U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2003

Folk Arts of India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: **List-I (State)** A. Assam B. Himachal Pradesh C. West Bengal D. Bihar **List-II (Dance)** 1. Jata-Jatin 2. Jatra 3. Ojapali 4. Luddi

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept India's folk traditions are a blend of community storytelling, celebration of seasons, and moral instruction through dance and theatre.

Explanation
Ojapali (Assam): A storytelling dance focusing on Puranic tales.
Luddi (HP): A celebratory dance, also found in Punjab, marking victory.
Jatra (West Bengal): A famous folk theatre form blending music and drama.
Jata-Jatin (Bihar): A dance portraying domestic challenges through a husband-wife duo.

Logical Breakup
A-3: Ojapali is one of the oldest folk dance styles of Assam, involving a leader (Oja) and assistants (Palis).
B-4: Luddi is performed with energetic movements to celebrate auspicious events.
C-2: Jatra remains a vibrant rural theatre form in Bengal, often dealing with mythological themes.
D-1: Jata-Jatin is particularly popular in the Mithila and Kosi regions of Bihar.

Active Recall

Question

What is the role of the 'Oja' in Ojapali?

Answer

The Oja is the lead performer who narrates the story, leads the chorus, and performs subtle hand gestures and movements.

Core Insight

Regional arts like Jatra and Ojapali served as the primary medium of education and mass entertainment before the advent of modern media.