drama is performed for an entire month by the Bhil tribes of southern Rajasthan, dedicated to Goddess Gauri. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Madhya Pradesh: has different tribal dances like Karma; Gujarat: known for Garba and Dandiya Raas; Maharashtra: features dances like Lavani and Koli.

Correct Answer: D. Goa

• **Goa** = The 'Dhalo' folk dance is a popular women-centric performance, known for its slow pace. • **Two parallel rows** — This is the distinct formation in which Dhalo is performed only by women, dedicated to Mother Earth and involving prayers for family prosperity. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Tamil Nadu: known for dances like Bharatanatyam and Karakattam; Karnataka: features dances like Yakshagana and Hulivesha; Kerala: famous for Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.

Correct Answer: A. Odisha

• **Odisha** = 'Sambalpuri' refers to a famous folk dance and music style originating from Western Odisha. • **Mandala drum** — The music of Sambalpuri dance is characterized by the unique sound of this instrument, along with its distinct rhythm and colorful handloom costumes. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Jharkhand: associated with Karma and Jhumair; West Bengal: known for Baul and Chhau; Chhattisgarh: features Raut Nacha and Panthi.

Correct Answer: C. Manipur

• **Manipur** = The 'Thabal Chongba' is a popular community folk dance performed during the Yaoshang festival (Holi). • **'Dancing by moonlight'** — This is the literal meaning of Thabal Chongba, where boys and girls join hands in a circle and perform simple rhythmic steps together. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Nagaland: known for Hornbill Festival dances; Arunachal Pradesh: features dances like Bardo Chham; Mizoram: associated with Cheraw dance.

Correct Answer: C. Tamil Nadu

• **Tamil Nadu** = The 'Poikkal Kudirai Attam' (False Leg Horse Dance) is a folk tradition where performers mimic a horse. • **Wooden stilts** — Performers wear these along with a horse-shaped wooden shell to mimic the trotting of a horse, popular in village fairs and religious processions. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Telangana: has dances like Perini Sivatandavam; Kerala: known for Kathakali; Andhra Pradesh: associated with Kuchipudi and Lambadi.

Correct Answer: D. Bihar

• **Bihar** = 'Jat-Jatin' is a folk dance primarily prevalent in the Mithila region, performed by a group of women. • **Mithila region** — This dance is particularly popular in this region of Bihar, performed at night by women taking turns playing male and female leads, focusing on love and social satire. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Uttar Pradesh: known for Kathak and Nautanki; Jharkhand: associated with Karma dance; Madhya Pradesh: features dances like Jawara and Matki.

Correct Answer: A. Puducherry

• **Puducherry** = The 'Garadi' dance is a traditional form performed to celebrate the victory of Lord Rama. • **Ramayana era** — The Garadi dance of Puducherry dates back to this ancient period, with dancers carrying poles and performing rhythmic steps to the beat of large drums. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Goa: known for Dhalo and Mando; Andaman: features Nicobari dance; Daman: distinct folk traditions from the region.

Correct Answer: C. Haryana

• **Haryana** = The 'Loor' dance is a popular folk tradition performed exclusively by girls in the month of Phalguna. • **Phalguna (spring) month** — The Loor dance, whose name literally means 'girl' in the local dialect, is performed by girls during this month, involving rhythmic question-and-answer songs. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Uttarakhand: known for Chholiya dance; Himachal Pradesh: features Nati and Kinnauri Nati; Punjab: famous for Bhangra and Giddha.

Correct Answer: A. Maharashtra

• **Maharashtra** = The 'Tarpa' dance is a tribal folk dance of the Warli tribe, named after a unique wind instrument. • **Dried gourd** — The 'Tarpa' wind instrument, after which the dance is named, is made from this material, and dancers form a spiral or circle reflecting their philosophy of life. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Gujarat: home to Siddi Dhamal dance; Rajasthan: features Ghoomar and Kalbelia; Madhya Pradesh: known for Karma and Bhagoria.