Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Kurukh people Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: The Kurukh People: Culture, History, and Society

Cheat Sheet:
The Kurukh People: Culture, History, and Society Study Guide

Kurukh Identity and Demographics

The primary geographical concentration of the Kurukh people is situated within which major plateau region of India?

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kurukh population is predominantly concentrated within the Chhotanagpur Plateau region of India, spanning states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.

Return to Game

According to the 2011 census, the total population of the Kurukh people was approximately 1.7 million.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2011 census data indicates that the total population of the Kurukh people was approximately 3.8 million, not 1.7 million.

Return to Game

The term "Oraon" is the self-designation used by the Kurukh people.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kurukh people refer to themselves as 'Kurukh.' The term 'Oraon' is an exonym, meaning it is a name given by an external group.

Return to Game

The Kurukh people are also known as "Dhangad" in the state of Maharashtra.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the state of Maharashtra, the Oraon people are recognized by the designation 'Dhangad'.

Return to Game

Which of the following states is NOT listed as having a significant population of the Kurukh people?

Answer: Gujarat

Explanation: While Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal are noted for significant Kurukh populations, Gujarat is not listed as a primary state of residence.

Return to Game

Based on the 2011 census, what was the approximate total population of the Kurukh people?

Answer: Approximately 3.8 million

Explanation: According to the 2011 census data, the total population of the Kurukh people was approximately 3.8 million.

Return to Game

The term "Oraon", an exonym for the Kurukh people, was given by which neighboring group and signifies what?

Answer: Munda people, meaning "to roam"

Explanation: The term 'Oraon,' an exonym for the Kurukh, was bestowed by the neighboring Munda people and signifies 'to roam'.

Return to Game

Which term is used in Maharashtra to refer to the Oraon people?

Answer: Dhangad

Explanation: In the state of Maharashtra, the Oraon people are commonly referred to by the term 'Dhangad'.

Return to Game

Kurukh Language and Linguistics

The Kurukh language belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kurukh language is classified as belonging to the Dravidian language family, not the Indo-Aryan family.

Return to Game

Sten Konow suggested that the term "Uraon" in the Kurukh language means "to roam."

Answer: False

Explanation: Linguist Sten Konow suggested that the term 'Uraon,' an exonym for the Kurukh, signifies 'man' in the Kurukh language, based on related terms like 'Urapai' and 'Urang'.

Return to Game

While Kurukh is the traditional language, most of the population has shifted entirely to Odia, especially in tea garden areas.

Answer: False

Explanation: While many Kurukh speakers have adopted regional languages like Odia and Sadri, particularly in tea garden areas, a significant portion of the population still speaks Kurukh as their mother tongue.

Return to Game

According to Sten Konow, the word "Kurukh" itself might mean "a speaker," derived from words related to shouting or stammering.

Answer: True

Explanation: Linguist Sten Konow proposed that the term 'Kurukh' may derive from roots signifying 'shout' or 'stammer,' thus implying 'a speaker'.

Return to Game

What is the primary language spoken by the Kurukh people, and to which family does it belong?

Answer: Kurukh, Dravidian family

Explanation: The primary language spoken by the Kurukh people is Kurukh, which belongs to the Dravidian language family.

Return to Game

In areas like West Bengal and Assam, particularly among tea garden workers, which language has become the primary link language for many Kurukh people?

Answer: Sadri

Explanation: Sadri has emerged as the primary link language for many Kurukh individuals in regions such as West Bengal and Assam, particularly within the context of tea garden communities.

Return to Game

The Kurukh word "Kurukh," according to Sten Konow's interpretation, might imply:

Answer: "A speaker"

Explanation: Sten Konow's linguistic analysis suggests that the word 'Kurukh' may derive from terms related to vocalization, implying 'a speaker'.

Return to Game

Kurukh History and Migration

One theory suggests the Kurukh people migrated from the Indus Valley Civilization region after its decline around 2500 BCE.

Answer: True

Explanation: Among the proposed origins for the Kurukh people, one theory posits a migration from the region of the Indus Valley Civilization following its decline circa 2500 BCE.

