Read the following statements carefully and choose the correct option:
Assertion (A): The Santhal festival of Erok Sim marks the end of the agricultural season.
Reason (R): The Magh Sim festival expresses gratitude for the harvest and prepares for a new cycle.

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) A is incorrect, but R is correct.
• The Santhal festival “Erok Sim” marks the beginning of the agricultural season, not the end.
• The Magh Sim festival indeed marks the end of the harvest, expressing gratitude to nature and celebrating community well-being.
Information Booster:
• The Santhals are one of India’s largest tribal communities, mainly found in Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal.
• Erok Sim and Magh Sim are part of the Santhal agricultural calendar.
• These festivals reinforce community bonds and environmental respect.
• Santhals worship nature and follow animism.
• Major Santhal deity: Marang Buru (the Great Mountain Spirit).
Additional Knowledge:
• The Santhal Rebellion (1855–56) was led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu against British rule.
• The Santhali language is listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution (since 2003).
• Santhali script: Ol Chiki (developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu).
• Santhal tribes are classified as Scheduled Tribes (STs) under the Constitution.