Previous Year Question

Pair (a) is correctly matched. Alha is a famous heroic ballad tradition of Bundelkhand, describing the bravery and battles of Alha and Udal. It is particularly associated with Mahoba and the tradition of the Chandela ruler Paramardideva (Parmal). The composition of Alhakhand is traditionally attributed to the poet Jagnik. Alha singing is especially popular during the monsoon season in Bundelkhand.

Pair (b) is correctly matched. Birha is a major folk singing tradition of Purvanchal, widely practised in the Bhojpuri-speaking regions of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Its principal themes include separation, love, and social life. Besides the separation of lovers, Birha also describes social events and historical episodes. A rich tradition of Birha singing exists in Varanasi, Ghazipur, Azamgarh, and surrounding regions.

Pair (c) is incorrectly matched. Chaiti is a seasonal folk singing tradition performed during the month of Chaitra, primarily associated with the Bhojpuri-speaking regions of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, rather than Rohilkhand. Chaiti songs express emotions associated with spring, love, separation, and rural life. Chaiti also occupies an important place in the semi-classical singing tradition of the Banaras Gharana. Rohilkhand is a northwestern cultural region of Uttar Pradesh.

Pair (d) is acceptable in terms of its regional spread. Kajri is a folk singing tradition performed during the monsoon season, particularly in Sawan. Its principal cultural centres are the Mirzapur and Varanasi regions, but Kajri singing is also practised in Awadh and other regions. Its songs express themes of rainfall, greenery, love, and separation.