Tribes & Culture — Set 5
Jharkhand GK · जनजातियां और संस्कृति · Questions 41–50 of 160
The Mundari word 'Horo' means what, which gave the tribe their name?
Correct Answer: B. Man/Human being
The word 'Munda' in Mundari means 'headman' or 'chief', and the Munda people call themselves 'Horo' meaning 'man' or 'human being'. The tribe's self-identification as 'Horo' reflects their proud indigenous identity. The Munda are one of the original inhabitants of Jharkhand's Chota Nagpur Plateau region.
Which district in Jharkhand is considered the heartland of the Munda tribe?
Correct Answer: B. Khunti
Khunti district is considered the heartland of the Munda tribe in Jharkhand and was also the birthplace of Birsa Munda. The district has the highest concentration of Munda population and is the centre of Munda cultural traditions, including Sarhul celebrations. Khunti was carved out as a separate district in 2007 to give administrative recognition to the Munda-dominated area.
The Santhali word 'Hul' used for the 1855 rebellion means what?
Correct Answer: B. Revolution/Uprising
The word 'Hul' in Santali means 'revolution' or 'uprising', which is why the 1855 Santhal Rebellion is called the Santhal Hul. It was the most significant tribal uprising in colonial India before the 1857 revolt. The Santhal Hul is celebrated as a symbol of tribal resistance and courage in Jharkhand.
Which female warrior played a significant role in the Santhal Rebellion of 1855?
Correct Answer: B. Phulo Murmu and Jhano Murmu
Phulo Murmu and Jhano Murmu were two brave Santhal women who participated in the 1855 Santhal Rebellion alongside the four Murmu brothers. They played a crucial role in mobilizing Santhal women and fighting against British forces. Their bravery is celebrated in Santhal folk songs and the Jharkhand government has instituted awards in their honour.
The Barhait area in Santhal Parganas is historically associated with which tribal leaders?
Correct Answer: B. Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu
Barhait (Bhognadih village in Barhait block) in Sahebganj district, Santhal Parganas, is the birthplace of Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, leaders of the 1855 Santhal Hul. The site is now preserved as a memorial to honour these tribal freedom fighters. Barhait is an important pilgrimage site for the Santhal community.
Kurukh language of the Oraon tribe belongs to which language family?
Correct Answer: B. Dravidian
Kurukh (also called Oraon language) belongs to the Dravidian language family, making it linguistically distinct from neighbouring Munda and Santali languages which are Austroasiatic. This linguistic difference suggests that the Oraon people migrated from South India to Jharkhand in ancient times. Kurukh has close similarities with Brahui spoken in Balochistan, Pakistan.
The annual Sarhul festival in Jharkhand is presided over by which traditional official?
Correct Answer: B. Village priest (Pahan)
Sarhul festival is presided over by the Pahan (village priest) who performs the main rituals at the Sarna (sacred grove). The Pahan selects the Sal flowers, offers them to village deities, and only after this ritual can the community use the flowers. The Pahan's role in Sarhul is central to maintaining the spiritual sanctity of the celebration.
Which tribe of Jharkhand is known for the 'Domkach' dance performed during weddings?
Correct Answer: C. Oraon
Domkach is a traditional folk dance of the Oraon tribe performed during wedding ceremonies. It is primarily a women's dance performed at the bride's and groom's homes during marriage celebrations. The dance involves women forming a circle and singing songs that have both celebratory and sometimes teasing content about the wedding.
Which movement was started by Birsa Munda combining religious and political elements?
Correct Answer: B. Birsait movement
Birsa Munda founded the Birsait movement (followers called Birsaits) combining religious purification with political resistance against British rule. He preached monotheism, rejection of Christian conversion and Hindu rituals, and proclaimed himself a messenger of God (Dharmes). This movement united the Munda community spiritually before the Ulgulan (1899-1900) military campaign.
The Oraon tribe's traditional migration from which part of India is suggested by the Dravidian origin of their language?
Correct Answer: B. South India
Linguistic evidence suggests that the Oraon tribe originally migrated from South India, as their Kurukh language belongs to the Dravidian family, similar to Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada. Scholars believe they may have been displaced northward over centuries by successive waves of migration. This South Indian origin makes the Oraons linguistically unique among Jharkhand's tribal communities.