SSC
The Changai dance, performed by the Chang tribe, is associated with which state?
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Answer: Option D — Nagaland
Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Nagaland. Changai is a traditional dance of the Chang tribe of Nagaland, who live mainly in the Tuensang district in the eastern part of the state. The Chang tribe is also known for another famous dance, the Chang Lo (or Sua Lua), which was traditionally performed to celebrate victory in war.
The Changai dance is performed by the young men and women of the Chang tribe, especially during festivals and community celebrations, such as the Chang festivals of Naknyulum and Poang Lum. The dancers wear colourful traditional costumes, including shawls with the distinctive patterns of the Chang tribe, beaded necklaces and ornaments, and headgear decorated with feathers. They dance in a group, often in a circle or in lines, with rhythmic steps and movements, and sing traditional songs. The dance celebrates community life, the joy of the harvest and the traditions of the tribe.
Nagaland is home to many tribes, including the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Yimkhiung and Zeliang, and each of them has its own language, dress, festivals and dances. The Hornbill Festival, held every year from 1 to 10 December at the Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima, brings all the tribes together and showcases their dances, songs, crafts, food and traditional sports. Major tribal festivals include Sekrenyi of the Angami, Moatsu of the Ao, Tuluni of the Sumi and Aoling of the Konyak.
About the other options:
- Arunachal Pradesh is known for Bardo Chham, Ponung, Aji Lamu and Rikhampada.
- Manipur is known for the classical Manipuri dance, Lai Haraoba, Thang-Ta and Pung Cholom.
- Mizoram is known for Cheraw, Khuallam and Chheih Lam.
- None of these states is associated with the Chang tribe.
💡 Exam tip
The Chang tribe of Nagaland is linked with two dances in exams: Changai and Chang Lo. If a question mentions the Chang tribe, the answer for the state is 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.