Panthi Dance is a traditional dance form from Chhattisgarh, associated with the Satnami community. The dance is a tribute to Guru Ghasidasji, the spiritual leader of the community, and is performed to honour him. It has gained worldwide recognition, largely due to the efforts of Devdas Banjare, a prominent figure in promoting this folk art. Devdas Banjare, born in 1937 in Sakra Village, Dhamtari District, was initially a Kabaddi player. After an injury ended his sports career, he turned to Panthi Dance. His dedication and hard work led to his rise as a renowned Panthi dancer. He became an educator at the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) and popularized the Panthi dance globally over two decades. Banjare performed in over 70 countries and received numerous accolades, including the Chief Minister’s Gold Medal and President’s Gold Medal. His dance was accompanied by traditional instruments like the ‘Mandar’ (Dhol), and his costume typically included ‘Dhoti & Kurta’, ‘Ghungroo’, and a ‘Kanthi’ (Tulsi garland). Banjare’s teachings and legacy continue, with many of his disciples still performing Panthi Dance today. Tragically, he passed away in a car accident in 2006, but his impact on the folk art of Chhattisgarh lives on.
20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on Panthi Dance
Where is the Panthi Dance form from?
a) Gujarat
b) Chhattisgarh
c) Punjab
d) Rajasthan
Answer: b) Chhattisgarh
Who popularized Panthi Dance worldwide?
a) Guru Ghasidasji
b) Devdas Banjare
c) Habib Tanvir
d) Shyam Benegal
Answer: b) Devdas Banjare
What was Devdas Banjare’s original career before dancing?
a) Singer
b) Teacher
c) Kabaddi player
d) Actor
Answer: c) Kabaddi player
Why did Devdas Banjare stop playing Kabaddi?
a) Lack of interest
b) Injury
c) Career change
d) Family pressure
Answer: b) Injury
Which community does the Panthi Dance belong to?
a) Rajputs
b) Satnami community
c) Brahmins
d) Kshatriyas
Answer: b) Satnami community
Who is considered the Guru of the Satnami community?
a) Devdas Banjare
b) Guru Ghasidasji
c) Phool Singh Banjare
d) Bodhram
Answer: b) Guru Ghasidasji
What is the most important responsibility, according to Devdas Banjare?
a) To practice dance
b) To maintain one’s health
c) To honor the Guru
d) To promote art
Answer: b) To maintain one’s health
What are some of the Mudras used in Panthi Dance?
a) ‘Namaste’
b) ‘Jai Sthamb’, ‘Dharti Pranam’, ‘Phool Arpan’
c) ‘Anjali’, ‘Aarti’
d) ‘Surya Namaskar’
Answer: b) ‘Jai Sthamb’, ‘Dharti Pranam’, ‘Phool Arpan’
What traditional costume is worn by Panthi dancers?
a) Sari and Dupatta
b) Dhoti & Kurta, Ghungroo, Kanthi
c) Lungi and Shirt
d) Sherwani and Pagdi
Answer: b) Dhoti & Kurta, Ghungroo, Kanthi
Which instrument accompanies Panthi Dance performances?
a) Harmonium
b) Tabla
c) Mandar (Dhol)
d) Shehnai
Answer: c) Mandar (Dhol)
Devdas Banjare worked with which theatre group?
a) Rajasthani Theatre
b) National Theatre
c) New Theatre by Habib Tanvir
d) Kathakali Theatre
Answer: c) New Theatre by Habib Tanvir
Which film did Devdas Banjare act in?
a) Sholay
b) Charandas Chor
c) Lagaan
d) Gully Boy
Answer: b) Charandas Chor
What was Devdas Banjare’s role in the film ‘Charandas Chor’?
a) Director
b) Actor
c) Producer
d) Singer
Answer: b) Actor
How many countries did Devdas Banjare tour during his career? a) 20
b) 30
c) 50
d) 70
Answer: d) 70
Which prestigious award did Devdas Banjare receive in 1972?
a) Padma Shri
b) President’s Gold Medal
c) Chief Minister’s Gold Medal
d) Bharat Ratna
Answer: c) Chief Minister’s Gold Medal
Devdas Banjare passed away in which year?
a) 2000
b) 2006
c) 2010
d) 2015
Answer: b) 2006
Which religious figure do Panthi dancers honor?
a) Lord Krishna
b) Guru Ghasidasji
c) Lord Shiva
d) Saint Kabir
Answer: b) Guru Ghasidasji
What is the meaning of ‘Phool Arpan’ in Panthi Dance?
a) Salutation to the Guru
b) Offering of flowers
c) Blessing the earth
d) Joyful celebration
Answer: b) Offering of flowers
Which instrument is used in Panthi dance performances to keep rhythm?
a) Flute
b) Mandar
c) Guitar
d) Violin
Answer: b) Mandar
What is the primary medium through which Panthi dancers express their culture?
a) Songs
b) Mudras and dance movements
c) Poetry
d) Painting
Answer: b) Mudras and dance movements
Reading Comprehension
Answer the following questions:
1. What is Devdas Banjare famous for?
Ans. Devdas Banjara is famous for popularizing Panthi dance,
2. How did Banjare get exposed to Panthi?
Ans. Earlier Banjare was a kabaddi player. As a result of an injury sustained during a match, he had to stop playing the game. He then shifted his attention to Panthi dance.
3. Which community is famous for its Panthi tradition ?
Ans. Satnami community is famous for its Panthi tradition.
4. Why does the community cherish the dance so much?
Ans. The Satnami community cherishes the dance form so much because it is the medium through which they honour their Guru, Guru Ghasidasji.
5. Name some popular ‘Mudras’ in Panthi.
Ans. Some popular ‘Mudras’ in Panthi are ‘Jai Stambh’, ‘Dharti Pranam’ and ‘Phool Arpan’.
6. Explain in detail the costume of a Panthi dancer.
Ans. The Panthi dancer wears an attractive costume. The Ghungroo, the dhoti and kurta, and the kanthi comprise the costume of dancers.
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