Classical Dances of India MCQs

Static General Knowledge

Classical Dances of India MCQs

Practice Classical Dances of India MCQs with answers and detailed explanations covering Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Sattriya and their states, performers, traditions and cultural significance frequently asked in SSC, Railway, Banking, UPSC, JKSSB, Police, Defence, Teaching and other competitive examinations.

442
Total Questions

Practice Questions

Page 12 of 23
Question #221
The 'Asamyuta hastas' (single-hand gestures) as per Natya Shastra number:
A. 32
B. 28
C. 24
D. 36

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Natya Shastra describes 28 Asamyuta hastas (single-hand gestures). Additionally, 24 Samyuta hastas (double-hand).

Question #222
The 'Raslila' in Manipuri often depicts which season?
A. All of the above
B. Shravan (Monsoon)
C. Sharad (Autumn)
D. Vasant (Spring)

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Manipuri Raslila is performed across seasons: Basant Ras, Maha Ras (full moon in autumn), etc.

Question #223
The 'Sattriya' dance uses which classical text for its abhinaya?
A. Bhakti Ratnavali
B. Sangit Ratnakara
C. Abhinaya Darpana
D. Natya Shastra

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Sattriya's abhinaya is based on the Bhakti Ratnavali, a treatise on Vaishnava devotion.

Question #224
The 'Mallika Sarabhai' is a noted exponent of which dance?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Kuchipudi
C. Kathak
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Mallika Sarabhai is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and social activist from Gujarat.

Question #225
The 'Ottan Thullal' is a solo dance form similar to which classical style?
A. Mohiniyattam
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kathakali
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Ottan Thullal, created by Kunchan Nambiar, is a simplified narrative solo form that shares costuming elements with Kathakali.

Question #226
The 'Natya Shastra' divides dance into three categories. Which one is NOT among them?
A. Nritta
B. Nrrita
C. Natya
D. Nritya

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The three components are Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natya (drama element).

Question #227
The 'Chenda' drum is primarily used in which classical dance?
A. Manipuri
B. Odissi
C. Kathakali
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Chenda is a cylindrical percussion instrument central to Kathakali and many other Kerala art forms.

Question #228
The 'Balasaraswati' school of Bharatanatyam emphasized which aspect?
A. Multiple costume changes
B. Abhinaya (expression)
C. Pure technique
D. Speedy footwork

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Balasaraswati's style prioritized the emotive and musical aspects (abhinaya) over mere technical virtuosity.

Question #229
The 'Mohiniyattam' dance is accompanied by which vocal music tradition?
A. Sopana Sangeetham
B. Carnatic
C. Chhau music
D. Hindustani

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Mohiniyattam music is primarily the Sopana Sangeetham, a semi-classical Kerala style, though Carnatic influences exist.

Question #230
The 'Khol' used in Sattriya is also known as:
A. Mridanga
B. Tabla
C. Dholak
D. Pakhawaj

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The khol is an Assamese mridanga, a two-headed drum integral to Sattriya and Vaishnava music.

Question #231
The 'Tribhanga' posture is also used in which classical dance besides Odissi?
A. Mohiniyattam
B. Kathak
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Kathak incorporates the Tribhangi (triple bend) stance in its Gat Bhav repertoire, though Odissi is most famous for it.

Question #232
The 'Lasya' aspect, defined in Natya Shastra, is associated with which deity?
A. Parvati
B. Krishna
C. Vishnu
D. Shiva

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Lasya is the feminine, graceful dance created by Parvati, as opposed to Tandava by Shiva.

Question #233
The 'Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra' is associated with which dance?
A. Sattriya
B. Manipuri
C. Odissi
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
He was the leading architect of modern Odissi dance.

Question #234
The 'Samyuta hastas' are:
A. Single-hand gestures
B. Double-hand gestures
C. Eye movements
D. Leg movements

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Samyuta hastas are 24 combined or double-hand gestures defined in the Natya Shastra.

Question #235
The 'Kuchipudi' dancer 'Swapnasundari' is known for reviving which style?
A. Carnatic music
B. Pung Cholom
C. Perini Shivatandavam
D. Yakshagana

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Swapnasundari revived Perini Shivatandavam, an ancient war dance from Telangana, though not strictly a classical dance.

Question #236
The 'Varnam' in a Bharatanatyam recital is:
A. Concluding item
B. Opening piece
C. Central expressive piece
D. Percussion solo

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Varnam is the most elaborate and central item, combining nritta and nritya to showcase the dancer's skill and expression.

Question #237
The 'Gotipua' dance tradition is considered a precursor to which classical dance?
A. Odissi
B. Sattriya
C. Kuchipudi
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Gotipua, performed by young boys dressed as girls, contributed significantly to the development of Odissi.

Question #238
The 'Padam' in Kuchipudi is primarily an:
A. Nritya item
B. Percussion solo
C. Natya item
D. Nritta item

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Padam is an expressive, narrative dance (nritya) dealing with love and devotion, set to slow-tempo music.

Question #239
The 'Rasamanjari' text is a source of themes for which dance?
A. All of the above
B. Odissi
C. Kathak
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Rasamanjari by Bhanudatta, depicting romantic and devotional love, inspires themes across many classical dances.

Question #240
The 'Nritta' component primarily involves:
A. Storytelling
B. Facial expressions
C. Costuming
D. Rhythmic and abstract movements

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Nritta is pure, abstract dance that focuses on rhythmic patterns and body movements without any interpretative aspect.