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Art and Culture MCQs – 2 (Classical Dances of India)
Classical Dances of India MCQs with answers and detailed explanations.
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Recommandation :-Â Read Short Notes on Socio-Religious Reform Movements of Modern India before attempting the questions.
1. The origin of classical dances of India can be traced to which among the following texts ?
(a) Natya Shastra
(b) Rig VedaÂ
(c) Purans
(d) Upanishads
Correct Answer:Â (a) Natya Shastra
- Classical Dances of India are the traditional Indian dance forms whose origin can be traced from the Sanskrit text – ‘Natya Shastra’ by Bharata Muni.Â
- The ‘Natya Shastra’ is one of the oldest surviving ancient Indian works on performance arts.
- It describes in detail the technique, postures, emotions, ornaments and even audience for dance performances.
2. Which of the following aspects symbolizes the feminine features of a dance ?
(a) Lasya
(b) TandavaÂ
(c) Nataraja
(d) None of the above
Correct Answer:Â (a) Lasya
‘Natya Shastra’ defines two basic aspects of Indian Classical Dances – Lasya and Tandava.
- Lasya :
- Symbolizes the feminine features of a dance.
- It expresses happiness and is filled with grace and beauty.
- Tandava :
- Symbolizes the male aspect of dance.
- It also symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction.
3. Which of the following is not a component of Indian Classical Dances ?
(a) NatyaÂ
(b) NrityaÂ
(c) Nataraja
(d) NrityaÂ
Correct Answer:Â (c) Nataraja
- There are three main components of Indian Classical Dances.
- Natya ( Dramatic element of the dance i.e. the imitation of characters)
- Nritya ( Expressional component i.e. Mudras or gestures)Â
- Nritta ( Pure dance movements in their basic form)
- Nataraja is a representation of god Siva as the cosmic dancer.
4. Which of the following is NOT a classical dance of India ?
(a) Bharatanatyam
(b) Kuchipudi
(c) Sattriya
(d) Ramlila
Correct Answer:Â (d) Ramlila
- The Sangeet Natak Academy recognizes eight Classical Dances :
- Bharatanatyam
- Kathak
- Kuchipudi
- Odissi
- Kathakali
- Sattriya
- Manipuri
- Mohiniyattam
- The Ministry of Culture recognizes nine Classical Dances. It includes ‘Chhau’ in its list of classical dances.
5. Which of the following dances is also known as ‘Ekaharya’ ?
(a) Bharatanatyam
(b) Kuchipudi
(c) Sattriya
(d) Kathakali
Correct Answer:Â (a) Bharatanatyam
- Bharatanatyam is also known as ‘Ekaharya’ as one dancer takes on many roles in a single performance.
- It is the oldest classical dance.
- It Symbolizes the element of fire as movements in Bharatanatyam resemble a dancing flame.
6. Which of the following dances originated in Uttar Pradesh ?
(a) Kathak
(b) Kuchipudi
(c) Sattriya
(d) Kathakali
Correct Answer:Â (a) Kathak
- Traditional dance which traces its origin back to the Ras Leela of Brajbhoomi.Â
- Only Indian classical dance has a synthesis of Hindu and Muslim traditions.
- Known for the development of different Gharanas (Lucknow, Jaipur, Raigarh, Banaras).
- Only classical dance based on Hindustani style of music.
7. ‘Jugalbandi’ is a feature of which of the following dances ?
(a) Kathak
(b) Kuchipudi
(c) Sattriya
(d) Kathakali
Correct Answer:Â (a) Kathak
- Â ‘Jugalbandi’ is a competitive play between the dancer and the tabla player.
- It is a feature of Kathak dance.
8. ‘Maharis’ and ‘Gotipua’ are the styles of Which of the following dances ?
(a) Odissi
(b) Kuchipudi
(c) Sattriya
(d) Kathakali
Correct Answer:Â (a) Odissi
Odissi dance:
- Two styles of traditional Odissi :
- Maharis (Devadasis or Temple Girls).
- Gotipua ( Performed by Boys).
- State – OdishaÂ
- It symbolizes the element of water.
- The dancers create intricate geometrical shapes and patterns with her body.
- It is characterized by various Bhangas (Stance) – Two basic postures are Chowk (imitating a square) and the Tribhanga.
9. Which of the following dances is not prevalent in Kerala ?
(a) Kathakali
(b) Mohiniyattam
(c) Sattriya
(d) All of the above
Correct Answer:Â (c) Sattriya
Kathakali:
- It is a blend of dance, music and acting (‘Katha’ meaning story and ‘Kali’ meaning drama) prevalent in Kerala.Â
- Symbolizes the element of sky.
- The dancers enact the roles (kings, gods, demons etc.) of the stories with particular make-up and costume.
Mohiniattam:
- It is a classical solo dance performed by women.Â
- It is interpreted as the dance of ‘Mohini’, the female form taken by God Vishnu to kill Bhasmasura.Â
- Symbolizes elements of air.
Sattriya:
- It was introduced by the great Vaishnava saint, Sankaradeva for propagation of the Vaishnava faith in Assam.
- Main themes of the dance are mostly on Radha-Krishna
- Performed by both male and female.
10. ‘Chhau’ is a dance form prevalent in which among the following states ?
(a) Manipur
(b) Uttaranchal
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Rajasthan
Correct Answer:Â (c) Jharkhand
- ‘Chhau’ dance is a blend of folk, tribal and martial arts prevalent in Jharkhand, West Bengal.
- It has three different types originated from three different regions :
- Seraikella ChhauÂ
- Mayurbhanj ChhauÂ
- Purulia Chhau