Folk Dances — Set 8

Correct Answer: B. Assam

• **Assam** = This state is famous for the 'Bagurumba' folk dance, also known as the butterfly dance. • **Bodo tribe** — Bagurumba is a traditional dance of the Bodo tribe, performed by women during the Bwisagu festival, mimicking butterfly wings. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Manipur]: Manipur is known for Manipuri classical dance; [Nagaland]: Nagaland has a distinct range of tribal dances; [Tripura]: Tripura is known for dances like Hojagiri.

Correct Answer: B. Andhra Pradesh

• **Andhra Pradesh** = The 'Veeranatyam' (Dance of the Brave) is a popular folk dance of this state. • **Lord Veerabhadra** — This traditional folk dance from the East Godavari region is based on the legend of Lord Veerabhadra, an avatar of Lord Shiva. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Kerala]: Kerala is known for Kathakali and Mohiniyattam; [Karnataka]: Karnataka is famous for Yakshagana and Dollu Kunitha; [Tamil Nadu]: Tamil Nadu has Bharatanatyam and Kummi.

Correct Answer: A. Six

• **Six** = In a set for the 'Cheraw' dance of Mizoram, typically this many long bamboo poles are used, although it can range up to eight. • **Mizoram** — Cheraw dance is a prominent traditional dance of this Northeastern Indian state, known for its rhythmic bamboo staves. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Ten]: Ten is generally more than the typical number of poles in a standard set; [Four]: Four is often too few for the complex patterns of Cheraw; [Eight]: While eight can be used, six is the lower and typical starting number for a 'set'.

Correct Answer: D. Nagaland

• **Nagaland** = The 'Zeliang' is a popular folk dance belonging to this state. • **Zeliang tribe** — This dance is a traditional performance of the Zeliang tribe, characterized by powerful leg movements and synchronized shouting. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Meghalaya]: Meghalaya has dances like Nongkrem; [Arunachal Pradesh]: Arunachal Pradesh is known for Popir and Wancho; [Mizoram]: Mizoram's famous dance is Cheraw.

Correct Answer: A. Himachal Pradesh

• **Himachal Pradesh** = The 'Ghurehi' and 'Nati' are traditional folk dances of this Indian state. • **Nati** — This particular dance is usually performed by large groups during fairs and local festivals, reflecting a peaceful mountain lifestyle. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Uttarakhand]: Uttarakhand has dances like Chholiya and Garhwali; [Ladakh]: Ladakh is known for dances like Jabro and Shondol; [Jammu & Kashmir]: Jammu & Kashmir has dances like Rouf and Hafiza.

Correct Answer: B. Jhumar

• **Jhumar** = This is the most popular folk dance of Haryana, primarily performed by women. • **Women** — They are the primary performers of Jhumar, often named after a forehead ornament. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Dandiya]: a folk dance of Gujarat; [Ghoomar]: a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan; [Bhangra]: a high-energy folk dance from Punjab.

Correct Answer: C. Meitei

• **Meitei** = Thang Ta is the traditional martial art and dance form of the Meitei people, originating from Manipur. • **Sword and spear** — Thang Ta involves intricate movements with these weapons, blending combat skills with ceremonial dance. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Mizo]: known for Cheraw (bamboo dance); [Khasi]: a prominent tribe in Meghalaya; [Naga]: known for various warrior dances in Nagaland.

Correct Answer: B. Radha-Krishna

• **Radha-Krishna** = Dalkhai, a folk dance from Western Odisha, primarily tells stories related to Lord Krishna and Radha. • **Dussehra and Nuakhai** — These are among the festivals during which the Dalkhai folk dance is performed. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Shiva]: associated with Tandava, a vigorous dance; [Durga]: honored through various dances like Garba; [Ganesh]: typically worshipped with aratis and stutis, less often with a specific dedicated folk dance like Dalkhai.

Correct Answer: B. Thrissur

• **Thrissur** = This city is the primary hub for Pulikali, Kerala's famous tiger dance, especially during Onam. • **Onam festival** — Pulikali is predominantly performed in Thrissur during this harvest festival of Kerala. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Trivandrum]: the capital city of Kerala, known for other cultural events; [Kochi]: a major port city with diverse cultural activities; [Kozhikode]: a historic city in Kerala with its own unique traditions.

Correct Answer: D. Tripura

• **Tripura** = Hojagiri is a unique folk dance native to Tripura, primarily performed by the Reang community. • **Reang community** — This tribal community in Tripura is known for performing the Hojagiri dance, balancing objects on their upper body. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Assam]: famous for Bihu dance; [Mizoram]: known for Cheraw (bamboo dance); [Manipur]: known for Manipuri classical dance and Thang Ta martial art.