Indian Folk Music – SSC CGL GK MCQs with Answers
Folk Music in India – Explore Its History, Styles, and Regional Variations
India is a land of rich cultural heritage, and one of its most vibrant expressions is found in its folk songs of Indian states. From the rhythmic beats of Punjab’s Bhangra to the soulful tunes of Bengal’s Baul, each region carries its own unique musical identity. In this article, we bring you a list of 25 Indian states with their folk songs, offering an insightful overview of the folk music of India state wise. This is especially useful for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC CGL, and other competitive exams where questions on Indian folk music often appear. You can also find detailed notes on Folk Music of India - Art and Culture Notes | UPSC, and a downloadable folk music of India state wise PDF in both English and Hindi.
MCQs on Folk Song of India for SSC, UPSC & Other Entrance Exams
To make your learning easier, we provide a comprehensive folk music songs of Indian states list, including famous folk songs of India along with lyrics for SSC-based preparation. Whether you're searching for folk music songs of Indian states SSC CGL lyrics in English, folk music songs of Indian states SSC CGL lyrics in Hindi, or looking for a folk music songs of Indian states SSC CGL lyrics download, this guide has it all. You’ll also find a separate Indian folk songs list and a Folk Music of India State Wise PDF in Hindi for those who prefer regional languages. So, dive into the melodies of the past and enrich your knowledge of Indian folk music songs through this complete and exam-relevant resource.
List of Major Folk Music of India (State-Wise)
State/UT - Folk Music / Songs
Arunachal Pradesh - Ja-Jin-Ja, Baryi
Manipur - Sama Lamok, Khonyjom Parva, Khuba Keshei
Mizoram - Chai Hia, Saikuti Zai
Assam - Bihu
Sikkim - Gha To Kito, Lu Khang Thomo
West Bengal - Baul, Bhatiyali, Rabindra Sangeet
Bihar - Sukar Ke Biah, Sohar
Jharkhand - Domkach, Ohira
Nagaland - Heliamleu, Hereileu, Hekaileu
Chhattisgarh - Pandavani
Odisha - Daskathia
Andhra Pradesh - Burra Katha
Tamil Nadu - Villu Pattu, Kummi Pattu, Ammanaivari, Nattupura Padalgal
Kerala - Bhuta
Karnataka - Bhavageethe
Goa - Ovi, Mando, Banvarh
Haryana - Ragnis/ Ragnais
Ladakh - Zhung Lu, Jabro, Shondol
Maharashtra - Lavani, Owi, Powada
Madhya Pradesh - Alha
Uttar Pradesh - Hori, Sohar, Kajri, Rasiya Geet, Qawwali
Gujarat - Dandiya Songs, Garba
Rajasthan - Pani Hari, Maand, Pankhida, Teej, Lotia
Punjab - Tappa, Bhangra, Jugni
Jammu & Kashmir - Bhakha, Chhakri, Ladishah, Wangala
Himachal Pradesh - Laman
Uttarakhand - Jhoda, Thadya
Folk Music of India important MCQ / Folk Music of India – Top 55+ MCQs
1. "Sukar ki Biah" is the folk music of __________.
(a) Jharkhand
(b) Bihar
(c) Odisha
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (b) Bihar
2. "Domkach" is a folk music tradition of __________.
(a) Chhattisgarh
(b) West Bengal
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Haryana
Answer: (c) Jharkhand
3. "Bihu" is the traditional folk song of __________.
(a) Mizoram
(b) Assam
(c) Arunachal Pradesh
(d) Tripura
Answer: (b) Assam
4. "Pandavani" is a famous folk music of __________.
(a) Odisha
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Bihar
(d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: (b) Chhattisgarh
5. "Burra Katha" is associated with __________.
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Karnataka
(d) Kerala
Answer: (a) Andhra Pradesh
6. "Ville Pattu" is a folk song style of __________.
