Himachal’s funeral customs vary by region and community — from traditional Hindu cremations to unique tribal rituals in Lahaul and Spiti. This MCQ set covers the core practices and beliefs around death rites in the state, often seen in HPSSC, Naib Tehsildar, and local-level GK exams.
All questions are prepared by our teacher panel based on previous year trends and expected formats for 2025.
Funeral Customs MCQ Practice MCQ Question and Answer
1
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'.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
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.
8
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.
9
What happens in the 'Shan' ceremony in Lahaul?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
During the Shan ceremony in Lahaul, an effigy of the deceased is made and later immersed.
10
What is the traditional practice in the Spiti valley when someone dies?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
In Spiti valley, the dead body's ornaments are removed and the shroud is divided for rituals.
11
In Kinnaur, what is the purpose of drum beating during death rituals?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Drum rating is used to inform the community that a death has occurred.