Return to Game

During British rule, the Kurukh people were known as "Hill Coolies" when they migrated to overseas locations like Fiji and Guyana.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the British colonial period, Kurukh individuals who migrated to overseas territories such as Fiji and Guyana were often referred to as 'Hill Coolies'.

Return to Game

The Kol uprising in 1832 was primarily a celebration of traditional Kurukh harvest festivals.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kol uprising of 1832 was a significant rebellion against the British East India Company and local Zamindars, not a celebration of harvest festivals.

Return to Game

The Tana Bhagat Movement, a civil disobedience movement, occurred between 1914 and 1920 and predated Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Tana Bhagat Movement, a notable civil disobedience campaign, took place from 1914 to 1920, preceding Mahatma Gandhi's broader Satyagraha movements.

Return to Game

Traditionally, the Oraon people practiced jhum cultivation (slash-and-burn) for their livelihood.

Answer: False

Explanation: Traditionally, the Oraon people practiced plough agriculture rather than jhum cultivation (slash-and-burn) for their livelihood.

Return to Game

Tana Bhagats demonstrated their commitment to Gandhian principles by wearing khadi and displaying the tricoloured flag.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Tana Bhagats exemplified their adherence to Gandhian principles through practices such as wearing khadi and displaying the tricoloured flag.

Return to Game

Filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak directed a documentary film titled "Oraon" in 1957, focusing on the lives of the Adivasis in the Ranchi region.

Answer: True

Explanation: Filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak created a preparatory test film titled 'Oraon' in 1957, which documented the lives of Adivasi communities, specifically the Oraons, in the Ranchi region.

Return to Game

Which of the following is NOT among the proposed origins or migration paths for the Kurukh people mentioned in the text?

Answer: Migration from the Brahmaputra Valley after the decline of the Ahom Kingdom.

Explanation: The text discusses migration theories involving Konkan, Coorg, and Gujarat, but does not mention a migration path from the Brahmaputra Valley after the Ahom Kingdom's decline.

Return to Game

The Kol uprising in 1832, involving the Kurukh people, was a rebellion against which entities?

Answer: The British East India Company and local Zamindars

Explanation: The Kol uprising of 1832, in which the Kurukh participated, was directed against the oppressive policies and impositions of the British East India Company and local Zamindars.

Return to Game

What was the primary characteristic of the Tana Bhagat Movement led by Jatra Bhagat?

Answer: A civil disobedience movement against British policies.

Explanation: The Tana Bhagat Movement, led by Jatra Bhagat, was fundamentally a civil disobedience movement aimed at resisting British policies and taxation.

Return to Game

What was the traditional method of cultivation practiced by the Oraon people, as opposed to jhum cultivation?

Answer: Plough agriculture

Explanation: The traditional method of cultivation practiced by the Oraon people was plough agriculture, differentiating them from those who practiced jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation.

Return to Game

The Tana Bhagats' adherence to Gandhian principles during the Indian Independence movement was demonstrated through their practice of:

Answer: Wearing khadi and displaying the tricoloured flag.

Explanation: The Tana Bhagats demonstrated their commitment to Gandhian principles by adopting practices such as wearing khadi and displaying the tricoloured flag during the Indian Independence movement.

Return to Game

Kurukh Social Structure and Governance

The Kurukh tribe follows a matrilineal and matrilocal system of descent and residence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kurukh tribe adheres to a patrilineal and patrilocal system, meaning descent and residence are traced through the father's line.

Return to Game

Kurukh clan names are exclusively derived from animal names, such as Lakra (Tiger) and Nag (Cobra).

Answer: False

Explanation: Kurukh clan names are derived from a variety of sources, including plants, animals, and objects, not exclusively from animal names.

Return to Game

The Parha in a Kurukh village is responsible for religious ceremonies and dispute resolution, with the Pahan serving as the village priest.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Parha is the village-level political organization in Kurukh society, encompassing roles such as the Pahan (village priest) who leads religious ceremonies, and others involved in dispute resolution.

