SSC
Aaluyattu is a folk dance form from which state?
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Answer: Option C — Nagaland
Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Nagaland. Aaluyattu is a folk dance of Nagaland, listed in exam books among the traditional dances of the state's Naga tribes. Like many Naga dances, it is performed in groups, with rhythmic movements, to traditional songs and the beat of drums, and it is linked with the community life and festivals of the tribe that performs it.
Nagaland is a state of great cultural diversity. It is home to more than 15 major recognised tribes, including the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Yimkhiung and Zeliang, as well as several smaller groups. Each tribe has its own language, customs, costumes, festivals and dances. Naga dances are usually performed by groups of men and women in colourful traditional dress, with shawls woven in patterns specific to each tribe, beaded necklaces, ornaments made of shells, bone and brass, and headgear decorated with hornbill feathers. Many dances were traditionally linked with war and head-hunting, the agricultural cycle (sowing and harvest), hunting and community celebrations. Major tribal festivals include Sekrenyi (Angami, February), Moatsu (Ao, May), Tuluni (Sumi, July), Aoling (Konyak, April), Naknyulum (Chang) and Tokhu Emong (Lotha, November).
The Hornbill Festival, held every year from 1 to 10 December at the Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima, brings together all the tribes of Nagaland to showcase their dances, songs, crafts, food and traditional games. It is named after the hornbill, a bird that is important in Naga folklore and appears in their art and dress.
About the other options:
- Arunachal Pradesh is known for Bardo Chham, Ponung and Rikhampada.
- Manipur is known for the classical Manipuri dance, Lai Haraoba and Thang-Ta.
- Mizoram is known for Cheraw, Khuallam and Chheih Lam.
- None of these is associated with Aaluyattu.
💡 Exam tip
Nagaland's dances asked in exams include Chang Lo, Changai, Zeliang, Leshalaptu, Rengma, Sadal Kekai and Aaluyattu. If you see one of these names, think of Nagaland.💬 Discussions on this question
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Indian Dance Forms — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Indian Dance Forms, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
Indian dance forms are one of the most frequently tested areas of static GK. This topic covers the eight classical dances recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam and Sattriya), the folk and tribal dances of every state, and related terms such as mudra, abhinaya, lasya and tandava. Most questions ask which state a dance belongs to, which community performs it, or which feature identifies a classical style. Learn the classical dances with their state and one signature feature each, such as the face make-up of Kathakali or the brass plate of Kuchipudi. For folk dances, group them state by state, since exams often list three or four dances and ask for the common state. Watch for dances shared by more than one state, such as Chhau, which has three styles. Practise the Indian dance forms questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.