40. Which festival was begun by the Nagaland government in 2000 to encourage cultural interaction among tribes?
[SSC CGL Tier I, 18 July 2023, Shift 1]
(A)Hornbill Festival
(B)Nazu Festival
(C)Gaan-Ngai Festival
(D)Nuakhai Festival
Answer: (A) Hornbill Festival
Explanation: Nagaland launched the Hornbill Festival to present and preserve the diverse customs, dances and crafts of its indigenous communities. It is often called a festival of festivals. It is a state-wide showcase rather than an event restricted to one tribe.
39. Which dance is performed by the Santhal community of Jharkhand?
[SSC CGL Tier I, 14 July 2023, Shift 4]
(A)Jhika Dasain
(B)Kolkali
(C)Ghumar
(D)Koli
Answer: (A) Jhika Dasain
Explanation: Jhika Dasain is associated with Santhal celebrations and their music-and-dance traditions. Kolkali belongs to Kerala, Ghumar to Rajasthan and Koli dances to Maharashtra’s fishing communities. Comparing the states prevents confusion among commonly listed folk forms.
38. Nongkrem festival of Meghalaya belongs to which community?
[SSC CHSL Tier I, 4 August 2023, Shift 3]
(A)Apatani
(B)Khasi
(C)Tutsa
(D)Galo
Answer: (B) Khasi
Explanation: Nongkrem is a ritual festival of Khasi communities in Meghalaya. It features dances and offerings associated with prosperity and good harvests. Apatani, Tutsa and Galo are communities associated principally with Arunachal Pradesh, making Khasi the correct regional match.
37. Paika dance of Jharkhand, performed at processions and guest receptions, is associated with which tribe?
[SSC MTS, 5 September 2023, Shift 2]
(A)Santhal
(B)Munda
(C)Oraon
(D)Bhumij
Answer: (B) Munda
Explanation: Paika is a vigorous martial-style dance identified with the Munda community of Jharkhand. Performers demonstrate coordinated movements often suggesting combat skills. It appears at special gatherings and processions and should not be confused with the broader Paika martial history of Odisha.
36. Tapu dance of Arunachal Pradesh is associated with which community?
[SSC MTS, 12 May 2023, Shift 1]
(A)Munda
(B)Damor
(C)Garasia
(D)Adi
Answer: (D) Adi
Explanation: Tapu is a cultural dance of the Adi community of Arunachal Pradesh. Adi communities inhabit several valleys and hill districts and maintain rich oral, ceremonial and musical traditions. Munda, Damor and Garasia are more closely associated with other Indian regions.
35. Ka Shad Mastieh, a victory dance from Meghalaya, is linked with which community?
[SSC MTS, 4 September 2023, Shift 2]
(A)Bhoi
(B)War
(C)Khasi
(D)Jaintia
Answer: (C) Khasi
Explanation: Ka Shad Mastieh is identified in the cited paper as a Khasi victory dance. It belongs to a regional repertoire of ritual and communal performances. Khasi traditions are strongly associated with Meghalaya and differ from the separate cultural repertoires of Bhoi and Jaintia communities.
34. Bagurumba singing and dance at the arrival of spring is associated with which people?
[SSC MTS, 12 September 2023, Shift 2]
(A)Bodo
(B)Khasi
(C)Garo
(D)Karbi
Answer: (A) Bodo
Explanation: Bagurumba is a celebrated Bodo dance of Assam, particularly performed by women during seasonal festivities. Graceful arm movements are often compared with nature. The Bodo are a major northeastern indigenous community with a distinctive language and cultural tradition.
33. Rathwa dancers perform on Holi in which state?
[SSC MTS, 8 September 2023, Shift 2]
(A)Andhra Pradesh
(B)Telangana
(C)Maharashtra
(D)Gujarat
Answer: (D) Gujarat
Explanation: The Rathwa community is prominent in eastern Gujarat, especially around Chhota Udaipur. Dance and the Pithora painting tradition are significant cultural expressions. Holi celebrations provide an occasion for performing Rathwa group dances and reinforcing community ties.
32. Dandari troupes of Kolam and Raj Gond communities perform which dance during Diwali?
[SSC MTS, 4 September 2023, Shift 3]
(A)Chhau
(B)Baiga Pardhoni
(C)Ghusadi
(D)Raut Nacha
Answer: (C) Ghusadi
Explanation: Ghusadi is associated with Dandari troupes and Kolam and Raj Gond communities, particularly in Telangana and adjoining areas. The dance is performed during the festive season around Diwali. Other listed dances arise from different cultural settings.
31. Gaur Maria, a joyful ceremonial group dance involving men and women, belongs to which state?
[SSC MTS, 5 September 2023, Shift 2]
(A)Maharashtra
(B)Rajasthan
(C)Gujarat
(D)Chhattisgarh
Answer: (D) Chhattisgarh
Explanation: Gaur Maria is associated with tribal communities of Bastar, especially Maria groups in Chhattisgarh. It is known for energetic collective dancing at ceremonies. The question asks for the state rather than the name of the community itself.
