Bhand Pather, a traditional folk theatre combining satire, music and acting, belongs to which region?

The correct answer is Jammu and Kashmir. Bhand Pather is a traditional folk theatre form of Kashmir. It combines acting, music, dance, mime and comedy, and it is especially known for its sharp satire and social commentary. The performers are called bhands, and a play or performance is called a pather.

Bhand Pather performances are usually held in open spaces, such as village squares, during festivals, weddings and fairs. They are performed by troupes of male actors from the hereditary community of bhands, who also play the female roles. The plays draw on stories from history, folk tales and everyday life, and they use humour, exaggeration and wit to criticise the powerful, such as kings, landlords, officials and the rich, and to comment on social problems. The music is provided by the surnai (a wind instrument similar to the shehnai), the dhol (drum) and the nagara (kettle drum). The surnai is considered the key instrument of Bhand Pather. Each pather is named after its main character, such as the Raja Pather (about a king), the Darza Pather (about a tailor) or the Angrez Pather (about the British). The village of Wahthora in the Budgam district and Akingam in Anantnag are well known for their bhand troupes.

Jammu and Kashmir has other well-known folk performing arts. Rouf is a dance of the Kashmiri women performed in two facing rows. Dumhal is a dance of the men of the Wattal community, who wear long robes and tall conical caps. Hikat is a dance of young boys and girls in pairs. Kud is a ritual dance of the Jammu region, performed at night in honour of the local deities.

About the other options:

• Punjab is known for Bhangra, Giddha and the Naqqal tradition of comic performers.
• Himachal Pradesh is known for Nati, Dangi and Jhali.
• Uttarakhand is known for Choliya, Jhora and Hurka Baul.
• None of these is associated with Bhand Pather.