State PCS
In Rajasthan, the Agni dance (fire dance) is performed by which sect?
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Answer: Option A — Jasnathi Siddha sect
Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Jasnathi Siddha sect. The Agni dance, or fire dance, is a spectacular ritual dance of Rajasthan, performed by followers of the Jasnathi Siddha sect, especially in the Bikaner and Churu districts. The village of Katariyasar, near Bikaner, the seat of the sect's founder, is the most famous centre of the dance.
The Jasnathi sect was founded in the late 15th century by Guru Jasnath Ji (born around 1482), a saint who preached a simple life, devotion to God, respect for nature and a set of 36 rules of conduct for his followers. The Agni dance is performed at night, around a large fire of burning wood. After the fire has burnt down to a bed of glowing coals, the dancers, all men, dressed in white clothes and turbans, dance on the burning coals with bare feet, walk through the fire, and sometimes pick up the hot coals and throw them in the air or even put them in their mouths, without being burnt. They chant "Fateh, Fateh" (victory, victory) as they dance. The dance is accompanied by the beat of large drums (nagaras) and by devotional songs. It is performed during religious festivals and fairs of the sect, and it is believed to be possible because of the dancers' faith and the blessings of their guru. The dance attracts many visitors, and it is often performed during the Bikaner Camel Festival.
About the other options:
The Bishnoi sect was founded by Guru Jambheshwar (Jambhoji) in the 15th century. Its followers are known for their protection of trees and animals, as shown in the Khejarli massacre of 1730, when Amrita Devi and 363 Bishnois gave their lives to save khejri trees.
The Dadupanthi sect was founded by the 16th century saint Dadu Dayal.
The Ramsnehi sect was founded in the 18th century and is centred at Shahpura and other places in Rajasthan.
None of these performs the Agni dance.
💡 Exam tip
Link the Agni (fire) dance with the Jasnathi Siddha sect, Katariyasar and Bikaner. The Bishnoi sect is often asked about in connection with the Khejarli massacre and the protection of nature.💬 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.