Tribes & Communities — Set 8
Rajasthan GK · जनजातियां और समुदाय · Questions 71–80 of 120
In Rajasthan's tribal communities, the role of 'Badwa' (Bhopa) is:
Correct Answer: B. Traditional healer, priest, and spiritual guide
The Badwa or Bhopa is the traditional priest, healer, and spiritual guide in tribal communities of Rajasthan. He conducts religious rituals, performs exorcism, treats illnesses using traditional remedies, and communicates with spirits and deities. The Bhopa tradition is also associated with the performance of epic ballads like the Pabuji ki Phad. This role is hereditary and carries great social authority.
The Rajasthan government runs 'Ashram Schools' primarily for:
Correct Answer: B. Tribal children in remote areas to provide residential education
Ashram Schools (Aashram Shalas) are residential schools established by the Rajasthan government in tribal-dominated remote areas to provide quality education to tribal children. Students receive free accommodation, food, clothing, and education. These schools address the challenge that tribal children often live in scattered forest villages far from regular schools. They have significantly improved literacy rates in tribal areas.
The Bhil tribe's traditional harvest festival is called:
Correct Answer: B. Nawai or Nwali
The Bhil tribe celebrates their harvest festival called 'Nawai' or 'Nwali' (meaning new grain) after the kharif harvest. In this festival, the first grains of the new harvest are offered to the gods before being consumed. The festival involves community feasting, music, and dance. It is an expression of gratitude to nature and deities for a good harvest.
What is the significance of the 'Khejri' tree for the Bishnoi community?
Correct Answer: B. It is a sacred tree they worship and protect at the cost of their lives
The Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria) is sacred to the Bishnoi community. Guru Jambheshwar's 29 principles include the protection of trees and animals, with Khejri being specifically mentioned. The 1730 Khejarli massacre, where 363 Bishnois died protecting Khejri trees, demonstrates this profound reverence. The Khejri tree also has ecological importance as it provides fodder during droughts and is the state tree of Rajasthan.
The 'Chunari Mahotsav' or 'Teej' festival is primarily associated with which community?
Correct Answer: B. Rajput and Hindu communities broadly, particularly women
Teej is primarily a festival of Rajput and Hindu communities in Rajasthan, especially celebrated by women. It marks the arrival of monsoon and the reunion of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva. Women wear green clothes, apply mehndi, and observe fasts. Teej is a major festival in Jaipur where a grand procession (Teej Sawari) is taken out. It has become a symbol of Rajasthani culture across communities.
The 'Gujjar' community of Rajasthan is known for:
Correct Answer: B. Cattle herding, dairy, and buffalo rearing
The Gujjar community is a pastoral community traditionally known for cattle herding, buffalo rearing, and dairy activities. Gujjars have their own distinct culture, dress, and folk traditions. They are found across Rajasthan, especially in areas bordering Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Gujjars are recognized as OBC in Rajasthan and have sought Scheduled Tribe status in agitations. They have a rich musical tradition.
Which tribal development authority oversees tribal welfare in Rajasthan?
Correct Answer: A. Rajasthan Tribal Area Development Department (TADD)
The Tribal Area Development Department (TADD) is the nodal department for tribal welfare in Rajasthan. It oversees education, health, livelihood, and infrastructure development in tribal areas. TADD implements centrally sponsored and state-funded tribal welfare schemes. It works through ITDPs (Integrated Tribal Development Projects) and district-level tribal welfare offices.
The traditional drink consumed during tribal festivals in Rajasthan's tribal belt is:
Correct Answer: B. Mahua liquor
Mahua liquor, made from the flowers of the Mahua tree (Madhuca longifolia), is a traditional drink of tribal communities in southern Rajasthan. The Mahua tree is of immense cultural, social, and economic importance to Bhil and other tribal communities. Mahua flowers are also eaten and used in making medicines. Despite legal restrictions in the past, tribal use of Mahua has been recognized in many states.
The Rajasthan government's 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme in tribal areas aims to:
Correct Answer: B. Ensure food security by providing subsidized food items to tribal households
The Annapurna scheme and similar food security initiatives aim to ensure tribal households have access to subsidized food items. Under NFSA and Rajasthan's state schemes, tribal families receive heavily subsidized rice and wheat. Additional items like pulses, oil, and salt are also provided in tribal-dominated areas. These programs are critical as tribal regions often face food insecurity.
The 'Phad' painting tradition of Rajasthan is associated with which community?
Correct Answer: B. Joshi (Chitrakar) community of Shahpura
The Phad is a large cloth painting depicting the life and exploits of folk deities like Pabuji and Devnarayan. It is created by the Joshi (Chitrakar) community of Shahpura, Bhilwara. The Phad is used as a mobile temple by Bhopas (traditional priests) who carry it and perform ballads. Phad paintings are now recognized as a significant art form of Rajasthan. Shrilal Joshi received the Padma Shri for his contribution to this art.