Art, Festivals & Dance — Set 4

Correct Answer: B. Immersion of Tusu goddess effigy in a river

At the culmination of Tusu festival, the elaborately decorated Tusu chaudal (palanquin with the goddess effigy) is immersed in a river. This is a joyful community event with singing, dancing, and processions. The immersion symbolises bidding farewell to the harvest goddess until the next year.

Correct Answer: A. Dokra community (a nomadic metal-smith tribe)

Dokra art is named after the Dokra Damar tribe, a nomadic community of metal smiths who have practiced this craft for centuries. This community is found in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. The craft produces distinctive tribal motifs and forms using the lost-wax casting method.

Correct Answer: C. Paitkar

Paitkar painting of Singhbhum district is considered similar in style to Kalighat scroll painting from Bengal. Both are scroll-based narrative painting traditions. Paitkar painters, like Kalighat Patuas, used their art to narrate stories and earn their livelihood by travelling from village to village.

Correct Answer: B. Three

There are three main varieties of Chhau dance: Seraikella Chhau (Jharkhand), Mayurbhanj Chhau (Odisha), and Purulia Chhau (West Bengal). All three were collectively inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. Each variety has distinct characteristics while sharing the same martial arts and tribal dance base.

Correct Answer: B. Chaitra Parva (spring festival)

Chhau dance is traditionally performed during Chaitra Parva, the spring festival held in the month of Chaitra (March-April). The festival coincides with the Bengali New Year and is a major cultural celebration in eastern India. Performances take place over several nights with stories from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas.

Correct Answer: C. Sarhul

Sarhul festival involves the worship of the village deity (Gram Devata) at the Sarna, the sacred grove of the Sal trees. The tribal priest called Pahan performs elaborate rituals at the Jaher than (sacred grove). The entire community participates in this worship to seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

Correct Answer: B. Sarhul (Baha)

Baha songs are the Santali folk songs sung during Sarhul, which is called Baha festival by Santhals. The term 'Baha' means flower in Santali, referring to the flowering of the Sal tree. These songs celebrate nature, fertility, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Correct Answer: C. Ranchi

The Jharkhand Tribal Welfare Research Institute (formerly known as Tribal Research Institute) is located in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand. It conducts research on tribal culture, customs, language, and art forms. The institute plays an important role in documenting and preserving tribal heritage of Jharkhand.

Correct Answer: C. Karma festival

Lahasua dance is performed during the Karma festival in Jharkhand. It is a group dance performed by young men and women in festive attire. The dance is accompanied by traditional musical instruments like mandar (drum) and flute.

Correct Answer: B. It is the abode of the village deity and is sacred

The Sal (Shorea robusta) tree is considered sacred in Jharkhand tribal culture as it is believed to be the abode of the village deity. The sacred grove of Sal trees, called Jaher or Sarna, serves as the outdoor temple for tribal worship. Sarhul festival is specifically centered around the worship of Sal tree flowers.