Himachal Pradesh is a land of diverse cultures, ancient customs, and vibrant community life. From traditional dance forms and local festivals to unique marriage and funeral rituals, each custom reflects the rich heritage of the state.
For students preparing for Himachal Pradesh government jobs like HPPSC, HPSSC, TET, and Naib Tehsildar, these cultural traditions are often covered in the General Knowledge (GK) section and offer a great chance to score easy marks.
This dedicated MCQ section has been carefully curated by a team of experienced teachers and subject experts, based on:
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Previous year questions
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Every question is designed to help you revise faster, retain better, and approach the exam with confidence.
Customs and traditions Practice MCQ Question and Answer
1
Which dance form of Himachal Pradesh is known for being performed by men in freestyle to the beat of a chosen instrument?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Bonyangchu is the freestyle dance form of Kinnaur in which men dance to the beat of any chosen instrument.
2
Which dance involves dancers holding torches (mashals) and shouting 'Bali Jooo aesi bishu'?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option D
During the night, especially on Jagra festival, dancers in Betsu dance hold mashals and shout traditional slogans.
3
Which folk dance of Himachal Pradesh is performed by the Buddhist people of Lahaul, Spiti, and Upper Kinnaur?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Buddhist people of Lahaul, Spiti, and Upper Kinnaur perform dances at monasteries with musicians and masked Lamas.
4
In the Burah dance, who performs the sweet notes of the shehnai?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
In Burah dance, womenfolk perform to the sweet notes of the shehnai while men play instruments.
5
Which dance form is most popular in the Kinnaur region and is known for the Romeo and Juliet of Himachal?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Kayang dance of Kinnaur is especially famous for its tales of love, like Kunju and Chanchalo, the Romeo and Juliet of Himachal.
6
Which dance form of Kinnaur is known as a freestyle dance performed to the beat of any chosen instrument?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The third form of the Kinnaur dance is known as Bonyangchu, a freestyle dance performed to the beat of any chosen instrument.
7
What is the purpose of carrying torches (mashals) during the Jagra festival dance?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
During the night, especially on Jagra festival, dancers hold torches (mashals) and shout religious chants to honor the deity.
8
Which dance is performed by the martial Khund people and is associated with fairs?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Bisu dance is performed by the martial Khund people and is generally associated with fairs and chivalrous acts.
9
In the Ghughti dance, how do the dancers move?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
In the Ghughti dance, dancers move in a zigzag way, following the leader who sings a song.
10
Which religious community's dances depict stages of struggle between good and evil forces?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option D
The Buddhist dances of Lahaul, Spiti, and Kinnaur depict the struggle between good and evil forces and are performed in monasteries.
11
Which dance of Kinnaur is a freestyle dance performed to any musician's tune, often including women joining the circle?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Bonyangchu is a freestyle dance of Kinnaur where men dance to the musician's beat and women sometimes join the circle.
12
What is the unique feature of the Ghughti dance performed in Kinnaur?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
In the Ghughti dance, the leader holds the coat tail and sings, with others following in a zigzag pattern.
13
Which dance of the Khundas features the use of weapons like swords, axes, or knives?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Bissu dance by the Khundas involves dancers carrying weapons such as swords, axes, or knives.
14
Where is the Kayang dance primarily popular?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Kayang is a well-known folk dance of Kinnaur performed by both men and women.
15
Which Buddhist dance in Himachal Pradesh features masked dancers and is performed in monasteries?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Chham is a Buddhist dance with masked performers, depicting good vs evil, held in monasteries.
16
Which two characters are traditionally the main figures in the 'Kariyala' folk drama of Himachal Pradesh?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
In Kariyala, the initial act introduces two main characters: the Sadhu and Chandrawali, who appear from behind a curtain and start the performance.
17
What feature of the 'Kariyala' folk drama indicates its ancient origin, possibly dating back to the 5th century B.C.?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The word 'Kariyala' finds a mention in Panini's Ashtadhyayi, suggesting that this form of drama could date as far back as the 5th century B.C.
18
Which satirical ballet tells the story of a romantic woman bewitching a rustic man, ultimately mocking his poverty and laziness?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The 'Sidh' ballet is a satirical love story involving a romantic woman and a rustic lover, ultimately exposing his worthlessness and provoking laughter.
19
In the village ballet 'Ravan', what message is conveyed through the girl’s regret after marrying a wandering ascetic?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
In 'Ravan', the girl disobeys her father's advice and marries a vagrant ascetic. Eventually, she regrets it, which underlines the consequence of ignoring wise parental counsel.
20
Which of the following best describes the performance style of 'Kariyala' folk drama?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Kariyala is marked by its spontaneous style, with dialogues delivered extempore and no fixed script, adding to its humor and vibrancy.
21
In the folk drama 'Kariyala', what is the significance of the 'akhara'?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The 'akhara' in Kariyala is an improvised arena or stage where the folk drama is enacted.
22
What role does the 'Sadhu' swang typically portray in Kariyala?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Sadhu swang often opens the Kariyala performance and is mystical, humorous, and full of satire.
23
Which instrument is traditionally *not* associated with the musical ensemble of Kariyala?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option D
While Dhol, Nagāra, and Karnāl are traditional instruments in Kariyala, the Sitar is not typically used.
24
What theme is central to the ballet known as 'Raanu' in Jubbal?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The ballet 'Raanu' portrays a tragic romance where a village girl falls for a wandering sadhu, leading to dire consequences.
25
How does the audience traditionally participate during the 'Shiri' ballet performance?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
During the 'Shiri' ballet, the audience expresses their excitement by shouting 'hoo' at intervals.
26
Which of the following dances of Himachal Pradesh is performed with tiger masks during Diwali?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Swang Tegi is performed during Diwali where dancers use tiger masks carved out of wood.
27
What is the 'Burah Dance' of Sirmaur district associated with?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Burah Dance is performed to sing ballads dedicated to heroic deeds in battles and to those lost in war.
28
Which dance is a playful activity of young girls, common in areas bordering Punjab?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Keekali is a playful dance performed by young girls who hold hands and rotate fast while singing.
29
Which of the following dance forms is not restricted by age and resembles classical Kathak?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Nati dance is open for people of all age groups and resembles the classical Kathak dance in style.
30
Which dance is performed in memory of Buddha in the Lahaul area?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Shabu dance is performed in memory of Buddha in the Lahaul area and is part of local religious festivals.