Kolattam and Chholiya are traditional folk dance forms of which pair of Indian states?

Introduction / Context:
India has a very rich tradition of folk dances that vary from state to state. Competitive exams often test knowledge of which folk dance belongs to which state, sometimes by pairing two dances and asking for the correct combination of states. In this case, Kolattam and Chholiya are the two dances mentioned, and you must identify the states most commonly associated with them in exam references.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Kolattam is one of the dances in the question.
• Chholiya is the second dance mentioned.
• The options pair different states together.
• We assume awareness that Kolattam is a south Indian dance and that Chholiya is from the Himalayan region, historically linked with Uttar Pradesh and now Uttarakhand.

Concept / Approach:
Kolattam is a stick dance form traditionally performed in Andhra Pradesh, especially during festivals, and is sometimes described as the south Indian version of dandiya like dances. Chholiya is a sword dance associated with the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. Historically, this region was part of Uttar Pradesh before Uttarakhand became a separate state. Many exam books still associate Chholiya with Uttar Pradesh due to this historical connection. Therefore, the pair of states that best matches Kolattam and Chholiya in the context of competitive questions is Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Kolattam is a folk dance involving sticks, performed in villages of Andhra Pradesh, especially during Navaratri and other festivals. Step 2: Recall that Chholiya is a martial style folk dance with swords and shields from the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. Step 3: Note that the Kumaon region was historically part of Uttar Pradesh before the creation of Uttarakhand, and many exam keys still mention Uttar Pradesh. Step 4: Examine the options and search for the pair that includes Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh together. Step 5: Identify option B as Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and select it as correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Folk dance lists in exam manuals and cultural compendiums frequently record Kolattam under Andhra Pradesh and Chholiya under the broader category of Uttar Pradesh or Uttarakhand, depending on the period of publication. Since most older MCQ sources still reference Uttar Pradesh, option B best aligns with the expected exam answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Kerala and Karnataka: Associated with dances like Kathakali, Theyyam, Yakshagana, not Kolattam and Chholiya.
• Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh: Tamil Nadu has dances like Bharatanatyam and Karagattam, and Madhya Pradesh has its own tribal dances, but this pair does not match Kolattam and Chholiya.
• Karnataka and Bihar: Have distinct folk forms, but neither is the standard association for both Kolattam and Chholiya.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse Kolattam with similar stick dances from other south Indian states or assume that Chholiya belongs to Himachal Pradesh or only to Uttarakhand. For competitive exams, it is safer to remember the paired association Kolattam Andhra Pradesh and Chholiya Uttar Pradesh (Kumaon region) as used in many question banks.

Final Answer:
Kolattam and Chholiya are folk dances associated with Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh respectively.