Question Discussion & Solution

The correct answer is Baiga.

Key Points

• Baiga
  • It is a sub-tribe of Gond.
  • The Baigas are semi-nomadic Dravidian tribes and are linked to Indo-Australian aboriginal groups. Hence, Option 1 is correct.
  • The largest number of Baigas is found in Southern districts i.e. Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Some important sub-castes of Baiga are Bijhwar, Narotia, Bharotiya, Nahar, Rai Bhaina, Kadh Bhania, etc.
  • It is believed that the ancestors of the Baigas spoke an Austroasiatic language.
  • Now they are speaking in the ‘Baigani’ language which is a variety of Chhattisgarhi influenced by Gondi and Western Hindi used by the Baigas.
  • The Baigas are true inhabitants of forests, retaining customs, traditions, handed by their ancestors.
  • They are fierce protectors and worshippers of the forests and Mother nature.
  • Five panches of Baiga Panchayat are Mukdam, Deewan, Samrath, Kotawar, and Dawari.
  • The Baigas eat coarse grain, Kodo and Kutki, drink pej (made from grounding macca or from the water left from boiling rice).
  • Tattooing all over the body is an integral part of their lifestyles.

 Additional Information

• The women who work as tattooing artists belong to the Ojha, Badni, and dewar tribes of Madhya Pradesh.
• A weekly market is an important event in the lives of the Baiga people.
• Widow remarriage and bride price are prevalent in this tribe.
• Baiga lives in a joint family and endogamy is prohibited among them.
• Their main dance forms are Karma, Saila, Phaag, etc.
• They have great faith in Magic and the Baiga regard themselves as the most powerful Magician. They worship sal trees.
• Their sacred beliefs prohibit them from plowing the land as this is perceived as traumatizing Mother Earth.
• Baiga depends on agriculture. They adopt the slash and burn form of shifting agriculture known as ‘Webar’ as ‘Pondu’.
• They are courageous woodsmen and hunters and it is below the dignity of a Baiga to become a laborer.

The correct answer is Moinuddin Chishti.

Key Points

• Ajmer Sharif Dargah is the tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
  • Moinuddin Chishti was a 13th-century Sufi saint and philosopher.
  • Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was an extremely pious saint who devoted himself to providing relief to the poor.
  • His idea behind doing this was to educate the public about the importance of selfless service.
  • The teachings of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti are so popular that visitors literally throng the dargah to pay their respects at his grave.

Additional Information

• Ajmer Sharif Dargah was built by the ruler Humayun during the rule of the Mughal Empire.
  • This Ajmer pilgrimage is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India.
  • It was the residence of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti between 1192 and 1236 AD and houses his tomb.
  • It is the mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint, which is visited by people of all castes, creeds, and religions.
  • The white marble dome of Chishti's Dargah, as it is seen today, was built in 1532.
  • There are eight tombs in the complex besides those of Chishti belonging to his family members.

The correct answer is Bihar.

• Mithila painting (also known as Madhubani Painting) originated in a small village, known as Maithili, in the Bihar state of India.

Key Points

• Themes of the Maithili painting revolve around Hindu deities like Krishna, Rama, Lakshmi, Shiva, Durga, and Saraswati.
  • The natural themes that are used include the Sun, the Moon, and religious plants like tulsi.
• The painting was traditionally done by womenfolk on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now they are also done on cloth, handmade paper, and canvas.
• One can also find paintings based on scenes from the royal courts and social events, like weddings.
  • If any empty space is left after painting the main theme, it is filled up with the motifs of flowers, animals, and birds or geometric designs.
• Mithila painting, as a domestic ritual activity, was unknown to the outside world until the massive India-Nepal border earthquake of 1934 when the houses and walls tumbled down.
  • Then British colonial officer in Madhubani District, William G. Archer, while inspecting the damage 'discovered' the paintings on the newly exposed interior walls of Mithila homes. 

The correct answer is Moinuddin Chishti.

Key Points

• Ajmer Sharif Dargah is the tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
  • Moinuddin Chishti was a 13th-century Sufi saint and philosopher.
  • Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was an extremely pious saint who devoted himself to providing relief to the poor.
  • His idea behind doing this was to educate the public about the importance of selfless service.
  • The teachings of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti are so popular that visitors literally throng the dargah to pay their respects at his grave.

Additional Information

• Ajmer Sharif Dargah was built by the ruler Humayun during the rule of the Mughal Empire.
  • This Ajmer pilgrimage is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India.
  • It was the residence of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti between 1192 and 1236 AD and houses his tomb.
  • It is the mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint, which is visited by people of all castes, creeds, and religions.
  • The white marble dome of Chishti's Dargah, as it is seen today, was built in 1532.
  • There are eight tombs in the complex besides those of Chishti belonging to his family members.

• The famous bronze image of Nataraja is an example of Chola art.
• The Chola Dynasty was one of the greatest dynasties in the southern Indian part.
• They defeated the Pallavas to come into power.
• Their dynasty originated in the fertile valley of River Kaveri.
• Society and culture saw great developments during the reign of Cholas.
• Also, during this period Temples were the epicentre of all the social and religious gatherings. Temples and mutts were the centres of learning as well.
• Several Gods and goddesses were worshipped.
• Among these Shiva was the popular source of strength for the faithful ones. Quite a lot of Shiva temples were built along the banks of the river Kaveri.

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• Nataraja (Lord of the Dance), the Hindu god Shiva in his form as the cosmic dancer, is represented in metal or stone in many Shaivite temples, particularly in South India.
• It is an important piece of Chola sculpture.
• Some of the features of the Nataraja sculpture are:
  • The upper right-hand holds the drum, which signifies the sound of creation. All creations spring from the great sound of the damru.
  • The upper left-hand holds the eternal fire, which represents destruction. Destruction is the precursor and inevitable counterpart of creation.
  • The lower right hand is raised in the gesture of Abhay mudra signifying benediction and reassuring the devotee to not be afraid.
  • The lower left-hand points towards the upraised foot and indicates the path of salvation.
  • Shiva is dancing on the figure of a small dwarf. The dwarf symbolises ignorance and the ego of an individual.
  • The matted and flowing locks of Shiva represent the flow of the river Ganges.