Tribes & Culture — Set 14
Jharkhand GK · जनजातियां और संस्कृति · Questions 131–140 of 160
The 'Gondi' tribe's presence in Jharkhand is concentrated in which districts?
Correct Answer: B. Palamu and Garhwa districts
The Gond (Gondi) tribe in Jharkhand is concentrated mainly in the Palamu and Garhwa districts in the western part of the state. Gonds are one of the largest tribal groups in central India spanning Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. In Jharkhand, they are a significant minority tribal community with their own cultural traditions.
The traditional 'Karma dance' is performed around which type of natural object?
Correct Answer: B. Karma tree branch
Karma dance is performed around the Karma tree branch (Nauclea parvifolia) which is brought home, planted in the courtyard, and worshipped during the festival. The dance involves circling the Karma branch while singing traditional songs. The Karma tree is believed to bestow prosperity and long life, which is why sisters pray around it for their brothers' wellbeing.
Jharkhand's Santhal community celebrates which festival that involves sisters praying at the Jaher (sacred grove)?
Correct Answer: C. Baha (Sarhul)
Baha (equivalent to Sarhul) is the Santhal spring festival where the Pahan (priest) performs rituals at the Jaher (sacred grove) with Sal and mahua flowers. Women pray for the well-being of their community at the sacred grove. The Jaher is considered the most sacred space in a Santhal village and only the Naike/Pahan can enter the innermost part.
Which Jharkhand tribal community is associated with the famous 'Dokra' metal casting craft?
Correct Answer: D. Multiple tribes including Dhokra artisans (specific caste group)
Dokra metal craft (lost-wax casting) in Jharkhand is practised by specific traditional craftsperson communities (Dhokra artisans) found across tribal areas of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. The craft produces distinctive figures of deities, animals, and decorative items. Jharkhand's Dokra work is known for its geometric patterns and primitive artistic style reflecting tribal aesthetics.
The 'Paitkar' painting of Jharkhand is also known by which other name?
Correct Answer: B. Scroll painting (Pat Chitra)
Paitkar painting is a traditional scroll painting (Pat Chitra) tradition of Jharkhand, practised by the Chitrakar community in the Amadubi area of West Singhbhum district. It is similar to the Kalighat pat chitra of West Bengal and depicts mythological stories and tribal legends. Paitkar scrolls are traditionally used by the Chitrakar community during rituals for the dead.
Which government body is responsible for tribal welfare and research in Jharkhand?
Correct Answer: B. Jharkhand Tribal Welfare Research Institute (JTWRI)
The Jharkhand Tribal Welfare Research Institute (JTWRI), also known as Jharkhand Janjatiya Shhodh Sansthan, conducts research on tribal communities and advises the government on tribal welfare policies. It maintains data on tribal demographics, culture, and socio-economic conditions. The institute also documents tribal art forms, languages, and cultural practices.
The traditional 'Sagaai' or inter-tribal marriage alliance system in Jharkhand helps strengthen what?
Correct Answer: B. Social bonds and conflict resolution between tribes and clans
The traditional marriage alliance system in Jharkhand tribes (including exogamous clan marriage rules) serves to strengthen social bonds between different clans and sometimes between different tribal groups. Marriage alliances create networks of obligation and mutual support that extend beyond immediate family. These cross-clan marriages help maintain social cohesion and peaceful relations in tribal communities.
The term 'Abua Jharkhand' in political context means what?
Correct Answer: B. Our Jharkhand (indigenous people's Jharkhand)
'Abua' in Mundari and related tribal languages means 'our' or 'belonging to us', so 'Abua Jharkhand' means 'Our Jharkhand' — the Jharkhand belonging to its indigenous Adivasi people. This phrase has been used in political discourse to advocate for tribal rights, land protection, and self-governance in Jharkhand. The concept is central to the political ideology of tribal parties like JMM.
Which Jharkhand tribal leader is known as 'Sidhu-Kanhu ki dharti ka lal' (son of the land of Sidhu-Kanhu) in political history?
Correct Answer: A. Shibu Soren
Shibu Soren is often referred to as a political son of the land of Sidhu-Kanhu, drawing legitimacy from the Santhal tribal rebellion heritage. He is from the Santhal community and founded JMM partly on the legacy of the 1855 Santhal Hul. Shibu Soren has been a dominant figure in Jharkhand politics since the state's formation in 2000.
The 'Karam' festival of Jharkhand is most widely celebrated by which community?
Correct Answer: C. Munda, Ho, Oraon, Santhal and other Jharkhand tribes broadly
Karma (Karam) festival is widely celebrated across multiple tribal communities including Munda, Ho, Oraon, Santhal, and other tribes of Jharkhand. The festival cuts across tribal distinctions and has become a pan-Jharkhand tribal festival. Many non-tribal communities in Jharkhand also participate in Karma celebrations, making it the most inclusive of Jharkhand's tribal festivals.