Which Kashmiri art form is described by the following lines?

Question

Which Kashmiri art form is described by the following lines?

I. It is a traditional folk theatre style combination of play and dance.

II. It differs from other forms as it features a single performer who performs, dances, and plays music.

III. It was mentioned by Kashmiri Sufi Saint, Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA) in his verses and travel book of English writer, Sir Walter Lawrence.

1. A. Rouf
2. B. Chakri
3. C. Bhand Pather (Correct answer)
4. D. Hafiza Dance

Correct Answer

Option C — C

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option C.

Key Points

• Bhand Pather is the traditional folk theatre of Kashmir, combining play, dance, satire and music — the name comes from 'bhand' (jester) and 'pather' (performance).
• It is performed by the Bhand community and is known for social and political satire.
• It is referenced in the verses of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (Nund Rishi) and in Sir Walter Lawrence's 'The Valley of Kashmir' (1895), matching statement III.
• Why the other options are wrong:
• Rouf (Rauf) — a group folk dance performed by women, especially at Eid and during spring.
• Chakri — a devotional/folk music form, sung in a group with rabab, sarangi and harmonium.
• Hafiza Dance — a dance performed by women at weddings.
• Note statement II ('features a single performer') distinguishes the solo Ladishah tradition; Bhand Pather is otherwise a troupe form, which is why this question turns on the literary references in statement III.

Additional Information

• Bhand Pather is Kashmir's traditional folk theatre, blending satire, dance and music, performed by hereditary Bhand communities and traditionally staged at village fairs and harvest festivals.
• Its accompaniment uses the surnai, dhol and nagara, and its satirical treatment of authority is its defining feature.
• Revise it with Kashmir's other cultural forms: Rouf and Hafiza dances, Sufiyana Mausiqi, and the Chakri musical style.