Folk Dances of India Practice Questions
20 free Folk Dances of India practice questions for the Static GK. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which of the following folk dances belongs to the state of Punjab and is traditionally performed by women during the festival of Teeyan?
- A Bhangra
- B Giddha
- C Jhumar
- D Dhamaal
Correct answer: Giddha
Giddha (also spelled Gidda) is a popular folk dance of women in the Punjab region. It is characterized by rhythmic clapping and the singing of 'boliyan', depicting the energy and spirit of Punjabi women.
'Kalbelia' is a world-famous folk dance form associated with the snake-charmer community of which Indian state?
- A Gujarat
- B Rajasthan
- C Haryana
- D Madhya Pradesh
Correct answer: Rajasthan
Kalbelia dance is performed by the tribe of the same name in Rajasthan. The dancers wear black swirling skirts and perform movements that mimic the flexibility and grace of a serpent.
The 'Bihu' dance, performed with rapid hand movements and brisk steps, is the most popular folk dance of which state?
- A Manipur
- B Bihar
- C Assam
- D Meghalaya
Correct answer: Assam
Bihu is the indigenous folk dance of Assam related to the Bihu festival. It is a celebration of the changing seasons and is performed by both young men and women in traditional silk attire.
Which of the following is a mask dance from the tribal regions of Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, recently added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list?
- A Yakshagana
- B Bhangra
- C Chhau
- D Garba
Correct answer: Chhau
Chhau dance is a semi-classical Indian dance with martial, tribal, and folk traditions. It is performed wearing masks and portrays stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
'Garba' is a vibrant folk dance traditionally performed during the Navratri festival in which state?
- A Maharashtra
- B Gujarat
- C Rajasthan
- D Goa
Correct answer: Gujarat
Garba is a celebratory dance from Gujarat performed in a circle around a centrally lit lamp or a picture of the Goddess Shakti. It represents the cyclical nature of time and life.
The 'Lavani' dance, known for its powerful rhythm and erotic or social themes, is a traditional folk form of which state?
- A Karnataka
- B Maharashtra
- C Tamil Nadu
- D Uttarakhand
Correct answer: Maharashtra
Lavani is a combination of traditional song and dance, which particularly performed to the beats of Dholki. It is the most popular folk theatre form in Maharashtra.
'Rouf' is a traditional folk dance performed by women in which region of India during the spring season?
- A Ladakh
- B Himachal Pradesh
- C Jammu and Kashmir
- D Arunachal Pradesh
Correct answer: Jammu and Kashmir
Rouf is a beautiful dance form of the Kashmir Valley, performed primarily during the festivals of Eid and Ramzan. Women stand in two rows facing each other and interlock their arms.
Which folk dance of Karnataka involves a spectacular blend of dance, music, dialogue, and heavy makeup, often depicting stories from ancient epics?
- A Dolu Kunitha
- B Yakshagana
- C Hulivesha
- D Veeragase
Correct answer: Yakshagana
Yakshagana is the traditional theatre of coastal Karnataka, combining dance, music, spoken dialogue, elaborate costume and heavy makeup to stage episodes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Dolu Kunitha is a drum dance, Veeragase a vigorous Shaiva dance performed during Dasara, and Hulivesha the tiger dance of the Mangaluru coast — none of them narrative theatre.
'Ghoomar' is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan primarily performed by women wearing which type of attire?
- A Nauvari Saree
- B Ghaghara
- C Mekhela Chador
- D Pheran
Correct answer: Ghaghara
Ghoomar involves graceful pirouetting movements where the long, flowing skirt (Ghaghara) flares out. It was originally performed by the Bhil tribe and later adopted by Rajasthani royalty.
The 'Karakattam' folk dance, where dancers balance decorated pots on their heads, is native to which South Indian state?
- A Kerala
- B Andhra Pradesh
- C Tamil Nadu
- D Telangana
Correct answer: Tamil Nadu
Karakattam is an ancient folk dance of Tamil Nadu performed in praise of the rain goddess Mariamman. Dancers balance a 'Karakam' (pot) on their head while executing intricate steps.
