Kamsale, a folk dance in which performers play cymbals, belongs to which state?

The correct answer is Karnataka. Kamsale is a folk dance of Karnataka, performed especially in the Mysuru, Chamarajanagar and Bengaluru regions. Its name comes from the kamsale, a pair of bronze cymbals that the dancers hold in their hands. One cymbal is held in one hand and the other is attached to the other hand by a string, and the dancers strike them in rhythm while moving.

The dance is performed by men of the Kuruba community, who are devotees of Lord Male Mahadeshwara, a form of Lord Shiva worshipped at the Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Chamarajanagar district. The dancers sing devotional songs about the deity while dancing with energetic and acrobatic movements. They swing the cymbals around their bodies, jump, crouch and move in circles and lines, all the while keeping a precise rhythm. Kamsale is a vow-based tradition: devotees often learn and perform it as a form of worship and service to the deity. It is performed at religious festivals and processions, and it is now also seen at cultural events across the state.

About the other options:

• Kerala is known for Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, Thullal and Padayani.
• Andhra Pradesh is known for Kuchipudi, Veeranatyam, Kolattam and Dhimsa.
• Tamil Nadu is known for Bharatanatyam, Karagattam, Kummi and Kavadi Attam.
• None of these states is associated with Kamsale.

Karnataka has many folk dances that use musical instruments as part of the performance. Dollu Kunitha uses large drums, Kamsale uses cymbals, and Pooja Kunitha involves balancing a decorated wooden structure on the head. Veeragase is a vigorous dance performed during Dussehra, and Yakshagana is the famous traditional theatre of the coastal region.