(a) Kerala
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Karnataka
Answer: (b) Tamil Nadu
7. "Bhavageethe" is traditional to the state of __________.
(a) Karnataka
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Kerala
(d) Goa
Answer: (a) Karnataka
8. "Ovi" and "Mando" are folk music types from __________.
(a) Gujarat
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Goa
(d) Kerala
Answer: (c) Goa
9. "Lavani" and "Powada" are folk music styles of __________.
(a) Gujarat
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Karnataka
Answer: (c) Maharashtra
10. "Alha" is a traditional ballad from __________.
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Bihar
(d) Rajasthan
Answer: (b) Madhya Pradesh
11. "Kajri" and "Rasiya Geet" are folk songs of __________.
(a) Bihar
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Punjab
Answer: (c) Uttar Pradesh
12. "Dandiya" and "Garba" are folk music forms of __________.
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Gujarat
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: (b) Gujarat
13. "Tappa" and "Jugni" are folk songs of __________.
(a) Haryana
(b) Punjab
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Jammu and Kashmir
Answer: (b) Punjab
14. "Pani Hari" and "Maand" are folk music styles from __________.
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Gujarat
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Haryana
Answer: (a) Rajasthan
15. "Bhakha" and "Chhakri" are folk songs of __________.
(a) Punjab
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Jammu and Kashmir
(d) Uttarakhand
Answer: (c) Jammu and Kashmir
16. "Laman" is a folk music of __________.
(a) Uttarakhand
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Punjab
(d) Haryana
Answer: (b) Himachal Pradesh
17. "Jhoda" and "Thadya" are traditional folk music of __________.
(a) Himachal Pradesh
(b) Uttarakhand
(c) Haryana
(d) Jammu and Kashmir
Answer: (b) Uttarakhand
18. "Baryi" and "Jan-Jin-Ja" are folk songs of __________.
(a) Assam
(b) Mizoram
(c) Arunachal Pradesh
(d) Sikkim
Answer: (c) Arunachal Pradesh
19. "Chai Hia" and "Saikuti Zai" are folk music of __________.
(a) Tripura
(b) Nagaland
(c) Mizoram
(d) Assam
Answer: (c) Mizoram
20. "Baul" and "Bhatiali" are folk music traditions of __________.
(a) Odisha
(b) Bihar
(c) West Bengal
(d) Assam
Answer: (c) West Bengal
21. The Bihu dance and music are traditionally associated with which tribe?
(a) Khasi
(b) Bodo
(c) Assamese
(d) Mizo
Answer: (c) Assamese
Explanation: Bihu is the folk music of Assam, celebrated by Assamese people during Bihu festivals.
22. The Baul music is associated with which religious-mystic group in West Bengal?
(a) Santhals
(b) Bauls
(c) Bodos
(d) Meenas
Answer: (b) Bauls
Explanation: Bauls are a mystic group of minstrels known for their spiritual songs in Bengal.
23. The Domkach dance and music are traditionally performed by which tribal group?
(a) Santhals
(b) Gonds
(c) Kurmis
(d) Oraon
Answer: (c) Kurmis
Explanation: Domkach is a folk dance and music tradition popular among the Kurmi community of Jharkhand.
24. The Pani Hari songs of Rajasthan are primarily sung by:
(a) Bhils
(b) Rajput women
(c) Meena women
(d) Garasiya tribe
Answer: (b) Rajput women
Explanation: Pani Hari songs are sung by Rajasthani women, often depicting their struggles for water.
25. Sohar is sung during childbirth ceremonies by which community?
(a) Maithils
(b) Santhals
(c) Gonds
(d) Bhils
Answer: (a) Maithils
Explanation: Sohar songs are traditional Maithili folk songs sung in Bihar.
26. The Chakhesang tribe of Nagaland is closely associated with which folk music style?
(a) Hereileu
(b) Jabro
(c) Sukiot
(d) Khonyjom Parva
Answer: (a) Hereileu
Explanation: Hereileu is a form of song and chant used in festivals and celebrations among the Chakhesang tribe.
