Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 313

The effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna and ..... are burnt on the last day of Dussehra festival.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the main antagonists in the Ramayana.

Correct Answer: C) Meghnad

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across India and other parts of the world. The festival marks the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. The festival is celebrated over ten days, with the last day culminating in the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna, and Meghnad.

The effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna, and Meghnad are burnt to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. Ravana is the primary antagonist in the epic Ramayana, and his defeat signifies the triumph of righteousness and dharma. Kumbhkarna, Ravana's brother, and Meghnad, Ravana's son, are also significant characters in the Ramayana and are associated with the evil forces that Lord Rama and his allies had to overcome.

The burning of these effigies is a symbolic act that represents the destruction of evil and the restoration of righteousness. It is a public celebration that involves the community coming together to witness the burning of the effigies, often accompanied by fireworks and other festivities. This act is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of India and serves as a reminder of the importance of moral values and the triumph of good over evil.

It is important to note that while other characters from the Ramayana, such as Surpanakha, are significant in the narrative, they are not traditionally associated with the effigies burnt during Dussehra. The focus of the effigy burning is on the main antagonists who represent the forces of evil in the epic.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Mandava is not one of the effigies burnt during Dussehra. This option is incorrect as it does not align with the traditional practices of the festival.
  • Option B: Meghputra is not a character from the Ramayana and is not associated with the effigies burnt during Dussehra. This option is incorrect.
  • Option C: Meghnad, also known as Indrajit, is one of the sons of Ravana and is burnt in effigy along with Ravana and Kumbhkarna on the last day of Dussehra. This option is correct.
  • Option D: Surpanakha, while a character from the Ramayana, is not one of the effigies burnt during Dussehra. This option is incorrect.

Mnemonic: RKM: Ravana, Kumbhkarna, Meghnad

Back to Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 313 – Practice all questions