Return to Game

The Dhumkuria was a formal institution for higher education established by the British for the Kurukh youth.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Dhumkuria was a traditional, informal institution for the socialization and education of youth within Kurukh society, not a formal higher education establishment created by the British.

Return to Game

The Akhra serves as a private residence for the village elders in Kurukh villages.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Akhra functions as a public space within Kurukh villages, serving as a common meeting ground for discussions and dispute resolution, rather than a private residence for elders.

Return to Game

A Parha council is typically formed by a small number of villages, usually around five to ten.

Answer: False

Explanation: A Parha council typically comprises twelve to thirty villages, indicating a larger organizational structure than a group of merely five to ten.

Return to Game

The "Bhuinhari Khunt" refers to the traditional system of communal land ownership among the Kurukh.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'Bhuinhari Khunt' signifies the major lineage groups within the Kurukh social structure, which are intrinsically linked to land ownership and form the basis of key offices.

Return to Game

The Kurukh kinship and lineage system is described as:

Answer: Patrilocal and Patrilineal

Explanation: The Kurukh kinship and lineage system is characterized as patrilocal and patrilineal, indicating descent and residence are traced through the paternal line.

Return to Game

Which of the following is an example of a Kurukh clan name derived from a plant?

Answer: Bara

Explanation: Among the provided options, 'Bara' is an example of a Kurukh clan name derived from a plant (Banyan tree). 'Lakra' (Tiger) and 'Nag' (Cobra) are animal-derived, and 'Xaxa' (Crow) is also animal-derived.

Return to Game

Within the Kurukh village administration, who holds the primary role of village priest?

Answer: Pahan

Explanation: The Pahan holds the primary role of village priest within the traditional Kurukh village administration.

Return to Game

What was the function of the "Dhumkuria" in traditional Kurukh society?

Answer: An informal educational and socialization institution for youth.

Explanation: The Dhumkuria served as a vital informal institution for the education and socialization of youth within traditional Kurukh society.

Return to Game

The "Parha" council system, which governs multiple villages, is structured to include approximately how many villages?

Answer: 12 to 30 villages

Explanation: A Parha council typically encompasses a confederation of twelve to thirty villages, functioning as a larger administrative and judicial body.

Return to Game

What is the role of the "Akhra" in a Kurukh village?

Answer: A public space for meetings and dispute resolution.

Explanation: The Akhra serves as a communal public space within Kurukh villages, functioning as a communal area for discussions, social gatherings, and the resolution of village disputes.

Return to Game

The "Raja" village holds a special position within the Parha council system because:

Answer: Its headman presides over the meetings of the Parha Panchayat.

Explanation: The 'Raja' village occupies a position of prominence within the Parha council system, primarily because its headman presides over the meetings of the Parha Panchayat.

Return to Game

What is the primary function of the "Bhuinhari Khunt" in the Kurukh social structure?

Answer: It signifies land ownership and major lineage groups.

Explanation: The 'Bhuinhari Khunt' denotes the principal lineage groups within the Kurukh social structure, fundamentally tied to the concept of land ownership.

Return to Game

Kurukh Cultural Practices and Traditions

Traditional festivals like Sarhul and Karma are celebrated by the Kurukh people.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kurukh people observe a range of traditional festivals, prominently including Sarhul and Karma, which are integral to their cultural calendar.

Return to Game

The Kurukh possess rich traditions of folk songs and dances, accompanied by instruments like the Mandar and Nagara.

Answer: True

Explanation: The cultural heritage of the Kurukh people includes vibrant traditions of folk music and dance, often accompanied by instruments such as the Mandar and Nagara.

Return to Game

In Kurukh weddings, the sindoordaan ritual involves the bride applying vermilion to the groom's forehead.

Answer: False

Explanation: In traditional Kurukh weddings, the sindoordaan ritual involves the groom applying vermilion powder to the bride's forehead, symbolizing their union.

Return to Game

At the turn of the 20th century, Kurukh women typically wore a thick cotton sari with detailed borders.

