The correct answer is: d) All of the above
Folk songs and dances are a way for people to express their culture and history. They often contain references to ancient customs, stories of migration and settlement, and nature-based symbolism.
For example, the folk song “Jhum Jhum Jhum” is about the traditional practice of jhum cultivation, which is a form of shifting cultivation that is practiced in many parts of Southeast Asia. The song tells the story of a young woman who is preparing to go to the fields to plant rice. She sings about the beauty of the mountains and the river, and she expresses her hope for a good harvest.
The folk dance “Lachung Dance” is performed by the Lepcha people of Sikkim. The dance is a celebration of the harvest and the coming of spring. It is performed in a circle, and the dancers move their arms and legs in a graceful and rhythmic way. The dance is accompanied by music and singing, and it is a very lively and colorful event.
Folk songs and dances are an important part of the cultural heritage of Sikkim. They are a way for people to connect with their past and to express their identity. They are also a way for people to celebrate their culture and to share it with others.
Here are some additional details about each of the options:
- References to ancient customs: Folk songs and dances often contain references to ancient customs and traditions. This is because folk songs and dances are passed down from generation to generation, and they often reflect the way of life of the people who created them. For example, the folk song “Jhum Jhum Jhum” refers to the traditional practice of jhum cultivation, which is a form of shifting cultivation that is practiced in many parts of Southeast Asia.
- Stories of migration and settlement: Folk songs and dances often tell stories of migration and settlement. This is because folk songs and dances are a way for people to pass down their history and to remember their ancestors. For example, the folk dance “Lachung Dance” is performed by the Lepcha people of Sikkim. The dance is a celebration of the harvest and the coming of spring, but it also tells the story of the Lepcha people’s migration to Sikkim.
- Nature-based symbolism: Folk songs and dances often use nature-based symbolism. This is because nature is an important part of many cultures, and it is often seen as a source of inspiration and guidance. For example, the folk song “Jhum Jhum Jhum” refers to the mountains and the river, and it expresses the singer’s hope for a good harvest.