Tribes & Communities — Set 9
Rajasthan GK · जनजातियां और समुदाय · Questions 81–90 of 120
Among the 29 principles of the Bishnoi community, which environmental rule is most famous?
Correct Answer: A. Do not cut green trees
Among the 29 principles laid down by Guru Jambheshwar for the Bishnoi community, the rule not to cut green trees is the most famous and has earned them recognition as environmental protectors. This principle along with others forbidding harm to animals has made Bishnois pioneers of conservation. Their villages are known as ecological refuges where animals like blackbuck and nilgai roam freely without fear of being hunted.
The 'Sanjhi' art tradition during Navratri is practiced by:
Correct Answer: B. Brahmin and Rajput women traditionally, now widely practiced
Sanjhi is a traditional art form practiced during the Navratri period where intricate patterns are made on floors and walls using clay, flowers, and colors. It was traditionally practiced by Brahmin and Rajput women. The art depicts religious motifs and folk stories. Sanjhi has spread beyond its original communities and is now practiced widely across Rajasthan. It is also a form of clay relief art practiced in temples.
The 'Raika' community of Rajasthan is specifically associated with breeding and herding:
Correct Answer: B. Camels
The correct answer is 'Camels'. The Raika (also known as Rebari or Dewasi) community is the traditional camel breeders and herders of Rajasthan. They consider the camel a sacred animal given to them by Lord Shiva to care for. Raikas have deep traditional knowledge of camel husbandry and diseases. The declining camel population in Rajasthan has threatened their traditional lifestyle and livelihoods. The Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act was partly aimed at their welfare.
The 'Kiradu temples' in Barmer district are particularly associated with which historical community?
Correct Answer: B. Paramara Rajput rulers
The Kiradu temples, dating to the 11th-12th centuries in Barmer district, were built during the period of the Paramara Rajput rulers. These temples showcase the architectural and artistic achievements of Rajput culture. They are sometimes called the 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan' due to their sculptural detail. The temples represent the advanced civilization of the Rajput communities who ruled this region.
The Rajasthan government's 'Indira Gandhi Matritva Poshan Yojana' benefits tribal women by:
Correct Answer: B. Providing cash transfers to pregnant and lactating mothers for nutrition
The Indira Gandhi Matritva Poshan Yojana provides cash incentives to pregnant and lactating mothers to improve maternal and child nutrition. Tribal women, who often face malnutrition and inadequate healthcare, particularly benefit from this scheme. The scheme provides financial assistance in multiple installments linked to health check-ups and practices. It is especially important in tribal districts where malnutrition rates are higher.
The Bhil folk epic 'Nayak' or 'Veer Katha' tradition is performed by:
Correct Answer: B. Bhopa (traditional bard/priest) using narrative singing
The Bhopa tradition involves professional bards who narrate epic tales of tribal heroes and deities through singing, dancing, and visual art. The Bhopa uses a Phad painting or oral tradition to perform stories of heroes like Pabuji, Tejaji, and local tribal heroes. These performances serve entertainment, historical, and religious functions. The tradition is central to preserving tribal oral history and cultural identity.
In which year was the Forest Rights Act passed that gave tribals rights over forest land?
Correct Answer: B. 2006
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act was passed in 2006 and came into effect in 2008. This landmark legislation recognized the rights of tribal and forest-dwelling communities to forest land they had been occupying for generations. It granted individual and community forest rights and rights over Minor Forest Produce. Implementation in Rajasthan has been gradual with many claims still being processed.
The Bhil tribe of Rajasthan is known for which distinctive sport/archery tradition?
Correct Answer: B. Archery (Dhanush Vidya) as part of cultural and hunting tradition
Archery (Dhanush Vidya) has been an integral part of Bhil cultural tradition for centuries. The Bhils were renowned for their skill with bow and arrow, historically used both for hunting and warfare. Archery competitions are held during tribal festivals. The legend of Eklavya from the Mahabharata, who is considered a tribal hero, is deeply connected to the archery tradition of forest-dwelling communities.
The 'Kharif' and 'Rabi' crops primarily grown by tribal communities of Rajasthan include:
Correct Answer: B. Maize, sorghum, millets (kharif) and wheat, pulses (rabi)
Tribal farmers in Rajasthan primarily grow maize (makka), sorghum (jowar), and millets (bajra, ragi) as kharif crops. In rabi season they grow wheat, barley, and pulses. These crops are suited to the terrain of southern Rajasthan and require less water. Tribal farmers also collect Minor Forest Produce like honey, mahua, tendu leaves, and medicinal plants to supplement their income.
The 'Mewati' community found in the Alwar and Bharatpur region of Rajasthan belongs to:
Correct Answer: B. Muslim Rajput community with mixed Hindu-Muslim cultural practices
The Mewati community in the Mewat region (Alwar-Bharatpur area) is a Muslim community believed to have Rajput origins who converted to Islam. They retain many Hindu cultural practices alongside Islamic ones, reflecting the syncretic culture of the region. They speak Mewati, a dialect of Rajasthani Hindi. The Mewati community has a rich folk music tradition including the singing of Mewati folk songs.