Answer: False

Explanation: At the beginning of the 20th century, the traditional attire for Kurukh women consisted of a cloth reaching just above the knee and covering the chest, rather than a thick cotton sari.

Return to Game

Which of the following is NOT listed as a traditional festival celebrated by the Kurukh people?

Answer: Diwali

Explanation: While Sarhul, Karma, and Nawakhani are traditional festivals observed by the Kurukh, Diwali is not typically listed among their indigenous celebrations.

Return to Game

What are some of the traditional musical instruments mentioned in the context of Kurukh folk music and dance?

Answer: Mandar, Nagara, Kartal

Explanation: The traditional musical instruments associated with Kurukh folk music and dance include the Mandar, Nagara, and Kartal.

Return to Game

In a traditional Kurukh wedding ceremony, what is the significance of the "sindoordaan" ritual?

Answer: The groom applies vermilion powder to the bride's forehead.

Explanation: The sindoordaan ritual in Kurukh weddings is significant as it involves the groom applying vermilion powder to the bride's forehead, symbolizing their marital union.

Return to Game

How is the traditional dress of Kurukh women described for the early 20th century?

Answer: A cloth reaching just above the knee and covering the chest.

Explanation: At the turn of the 20th century, the traditional attire for Kurukh women was a garment reaching just above the knee and covering the chest, distinct from the modern sari.

Return to Game

Which of the following statements accurately describes the modern traditional attire for Kurukh women?

Answer: They wear a thick cotton sari with detailed stitched borders, often in purple or red thread.

Explanation: Modern traditional attire for Kurukh women typically involves wearing a thick cotton sari characterized by detailed stitched borders, frequently in purple or red thread.

Return to Game

Kurukh Religious Beliefs and Practices

According to the 2011 census, Christianity is the largest religious affiliation among the Kurukh Scheduled Tribes in India.

Answer: False

Explanation: Based on the 2011 census, Hinduism constitutes the largest religious affiliation among the Kurukh Scheduled Tribes, followed by Christianity and Sarnaism.

Return to Game

Sarnaism is an indigenous religion centered on the worship of deities from the Hindu pantheon, like Vishnu and Shiva.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sarnaism is an indigenous religion characterized by nature worship, including the veneration of sacred groves and celestial bodies, rather than the worship of Hindu deities like Vishnu and Shiva.

Return to Game

Kamru Bhagats originated from Kurukh pilgrims who visited the temple town of Puri in Odisha.

Answer: False

Explanation: The origin of Kamru Bhagats is attributed to Kurukh pilgrims who journeyed to Kamakhya in Assam, rather than Puri in Odisha.

Return to Game

Christian Oraons exclusively follow Roman Catholicism.

Answer: False

Explanation: Christian Oraons adhere to various denominations within Christianity, including both Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.

Return to Game

According to the 2011 census data on religious affiliations among Kurukh Scheduled Tribes, which group formed the largest percentage?

Answer: Hinduism

Explanation: The 2011 census data indicates that Hinduism was the largest religious affiliation among the Kurukh Scheduled Tribes (36.4%), followed by Christianity (30.2%) and Sarnaism (29.2%).

Return to Game

What is the core principle of Sarnaism, the indigenous religion of the Adivasis in the Chota Nagpur Plateau?

Answer: Nature worship, including sacred groves and celestial bodies.

Explanation: Sarnaism, the indigenous religion of the Adivasis in the Chota Nagpur Plateau, is fundamentally based on nature worship, encompassing the veneration of sacred groves and celestial bodies.

Return to Game

What is the significance of "Biri" and "Chando" in Sarnaism?

Answer: Names for the Sun and the Moon, respectively.

Explanation: In Sarnaism, 'Biri' refers to the Sun, and 'Chando' refers to the Moon, both significant elements in their nature-centric worship.

Return to Game

The origin of the Kamru Bhagats is linked to a pilgrimage made by Oraons to which specific location?

Answer: Kamakhya in Assam

Explanation: The Kamru Bhagats trace their origins to Oraons who undertook a pilgrimage to Kamakhya in Assam, rather than Puri in Odisha.

Return to Game