27. Pandavani is the traditional folk music of:
(a) Gond tribe
(b) Kuruba tribe
(c) Bhil tribe
(d) Baiga tribe
Answer: (a) Gond tribe
Explanation: Pandavani is sung by Gonds and depicts stories of Mahabharata in Chhattisgarh.
28. The Tappa folk style is popular among which community?
(a) Sikhs
(b) Punjabi Muslims
(c) Kalbeliyas
(d) Punjabi Hindus
Answer: (b) Punjabi Muslims
Explanation: Tappa originated from the camel riders of Punjab, particularly among Punjabi Muslims.
29. Lavani is a vibrant musical tradition of which tribe/community?
(a) Marathas
(b) Bhils
(c) Warli
(d) Santals
Answer: (a) Marathas
Explanation: Lavani is a Maharashtrian folk form, often associated with the Maratha cultural history.
30. Bhavageethe is linked with which linguistic community?
(a) Telugu
(b) Kannada
(c) Tamil
(d) Malayalam
Answer: (b) Kannada
Explanation: Bhavageethe is an expressive musical form in Kannada tradition, popular in Karnataka.
31. The Zabro songs and dance are associated with:
(a) Monpa tribe
(b) Changpa tribe
(c) Brokpa tribe
(d) Ladakhi Buddhists
Answer: (d) Ladakhi Buddhists
Explanation: Zabro is a traditional dance and music of Buddhist communities in Ladakh.
32. The Ville Pattu folk narrative is related to which Tamil community?
(a) Thevars
(b) Dalits
(c) Iyers
(d) Rural bards
Answer: (d) Rural bards
Explanation: Ville Pattu is a musical storytelling method performed by bards in Tamil Nadu.
33. The Garba songs of Gujarat are celebrated by which community?
(a) Rabaris
(b) Patels
(c) Gadhvis
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: Garba is widely popular in Gujarat, celebrated across communities including Patels, Gadhvis, and Rabaris.
34. The Mand folk music is associated with which royal heritage community?
(a) Bhils
(b) Rajputs
(c) Jats
(d) Meenas
Answer: (b) Rajputs
Explanation: Mand is a classical form of Rajasthani folk music popular in Rajput courts.
35. Shondol is a folk music-dance of which community?
(a) Tibetan Buddhists
(b) Changpa nomads
(c) Ladakhi Buddhists
(d) Dogras
Answer: (c) Ladakhi Buddhists
Explanation: Shondol is considered a royal dance performed during festivals in Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh.
36. Rasiya Geet is mainly associated with which deity's divine love story?
(a) Shiva and Parvati
(b) Krishna and Radha
(c) Rama and Sita
(d) Vishnu and Lakshmi
Answer: (b) Krishna and Radha
Explanation: Rasiya Geet celebrates the divine love between Krishna and Radha in the Braj region.
37. Rasiya Geet belongs to which region of India?
(a) Malwa
(b) Braj
(c) Awadh
(d) Marwar
Answer: (b) Braj
Explanation: Rasiya Geet is integral to the Braj region’s culture and daily life.
38. During which festival is Rasiya Geet most prominently sung?
(a) Diwali
(b) Raksha Bandhan
(c) Holi
(d) Dussehra
Answer: (c) Holi
Explanation: Rasiya Geet is prominently sung during Holi, especially in the Braj region.
39. Pankhida folk songs are traditionally sung in which Indian state?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Haryana
(d) Punjab
Answer: (b) Rajasthan
Explanation: Pankhida is sung by peasants in Rajasthan while working in fields.
40. Which instruments commonly accompany Pankhida music?
(a) Tabla and Harmonium
(b) Algoza and Manjira
(c) Sarangi and Dhol
(d) Shehnai and Damru
Answer: (b) Algoza and Manjira
Explanation: These instruments provide rhythm for the folk songs sung by farmers.
