Indian Folk Dance, Music, and Culture hold immense significance for students preparing for government job exams such as SSC, RRB, and UPSC. These traditional art forms are not only an integral part of India’s rich heritage but also offer several benefits to aspiring civil servants.
Firstly, exploring Indian Folk Dance provides students with a deep understanding of the country’s diverse cultural tapestry. Each region in India has its unique dance forms, such as Bhangra from Punjab, Kathak from Uttar Pradesh, and Odissi from Odisha. Learning about these dances helps candidates develop a broader perspective on India’s cultural heritage, fostering appreciation and respect for its diversity. Moreover, Folk Dance also enhances physical coordination, body language, and rhythm, which are essential traits for effective communication and presentation skills, crucial for success in interviews and group discussions.
Secondly, Indian Folk Music is a treasure trove of melodies, rhythms, and traditional instruments. Engaging with Folk Music allows students to explore the rich musical traditions passed down through generations. It offers a unique insight into the different styles of music prevalent across India, including Hindustani classical, Carnatic classical, Sufi, and Bhajans. Exposure to these musical forms can improve concentration, creativity, and emotional well-being, reducing stress levels during the demanding exam preparation period.
Lastly, a deep dive into Indian Folk Culture broadens students’ knowledge and understanding of the nation’s history, traditions, and social fabric. It provides insights into the social customs, festivals, folklore, and rituals practiced across various regions. Understanding cultural nuances is crucial for students preparing for government job exams as it helps them comprehend the diverse needs and aspirations of the country’s citizens, an essential aspect of public administration and policymaking.
Section 1: Folk Dances for Entertainment: These dances are primarily performed for entertainment purposes and often involve elaborate costumes, music, and makeup. Stage performances are an integral part of these dance forms. Some popular examples include:
| Dance Form | Region / Tribe |
|---|---|
| Nautanki | U.P., M.P., Bihar, and Rajasthan |
| Raslila | Braj region of U.P. |
| Tharu | Tharu tribal area of U.P. and Uttarakhand |
| Chauphala | Garhwal region of Uttarakhand |
| Naati, Dheeli, and Bashari | H.P. |
| Jabro | Ladakh |
| Rauf, Hikat | J&K valley |
| Gidda | Punjab |
| Terahtali | Kamara tribal area of Rajasthan |
| Kalbelia | Kalbelia tribal area of Rajasthan |
| Charee Dance | Rajasthan |
| Garba | Rajasthan and Gujarat |
| Morullem | Punjab |
| Jhamta | Chhattisgarh and M.P. |
| Gaur | Bisan born tribal area of Chhattisgarh |
| Koya | Koya tribal area of Odisha |
| Rasaskali | Western region of Odisha |
| Nak chang Renny | Northern part of West Bengal, Bodo speaking rabha tribe of Assam |
| Gnel Kiya | Bhutiya tribe of Sikkim |
| Singhee Cham | Kanchanjangha valley of Sikkim |
| Diyasa | Karachee tribe of Manipur |
| Kumpitlang | Tarao tribal area of Tengnipal region of Manipur |
| Vilanghem | Konyak tribal area of Nagaland |
| Jemi | Jemi tribal area of Meghalaya |
| Bardochhom | Shardukpen tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh |
| Songi Mukhavate | Maharashtra |
| Puliyattam | Kerala and Tamil Nadu |
| Dhamal | Aheer community of Gurgaon, Haryana |
| Dhamali Dance | Vathal tribe in Jammu and Kashmir |
| Yakshgan Dance | Karnataka |
| Chhehlam Dance | Mizoram |
| Chakri dance | Kota, Bundi, and Bara District of Rajasthan |
Section 2: Dance Forms Related to Agricultural Activities: These dances are performed during various stages of agricultural activities, such as paddy cultivation, sowing, and harvesting of crops. Some examples include:
| Dance Form | Region / Tribe |
|---|---|
| Bihu | Assam |
| Hajong | Hajong tribal area of Meghalaya |
| Shadsuk Mayanjiyam | Marbisu and Nagpiliyu district of Meghalaya |
| Ponang | Adi tribal area of Arunachal Pradesh |
| Lay-kut-lay | Kom tribal area of Manipur |
| Lebang Bomani | Tripura |
| Hajagiri | Riyang tribal area of Tripura |
| Domrua, Batoli nach, Nom jama | Ho tribal area of Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal |
| Bizza pandu | Koya tribal area of Odisha |
| Bhojali | Gond tribal area of Satpura Mountain range in Chhattisgarh |
| Parab | Rajmuria tribe of Bastar in Chhattisgarh |
| Sarhul | Oraon tribal area of M.P. |
| Saila-reena | Gond tribal area of M.P., Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and U.P. |
| Tapra | Verli tribal area of Maharashtra |
| Bhangra | Punjab |
| Kud | Jammu region of J&K |
Section 3: A Reflection of Religious and Social Customs:
| Dance Form | Region / Tribe |
|---|---|
| Rikhpad | Subansiri area of Arunachal Pradesh |
| Lahav | Jaintiya tribal area of Assam |
| Thisham | Tangarkul tribal area of Manipur |
| Solankia | Mizoram |
| Shadlonkhla | Nongtalang area of Meghalaya |
| Natinach | Himachal Pradesh |
| Chham chhank | Lahul Spiti area of H.P. |
| Hiroria, Chilori | M.P. and Chhattisgarh |
| Kaharia | Dung area of Gujarat |
| Dhangar, Tarangmel | Goa |
| Chawong Laijuwan | Pawi tribal area of Andhra Pradesh |
| Guruvatyul | Karwa tribal area of Andhra Pradesh |
| Veer Natyam | Drikshrama in Andhra Pradesh |
| Sugee Kunit | Kanara area of Karnataka |
| Kokilkattai | Arkat area of Tamilnadu |
| Gandi | Puducherry |
| Kolam Tullam | Kerala |
| Paccavadi | Trichur region of Kerala |
| Theyam or Keliyattam | Kerala |
| Dhanangergaj | Sholapur, Maharashtra |
| Lai Haraoba | Manipur |
| Sambhalpuri dance | Sambhalpur area of Odisha |
| Dalkhai dance | Western tribal area of Odisha |
| Yak dance | Sikkim |
| Rawa dance | Northern part of West Bengal |