Which of the following folk dances is a traditional 'war dance' belonging to the state of Nagaland?
- A Cheraw
- B Hojagiri
- C Chang Lo
- D Nongkrem
Correct answer: Chang Lo
Chang Lo (also known as Sua Lua) is a dance of the Chang tribe of Nagaland. It is traditionally performed to celebrate victory over enemies and is now part of community festivals.
The 'Cheraw' dance, famously known as the Bamboo Dance, is a traditional folk dance of which state?
- A Tripura
- B Nagaland
- C Mizoram
- D Manipur
Correct answer: Mizoram
Cheraw is characterized by the use of bamboo staves, which are kept in cross and horizontal forms on the ground. Dancers step in and out of the bamboo blocks as they are clapped together rhythmically.
'Dollu Kunitha' is a popular drum-based folk dance form from which state?
- A Andhra Pradesh
- B Odisha
- C Jharkhand
- D Karnataka
Correct answer: Karnataka
Dollu Kunitha is a major popular drum dance of Karnataka. It is performed by the men of the Kuruba community and is known for its powerful drumming and acrobatic movements.
In which state is the 'Pandavani' folk singing and dance style, which narrates stories from the Mahabharata, primarily practiced?
- A Madhya Pradesh
- B Bihar
- C Uttar Pradesh
- D Chhattisgarh
Correct answer: Chhattisgarh
Pandavani is a folk singing style involving narration of the Pandavas' story with musical accompaniment and dance-like gestures. Teejan Bai is one of the most famous exponents of this form.
The 'Thang Ta' is a traditional martial art-cum-dance form belonging to which state?
- A Sikkim
- B Manipur
- C Nagaland
- D Arunachal Pradesh
Correct answer: Manipur
Thang Ta (The Art of the Sword and Spear) is a Manipuri martial art. It incorporates graceful movements that are often showcased in cultural performances and festivals.
'Nati' is a traditional folk dance celebrated mainly in which Indian state?
- A Himachal Pradesh
- B Uttarakhand
- C Jammu and Kashmir
- D Uttar Pradesh
Correct answer: Himachal Pradesh
Nati is a popular folk dance of Himachal Pradesh, especially in the Kullu and Shimla districts. It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest folk dance in terms of participants.
The 'Dhangari Gaja' dance is performed by the shepherds of which state to please their god Biruba?
- A Gujarat
- B Rajasthan
- C Maharashtra
- D Madhya Pradesh
Correct answer: Maharashtra
Dhangari Gaja is performed by the Dhangars (shepherds) of Maharashtra. The dancers wear traditional dhoti, angarkha, and colorful turbans, dancing to the rhythmic beats of drums.
Which of the following folk dances is performed by the 'Siddi' community of Gujarat, who are of African descent?
- A Dhamal
- B Tippani
- C Padhar
- D Hudo
Correct answer: Dhamal
Siddi Dhamal is a unique dance form reflecting the African heritage of the Siddi community in Gujarat. It involves wild, energetic movements and the use of unique percussion instruments like the 'Mushira'.
'Fugdi' is a traditional folk dance primarily performed by women in the Konkan region of which two states?
- A Assam and Manipur
- B Maharashtra and Goa
- C Gujarat and Rajasthan
- D Odisha and West Bengal
Correct answer: Maharashtra and Goa
Fugdi is a Goan and Maharashtrian folk dance performed by women during Hindu festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi. It is usually performed in circles or pairs at a very fast pace.
The 'Koli' dance, depicting the life and occupation of the fishing community, belongs to which state?
- A West Bengal
- B Maharashtra
- C Kerala
- D Odisha
Correct answer: Maharashtra
Koli is the dance of the Koli fishermen of Maharashtra. The movements of the dance symbolize the rowing of boats and the casting of nets into the sea.