Tribes & Culture — Set 8
Jharkhand GK · जनजातियां और संस्कृति · Questions 71–80 of 160
The Ho language belongs to which sub-family of Austroasiatic languages?
Correct Answer: B. Munda
The Ho language belongs to the Munda sub-family of Austroasiatic languages, making it a close relative of Mundari, Santali, and other Munda languages. Ho speakers primarily inhabit West Singhbhum (Kolhan region) in Jharkhand. The Ho language is distinct from Mundari and Santali and has its own unique grammar and vocabulary.
The 'Jatra' in Santhal cultural tradition refers to what?
Correct Answer: A. Annual fair and cultural gathering
Jatra in Santhal tradition refers to a large annual fair and cultural gathering where communities from multiple villages come together for trade, socialising, and cultural performances. These gatherings have traditionally served as important social and economic events. The Jatra tradition continues to be an important part of Santhal community life in Jharkhand.
Which government act protects the rights of Scheduled Tribe communities over their traditionally used forest land?
Correct Answer: C. Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006
The Forest Rights Act 2006 recognises and vests the rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers over land and forest resources they have traditionally occupied and used. In Jharkhand, this act has been crucial for recognising Adivasi land rights that were historically denied under colonial forest laws. The act gives tribal communities rights over community forest resources and allows Gram Sabhas to manage forest land.
Whose dance is the 'Mardana Jhumar', performed exclusively by men in Jharkhand?
Correct Answer: B. Male performers in Santhal community festivals
Mardana Jhumar is a male version of the Jhumar dance performed by Santhal men during festivals and cultural celebrations. It is energetic and acrobatic compared to the more graceful female Jhumar. Both Mardana (male) and Zanana (female) Jhumar are integral parts of Santhal cultural celebrations in Jharkhand.
The term 'Jharkhand' literally means what in Sanskrit?
Correct Answer: B. Land of bushes/thickets (Jhar = bush, Khand = land)
The word 'Jharkhand' is derived from Sanskrit/Hindi words where 'Jhar' means 'bush' or 'thicket' and 'Khand' means 'land' or 'region'. Thus Jharkhand literally means 'Land of Bushes' or 'Forest Land'. The name reflects the region's historically forested nature and the tribal communities that have lived in these forests for centuries.
Which Jharkhand tribe traditionally practises 'shifting cultivation' known as Bewar or Dahiya?
Correct Answer: B. Paharia (especially Sauria Paharia)
The Sauria Paharia tribe of the Rajmahal Hills traditionally practises shifting cultivation locally known as 'Bewar' or 'Dahiya'. They cut and burn forest patches, cultivate them for 1-2 years, then move on to new plots. This traditional practice is now restricted due to forest conservation laws, creating livelihood challenges for the community.
The Oraon tribe's traditional dance performed during Sarhul equivalent festival is called what?
Correct Answer: B. Jadur
The Jadur is a traditional dance of the Oraon community performed during their Sarhul equivalent celebrations. The Oraons call their spring festival 'Khad' or join the broader Sarhul celebration. Jadur involves energetic group dancing by young men and women accompanied by Mandar (drum) music.
The concept of 'Khuntkatti' in Munda tribal law refers to what?
Correct Answer: B. Ancestral land rights of Munda clans (original settlers)
Khuntkatti refers to the ancestral land rights of Munda clans who were the original settlers (Khuntkattidars) of a village, giving them inalienable rights over village land. Birsa Munda's Ulgulan was partly a movement to restore Khuntkatti rights that had been eroded by British land settlements. The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act 1908 was enacted to protect these tribal land rights.
The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act 1908 was enacted primarily to protect what?
Correct Answer: B. Tribal land from transfer to non-tribals
The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act 1908 was enacted to protect tribal land in the Chotanagpur region from being transferred or alienated to non-tribal outsiders (dikus). It provides strong protections against illegal land acquisition and gives tribal communities security of tenure. This act remains one of the most important protective legislations for tribal communities in Jharkhand.
The Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act 1949 similarly protects which community?
Correct Answer: B. Santhal and other tribes of Santhal Parganas division
The Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act 1949 protects the land rights of Santhal and other tribal communities in the Santhal Parganas division of Jharkhand. It restricts the transfer of tribal land to non-tribal persons and preserves communal land holdings. The act is the primary legal protection for tribal land rights in the Santhal Parganas region.