Folk Dances — Set 7

Correct Answer: C. Punjab and Haryana

• **Punjab and Haryana** = 'Saang' is a traditional folk musical theater prevalent in these two states. • **Rajasthan** — Parts of this state also feature Saang performances, involving singing and acting to depict stories. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [UP and Bihar]: Saang is not primarily associated with these states; [Bihar and Bengal]: These states have different prominent folk art forms; [MP and Chhattisgarh]: Saang is not a key folk art form of these central Indian states.

Correct Answer: B. Tamil Nadu

• **Tamil Nadu** = The 'Kummi' and 'Kolattam' are folk dances mainly associated with this state. • **Pongal** — These dances, relying on rhythmic clapping (Kummi) and painted sticks (Kolattam), are often performed during harvesting festivals like Pongal. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Odisha]: Odisha has Odissi and other folk dances but not Kummi and Kolattam; [Karnataka]: Karnataka is known for Yakshagana and Dollu Kunitha; [Kerala]: Kerala is famous for Mohiniyattam and Kathakali.

Correct Answer: C. Maharashtra

• **Maharashtra** = The 'Dhangari Gaja' is a shepherd's dance originating from this Indian state. • **Biruba** — Performed by the Dhangar community of Solapur district, the dance is typically done to please their deity Biruba. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Karnataka]: Karnataka has dances like Dollu Kunitha and Yakshagana; [Gujarat]: Gujarat is known for Garba and Dandiya Raas; [Rajasthan]: Rajasthan is famous for Ghoomar and Kalbelia.

Correct Answer: B. Khasi

• **Khasi** = The 'Nongkrem' is a famous folk dance of this tribe in Meghalaya. • **Ka Pomblang Nongkrem** — This dance is performed during the Ka Pomblang Nongkrem festival as a thanksgiving for a good harvest and community prosperity. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Jaintia]: The Jaintia tribe has different cultural practices; [Garo]: The Garo tribe is known for the Wangala festival and its associated dances; [Mizo]: Mizo is a distinct tribe from Mizoram, not Meghalaya.

Correct Answer: D. Arunachal Pradesh

• **Arunachal Pradesh** = The 'Wancho' and 'Popir' are traditional folk dances of this state. • **Galo tribe** — Popir is a popular dance specifically of the Galo tribe, usually performed during the Mopin festival. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Manipur]: Manipur is known for Manipuri classical dance and Thang-Ta; [Nagaland]: Nagaland has dances like Zeliang and Leshalaptu; [Mizoram]: Mizoram is famous for Cheraw dance.

Correct Answer: A. Two

• **Two** = The 'Lavani' dance of Maharashtra is traditionally categorized into this many distinct types. • **Nirguni Lavani** — These two types are Nirguni Lavani (philosophical) and Shringari Lavani (sensual), forming a major part of Maharashtrian culture for centuries. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Five]: Lavani is not primarily categorized into five types; [Three]: There are no three main traditional categories for Lavani; [Four]: Four is not the traditional number of distinct types for Lavani.

Correct Answer: C. Shiva

• **Shiva** = The 'Dollu Kunitha' is a folk drum dance dedicated to Lord Beeralingeshwara, an avatar of this Hindu deity. • **Karnataka** — This rhythmic drum dance, involving high physical strength, is a prominent folk art form of Karnataka. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Brahma]: Brahma is the creator god, not primarily associated with this dance; [Vishnu]: Vishnu is the preserver god, not the central deity for Dollu Kunitha; [Indra]: Indra is the king of deities and god of thunder, not the focus of this dance.

Correct Answer: A. Rajasthan and Gujarat

• **Rajasthan and Gujarat** = 'Bhavai' is a traditional folk theater and dance form common to these two states. • **Pot-balancing dance** — In Rajasthan, Bhavai is primarily known as a pot-balancing dance, while in Gujarat, it is a folk drama. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Bihar and Jharkhand]: These states have different folk forms like Chhau and Jhumair; [UP and MP]: Uttar Pradesh has Nautanki, Madhya Pradesh has Maanch; [Haryana and Punjab]: These states are known for Saang, Giddha, and Bhangra.

Correct Answer: C. Karam

• **Karam** = The 'Karma' dance is performed by tribes during this festival to honor the God of Destiny. • **Karam tree** — The dance, celebrated by tribes like the Oraon and Munda, is traditionally performed around a branch of the Karam tree. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sarhul]: Sarhul is a spring festival, also by tribes, but not specifically for Karma dance; [Baisakhi]: Baisakhi is a harvest festival, primarily celebrated in Punjab; [Bihu]: Bihu is a set of three important Assamese festivals, distinct from Karam.

Correct Answer: B. Areca Palm

• **Areca Palm** = The 'Padayani' dance of Kerala is known for its use of huge masks made from the green spathe of this tree. • **Bhagavathy temples** — This highly stylized dance-drama, featuring masks of fierce deities, is traditionally performed in Bhagavathy temples. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Banyan]: Banyan leaves or wood are not typically used for Padayani masks; [Coconut]: Coconut shells or leaves are used for other crafts but not for these large masks; [Mango]: Mango wood or leaves are not the primary material for Padayani masks.