RAS question
In Rajasthan's folk-dance tradition, which dance is linked with Marwar, begins after Holi, and uses stick-striking in a circular group performance?
Correct answer: (A) Dandiya.
Dandiya is the Rajasthan folk dance associated with Marwar in which a group dances in a circle after Holi, striking sticks in rhythm.
Explanation
The three decisive clues are Marwar, the period after Holi and a group dancing in a circle while striking sticks. In Dandiya, 20-25 men dance in a circle holding dandiya sticks. They strike the sticks in rhythm, accompanied by shehnai and nagara. The combination of region, season and performance form distinguishes it from Rajasthan's other Holi dances. The question therefore tests the specific association of Marwar's post-Holi circular dance tradition with Dandiya, making option A correct.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Gair also features men dancing in circles with wooden sticks during Holi, but it is associated with Mewar and Barmer rather than Marwar's post-Holi Dandiya tradition.
- (C) Gindar is associated with Holi festivities in the Shekhawati region, so it does not match the Marwar identification in the question.
- (D) Bam is associated with Bharatpur and Alwar and with harvest-time Fagun celebrations featuring a large nagara called bum, not with Marwar's Dandiya tradition.
Concept
This question tests regional identification among Rajasthan's folk dances by linking a dance with its area, festival timing and performance form. Such distinctions matter in RAS because similar Holi-season dances are often differentiated by region, instruments and style of presentation rather than by the festival alone.