Description

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Context

Tribal families from Neelabandha, a hillptop hamlet in Arla Panchayat of Rolugunta mandal in Anakapalli district, received electricity for the first time after Independence.

Four households comprising around 20 people, who have been living there for many years, were so happy so that they couldn’t contain themselves and performed ‘Dhimsa’, a popular tribal dance, in excitement under the lights.

About Dhimsa Dance

Origin	Koraput district, Odisha; later popularized in Andhra Pradesh, especially Araku Valley and Visakhapatnam.
Performed By	Traditionally by Porja caste women, now performed by multiple tribal communities like Bagata, Valmiki, Poraja, Khond, Gadaba, Kondadora, Mukadora, and Kotia.
Meaning of "Dhimsa"	The word "Dhimsa" means “sound of footsteps”, emphasizing rhythmic movements.
Occasions	Performed during festivals, weddings, religious gatherings, and especially during Chaitra Purab (Eetela Panduga) in ASR District.
Formation & Style	15-20 women form a chain by holding hands or clothes and perform synchronized steps, moving in circular patterns.
Movements	Primarily footwork and hand gestures, forming rhythmic patterns.
Music & Instruments	Accompanied by traditional instruments like Dappu, Mori, Kiridi, Kidgi, Gilka, Tudumu, and Jodukommulu (now rarely used).
Themes	Themes revolve around tribal mythology, folktales, economic life, kinship, and marriage traditions.
Number of Variants	There are 12 distinct variations of Dhimsa, each with its own rhythm and style.
Cultural Significance	Beyond entertainment, it is a symbol of tribal unity, heritage, and social bonding. It was traditionally performed to seek blessings for family well-being.

Sources:

HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements regarding Dhimsa Dance:

It is a tribal dance primarily performed in the Koraput district of Odisha.
The dance is traditionally performed only by men.
It is accompanied by instruments like Dappu, Mori, and Kiridi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Dhimsa dance originated in the Koraput district of Odisha and later became popular in Andhra Pradesh, especially in Araku Valley and Visakhapatnam.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Dhimsa is traditionally performed by women, not just men. However, men usually play the musical instruments.

Statement 3 is correct: The dance is accompanied by traditional tribal instruments like Dappu, Mori, Kiridi, Kidgi, Gilka, Tudumu, and Jodukommulu