Tribes & Culture — Set 7
Jharkhand GK · जनजातियां और संस्कृति · Questions 61–70 of 160
Which article of the Indian Constitution provides for appointment of a Tribes Advisory Council in states with significant tribal population?
Correct Answer: B. Fifth Schedule Para 4
The Fifth Schedule, Para 4 of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of a Tribes Advisory Council in states having Scheduled Areas. In Jharkhand, the Tribes Advisory Council advises the Governor on matters relating to the welfare of Scheduled Tribes. This council typically consists of three-fourths tribal members who are members of the state legislature.
Which folk art form of Jharkhand involves drawing on mud walls during harvest season using natural colours?
Correct Answer: C. Sohrai painting
Sohrai painting is a traditional folk art of Jharkhand practised by women on the inner and outer mud walls of homes during the Sohrai harvest festival (post-paddy harvest). The paintings are made using natural pigments (white clay, red ochre, black manganese) and depict animals, birds, trees, and geometric patterns. Sohrai painting has received UNESCO recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Birhor tribe of Jharkhand is classified as which category?
Correct Answer: B. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)
The Birhor tribe is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) due to their pre-agricultural, nomadic lifestyle, declining population, and extremely low literacy. They traditionally live by rope-making, hunting, and gathering in forests. The Birhor community faces serious challenges of survival and the government has initiated special programmes for their welfare and settlement.
The Sauria Paharia tribe lives primarily in which area of Jharkhand?
Correct Answer: B. Rajmahal Hills
The Sauria Paharia tribe (classified as PVTG) lives primarily in the Rajmahal Hills area of Santhal Parganas in Jharkhand. They are distinct from the Mal Paharia tribe, another Paharia group. The Sauria Paharia are forest-dependent communities who practise shifting cultivation and are considered among the most vulnerable tribal groups in the state.
The Johar greeting used in Jharkhand signifies what?
Correct Answer: B. Victory and salutation — a respectful tribal greeting
Johar is a traditional greeting of respect and honour used across tribal communities in Jharkhand, meaning 'salutation' or 'victory'. It is often used as a form of mutual respect between tribal members and has been adopted as a cultural greeting for the entire state. The Jharkhand government uses 'Johar' as an official state greeting symbolising tribal culture and identity.
Which musical instrument, a type of flute, is commonly used in Jharkhand tribal folk music?
Correct Answer: B. Been (tribal flute/murli)
The Been or murli (tribal flute) is a traditional wind instrument commonly used in Jharkhand tribal folk music. It is made from bamboo and produces a haunting melody used in forest communities. Different tribes have their own variants of flute music, which are used in festivals, courtship, and ceremonial contexts.
The Asur tribe of Jharkhand is known for which traditional skill?
Correct Answer: B. Iron smelting
The Asur tribe of Jharkhand is traditionally known for iron smelting, which they have practised for generations in the Netarhat plateau area of Latehar and Gumla districts. The Asur are considered among the original iron smelters of Jharkhand. This community is now classified as a PVTG as their traditional iron smelting has declined due to competition from industrial production.
Which Jharkhand tribal community is closely identified with the 'Phagua' (Holi) celebration involving tribal songs?
Correct Answer: D. Oraon and other communities broadly
The Phagua (tribal Holi) celebration is observed broadly across multiple tribal communities in Jharkhand with tribal folk songs and dances unique to each group. Oraon communities celebrate Phagua with their traditional songs called 'Phagua Karma'. The tribal Holi in Jharkhand incorporates indigenous elements, making it distinct from mainstream Hindu Holi celebrations.
The Santhal community's village governance is traditionally led by which official?
Correct Answer: B. Majhi (Pradhan)
The Santhal village is traditionally governed by the Majhi (also called Manjhi or Pradhan), who is the headman of the village. The Majhi is assisted by Jogmanjhi (responsible for youth affairs), Nayake (responsible for religious rituals), and Godet (messenger-cum-enforcer). This five-member Majhi-Hadam (headman-council) system forms the backbone of traditional Santhal governance.
In Jharkhand, 'diku' is a term used by tribal communities to refer to whom?
Correct Answer: B. Outsiders/non-tribal settlers and exploiters
'Diku' is a term used by tribal communities of Jharkhand to refer to outsiders, particularly non-tribal settlers, moneylenders, and merchants who migrated to tribal areas. Historically, dikus exploited tribal land and labour through usurious money-lending and deceptive land transactions. The resistance against diku exploitation was a major motivating factor in tribal uprisings including the Santhal Hul and Birsa Munda's Ulgulan.