RAS question
The fire dance (Agni Nritya) of Rajasthan is performed by which community?
Correct answer: (B) Jasnathi sect.
Rajasthan's fire dance, or Agni Nritya, is performed by followers of the Jasnathi sect, especially those from Bikaner and Churu.
Explanation
Agni Nritya is linked specifically to the Jasnathi sect, not to a broad regional or caste label. Its performers are followers of Jasnath ji from Bikaner and Churu districts. They dance on burning coals and embers in a trance-like state to folk music. Sandesh, published by the High Commission of India, Colombo, lists fire dance among Rajasthan's folk dances in its September-November 2017 issue and states that the Jasnathis of Bikaner and Churu are known for it. It also describes a prepared bed of burning wood and charcoal, onto which Jasnathi men and boys jump to drum beats. Therefore, the correct answer is the Jasnathi sect.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) The Jogi community is not identified as the performer of Rajasthan's fire dance; the tradition is specifically attributed to the Jasnathis.
- (C) The Bishnoi community is associated here with environmental conservation, whereas the fire dance is linked to the Jasnathi sect.
- (D) Kalbeliya is associated here with snake dance, whereas Agni Nritya, performed on burning embers, is a Jasnathi tradition.
Concept
This question asks learners to match a distinctive Rajasthan folk dance with the community that performs it. Such compact, source-based facts are often asked directly as MCQs in RAS art and culture.