41. Sohar songs are typically sung to celebrate:
(a) Marriage
(b) Harvest
(c) A son's birth
(d) Victory in battle
Answer: (c) A son's birth
Explanation: Sohar is a ceremonial song sung on the birth of a son, especially in North India.
42. Sohar has a variation influenced by which religious community in Uttar Pradesh?
(a) Sikhs
(b) Muslims
(c) Buddhists
(d) Christians
Answer: (b) Muslims
Explanation: Muslim communities in UP have adapted the Sohar style with cultural integration.
43. Basant Geet is associated with which seasonal festival in Garhwal?
(a) Makar Sankranti
(b) Holi
(c) Basant Panchami
(d) Baisakhi
Answer: (c) Basant Panchami
Explanation: These songs welcome spring and are sung during Basant Panchami in Garhwal.
44. What is the main theme of Ghasiyari Geet in Garhwal?
(a) Love and romance
(b) Victory in battle
(c) Labor and women’s role
(d) Religious prayers
Answer: (c) Labor and women’s role
Explanation: These songs honor women who collect grass for cattle in the hills.
45. Mando songs of Goa reflect:
(a) Nature and farming
(b) Worship and rituals
(c) Love, tragedy, and political protest
(d) War and bravery
Answer: (c) Love, tragedy, and political protest
Explanation: Mando expresses deep emotions and resistance during Portuguese rule.
46. Mando originated during the rule of which colonial power?
(a) British
(b) Dutch
(c) Portuguese
(d) French
Answer: (c) Portuguese
Explanation: Mando music evolved during Portuguese presence in Goa.
47. Bhuta songs are sung in Kerala to:
(a) Welcome guests
(b) Celebrate harvest
(c) Ward off evil spirits
(d) Praise deities
Answer: (c) Ward off evil spirits
Explanation: These mystical songs are used in rituals involving spirits and superstitions.
48. What characterizes the Bhuta song tradition?
(a) Fast and joyful rhythm
(b) Classical Ragas
(c) Piercing and eerie tone
(d) Devotional chants
Answer: (c) Piercing and eerie tone
Explanation: The tone enhances the mystical aura of spirit-related rituals.
49. Saikuti Zai is associated with which community?
(a) Bodo
(b) Naga
(c) Mizo
(d) Khasi
Answer: (c) Mizo
Explanation: These songs, composed by poetess Saikuti, are popular among Mizo people.
50. What is the central theme of Saikuti Zai songs?
(a) Spiritual awakening
(b) Agricultural practices
(c) Bravery and heroism
(d) Worship of nature
Answer: (c) Bravery and heroism
Explanation: These songs praise warriors and hunters in Mizo society.
51. The song Sukar ke Biah belongs to which regional folk tradition?
(a) Maithili
(b) Bhojpuri
(c) Awadhi
(d) Rajasthani
Answer: (b) Bhojpuri
Explanation: This folk song from Bihar reflects values and mythological references.
52. Sukar ke Biah highlights the importance of which grain?
(a) Wheat
(b) Barley
(c) Rice
(d) Millet
Answer: (c) Rice
Explanation: Rice symbolizes humility and prosperity in this Bhojpuri song.
53. What is the narrative of Sukar ke Biah based on?
(a) Ramayana
(b) Krishna Leela
(c) Shukra and Brihaspati's wedding
(d) Shiv-Parvati marriage
Answer: (c) Shukra and Brihaspati's wedding
Explanation: The song recounts their wedding and associated cultural values.
54. Ammanaivari songs are sung in which Indian state?
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Kerala
(d) Karnataka
Answer: (b) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: These songs are part of Tamil Nadu’s rich folk heritage.
55. What unique item is used with Ammanaivari songs for rhythm?
(a) Wooden ball (Ammanai)
(b) Clay pot
(c) Bamboo flute
(d) Drumstick
Answer: (a) Wooden ball (Ammanai)
Explanation: A wooden ball called Ammanai is rhythmically played during these performances.
