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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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
61
Which Himachali dance includes musical instruments like 'Dhol', 'Narsingha', and 'Shehnai' and is performed during victory processions?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Nati features traditional instruments and is performed during celebratory processions such as marriages or victories.
62
Which tribal dance of Himachal Pradesh has roots in animistic rituals and is performed to thank spirits for good harvests?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Shaboo is a tribal dance with spiritual significance, performed to express gratitude to nature and spirits.
63
Which instrument is made from the thigh bone of a deceased pregnant woman and used in liturgical ceremonies in Himachal Pradesh?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Kangdum, also known as Kangling, is made from the thigh bone of a deceased woman and used in liturgical ceremonies. It's believed to have spiritual significance.
64
Which of the following instruments is a wind instrument used in tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Shehnai is categorized as a wind instrument and is used in traditional music across Himachal Pradesh.
65
Which community performs the ritual playing of the 'Tamaka' drum during fairs in Himachal Pradesh?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
The Bharai community is known for the ritual playing of the 'Tamaka' drum at fairs.
66
Which folk drama is referred to as 'ballet and opera' in the local language of Himachal Pradesh?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Bura and Sih' is the name given to ballet and opera in the local language in the Jubbal and Rohru valleys.
67
Which of the following is not a percussion instrument from Himachal Pradesh?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Sarangi is a stringed instrument, not a percussion instrument.
68
What is the role of 'Been' in Himachali traditions?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Been' is traditionally played at weddings and during auspicious occasions in Himachal Pradesh.
69
Which of the following stringed instruments is commonly used in the Mahasu area of Himachal Pradesh?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Kindari Devatara is a stringed instrument specific to the Mahasu region of Himachal Pradesh.
70
Which musical instrument is a twin flute used in Himachali folk music?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Algoja is a twin flute used in folk music in Himachal Pradesh.
71
Which is not a type of drum used in Himachal Pradesh?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option D
Ranasingha is a wind instrument, not a drum.
72
Which of the following is a drama performed in the Jubbal and Rohru valleys?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Bura and Sih' is a folk drama popular in the Jubbal and Rohru valleys of Shimla Hills.
73
Which folk drama is prominently performed in the Mandi region?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Banthara is one of the most popular folk dramas in the Mandi region.
74
‘Jhamang’ and ‘Granyang’ instruments are traditionally found in which area?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Jhamang and Granyang are musical instruments native to Lahaul-Spiti.
75
‘Bura’ and ‘Sih’ folk dramas are associated with which region?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
‘Bura’ and ‘Sih’ are known as ballet and opera in Jubbal and Rohru areas of Shimla Hills.
76
Which instrument made from a human thigh bone is used in liturgical ceremonies in Lahaul-Spiti?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Kangdum or Kangling is made from a human thigh bone and used in religious rituals.
77
Which of the following is a drum associated with the Gaddi tribe?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Dafale is a small round drum played by the Gaddi community.
78
Which large drum is associated with plains and played by the Bharai community?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Tamaka is a large drum played in the plains by the Bharai community.
79
Which instrument is common in the Mahasu region and used in auspicious ceremonies?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Kindari is an ancient musical instrument from the Mahasu area.
80
‘Jhanaki’ and ‘Hanter’ are dramatic forms from which area?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
These are popular folk dramas specifically from Chamba.
81
In which areas are the instruments ‘Jumang’, ‘Ruman’, and ‘Rumals’ commonly used?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
These stringed instruments are used widely across lower and upper Himachal.
82
What is the name of the bugle-like wind instrument found in Himachal?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Turhi is a bugle-like wind instrument.
83
In the Lahaul valley, who is consulted to determine the fate of the deceased's body?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
In the Lahaul valley, the lama is consulted and he whispers invocations into the dead man's soul in his ear and ask it to leave the body, this is called 'Fuhan'.
84
In Kinnaur, what is the most widely practiced custom for disposing of the dead?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Phukant, which involves burning the dead, is the most widely practiced custom in Kinnaur.
85
What is the 'Dubant' custom in Kinnaur?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Dubant is the custom of drowning the dead body in a nearby river in Kinnaur.
86
What does the 'Bhakhant' custom in Kinnaur involve?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Bhakhant is the custom of throwing the dead body in open fields for birds and animals to consume.
87
In Spiti, what is done with the body at the cremation ground?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
In Spiti, the body is cut into five parts at the cremation ground for rituals.
88
What happens in the 'Sham' ceremony in Lahaul?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
In Lahaul, during the Sham ceremony, an effigy of the deceased is made and later immersed.
89
Where is the ashes taken for immersion in Lahaul's funeral custom?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
In Lahaul, the ashes is immersed at Tandi, the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers.
90
How many days is the effigy kept before immersion in Lahaul?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The effigy is kept for 3 to 8 days, depending on family status, before immersion at Tandi.