Tribes & Communities — Set 6

Correct Answer: B. Holi

The Gair dance is prominently performed during the Holi festival and the days following it. Bhil communities of Mewar perform this energetic group dance for several days during Holi celebrations. Both men and women participate in circles, carrying decorated sticks. The Holi celebrations in tribal Rajasthan are particularly vibrant and last for several days.

Correct Answer: B. The word 'Matsya' or fish, their ancestral totem

The name 'Meena' or 'Mina' is believed to derive from 'Matsya' (Sanskrit for fish), which was the totem of their ancestral clan. According to some scholars, the Meenas are descendants of the Matsya kingdom mentioned in ancient texts. Others believe they are descendants of the ancient Matsya tribe who were allied with the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. The fish symbol is still used in Meena identity.

Correct Answer: B. Baneshwar Mela

The Baneshwar Mela is considered the most important festival and fair for the Bhil community of Rajasthan. Held at Baneshwar Dham in Dungarpur during Magh Purnima, it attracts over a million tribal visitors. It is also called the 'Tribal Kumbh of Rajasthan'. The fair combines religious rituals with cultural festivities, trading, and social gatherings.

Correct Answer: B. A pre-Holi fair where young people select marriage partners

Bhagoria Haat is a traditional tribal fair held before Holi in tribal districts. Young Bhil men and women attend dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry. Boys pursue girls of their choice and if a girl accepts a boy's advances (applying gulal/color), the two elope together for marriage. This elopement tradition (bhagna) is a socially accepted practice among Bhils. The fair also includes trading and cultural activities.

Correct Answer: B. Marketing of tribal produce and providing essential goods

The Rajasthan Tribal Area Development Cooperative Federation (RTADC) is primarily involved in marketing tribal products and providing essential commodities to tribal areas at fair prices. It procures Minor Forest Produce from tribal collectors and markets their handicrafts. The federation also supplies essential goods through fair price shops in tribal areas. It is a key institution for tribal economic welfare in Rajasthan.

Correct Answer: B. Traditional pastoral/nomadic community

The Rebari community is a traditional pastoral and semi-nomadic community of Rajasthan known for herding camels, sheep, and goats. They are also called Dewasi or Raika and are considered the hereditary camel breeders of the Thar desert. Rebaris have a rich oral tradition and distinctive culture. They face challenges as traditional pastoralism becomes economically difficult in modern times.

Correct Answer: A. Bhili (a Rajasthani dialect)

The Bhil community speaks Bhili, which is a group of related dialects classified as an Indo-Aryan language with influences from Rajasthani, Gujarati, and other regional languages. Major Bhili dialects include Bhili proper, Wagri, Dungri Bhili, and Dungri Garasia. Bhili is written in Devanagari script. There are efforts to develop educational materials in Bhili to improve literacy among tribal children.

Correct Answer: B. Jain community (Digambara Jains)

Santhara or Sallekhana is a Jain religious practice of voluntarily fasting unto death. While this is a Jain practice, it is important to note the distinction from tribal practices. The Jain community, particularly Digambara Jains, practice this when a person feels life's purpose is complete. It became a legal controversy in Rajasthan when a court temporarily banned it in 2015, but the Supreme Court stayed the ban.

Correct Answer: B. Fishing along rivers

The Manjhi or Malah community in Rajasthan is traditionally associated with fishing and boat-making along rivers. They are found along the Chambal, Banas, and other rivers. While most rivers in Rajasthan have limited water, this community has historical roots in fishing. They are classified as a scheduled tribe or OBC in different parts of India.

Correct Answer: B. Snake charming and street performances

The Nayak (also called Sapera or Kalbeliyas in some regions) community is known for snake charming and street performances in Rajasthan. They are a nomadic community who traditionally earned their livelihood by charming snakes and performing street acts. With the Wildlife Protection Act restricting snake charming, many have transitioned to other occupations. Their traditional dance has gained popularity through the Kalbelia community.