Tribes & Culture — Set 4

Correct Answer: A. Marriage and harvest celebrations

Jhumar is a folk dance of Jharkhand performed during harvest celebrations and festive occasions, particularly in the Santhal Parganas region. It is a group dance performed by women in a circular formation, accompanied by rhythmic folk music. Jhumar reflects the agrarian lifestyle and celebratory culture of Jharkhand's tribal communities.

Correct Answer: B. Martial arts tradition

Paika dance has its origins in the martial arts tradition of Jharkhand's tribal warriors. It is performed by men and depicts mock battles, sword fights, and military manoeuvres using shields and swords. The Paika dance demonstrates the martial heritage of tribal communities and is performed during festivals like Sarhul and Karma.

Correct Answer: C. Santhal

Lahasua is a folk dance primarily associated with the Santhal tribal community of Jharkhand and Santhal Parganas region. It is performed during agricultural festivals and celebrations, particularly after the harvest season. The dance involves synchronized group movements accompanied by traditional Santhal musical instruments.

Correct Answer: D. All tribal communities

The Phagua (Holi) folk song tradition is shared across multiple tribal communities of Jharkhand, including Santhal, Munda, and Oraon groups. Each community has its own variation of folk songs and dances for the spring festival. Tribal Phagua celebrations in Jharkhand blend indigenous customs with broader Indian Holi traditions.

Correct Answer: A. It is the state tree and sacred in tribal festivals

The Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is both the state tree of Jharkhand and deeply sacred in tribal culture. During Sarhul festival, the blooming of Sal flowers marks the tribal new year and is celebrated with great devotion. The Sal grove serves as the Jaher (sacred grove) in many tribal villages where community worship is conducted.

Correct Answer: B. Add value to tribal minor forest produce and create livelihoods

Van Dhan Vikash Kendras (VDVKs) are tribal enterprise clusters established under TRIFED to add value to Minor Forest Produce (MFP) collected by tribal communities. They provide processing facilities, storage, and market linkages to enhance tribal income from forest produce. In Jharkhand, VDVKs help tribal people get better prices for products like tendu leaves, lac, mahua, and amla.

Correct Answer: B. Austroasiatic

Mundari is an Austroasiatic language belonging to the Munda branch of the language family. It is spoken primarily by the Munda tribe in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam. Mundari has a rich oral literature tradition and is written using the Devanagari script in modern times.

Correct Answer: C. Baha (Sarhul equivalent)

The Santhal equivalent of the spring/new year festival is called 'Baha', which corresponds to Sarhul celebrated by Munda and Oraon communities. During Baha, the Santhal priest (Naike) performs rituals at the Jaher (sacred grove) using Sal and mahua flowers. The festival marks the beginning of the agricultural cycle and is celebrated with great community participation.

Correct Answer: B. Village priest who conducts religious rituals

The Pahan is the village priest in Munda tribal society who conducts all religious rituals and ceremonies. He performs rituals at the Sarna (sacred grove) during festivals like Sarhul, Karma, and other community occasions. The Pahan's role is hereditary and he is considered the spiritual intermediary between the community and village deities.

Correct Answer: D. All major tribes

The Dhol (double-headed drum) and Nagara (large kettledrum) are used across all major tribal communities of Jharkhand during festivals and celebrations. Music is integral to tribal identity, with each tribe having specific rhythms and beats for different ceremonies. Tribal folk music in Jharkhand is inseparable from dance and community festivals.