SSC
Kolkali, a popular stick dance, is a traditional dance of which Union Territory?
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Answer: Option A — Lakshadweep
Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Lakshadweep. Kolkali is one of the most popular folk dances of Lakshadweep, the Union Territory made up of a group of islands in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Kerala. Kolkali is also a popular folk dance of Kerala, especially of its northern Malabar region, which shares many cultural links with Lakshadweep.
"Kol" means stick, and "kali" means play or dance, so Kolkali means "the stick dance". It is performed by men, who hold short sticks in their hands and dance in a circle, striking the sticks against those of the other dancers in time with the music. As the dance goes on, the rhythm becomes faster, and the dancers move in complex patterns, changing positions and moving forwards, backwards and around the circle. The dance is accompanied by songs, which are sung by the dancers themselves or by a lead singer, and the clicking of the sticks provides the rhythm. Kolkali is performed at festivals, weddings and other celebrations, and it is an important part of the cultural life of the islands.
Lakshadweep, India's smallest Union Territory, is made up of 36 islands, of which about 10 are inhabited. Its capital is Kavaratti. Most of its people are Muslims, and their culture has strong links with the Malabar coast of Kerala. Other dances of Lakshadweep include Parichakali (a dance with swords and shields), Oppana (performed at weddings) and the Lava dance of Minicoy Island.
About the other options:
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to tribes such as the Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese, Shompen and Nicobarese, each with their own dances.
- Puducherry is known for the Garadi dance, related to the Ramayana and performed at the Villianur temple.
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu is known for dances of its tribal communities and Portuguese-influenced dances.
💡 Exam tip
Kolkali is linked with both Lakshadweep and Kerala. If the question asks for a Union Territory, the answer is Lakshadweep. Parichakali and the Lava dance of Minicoy are other Lakshadweep dances to remember.💬 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.