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

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Question #241
The 'Jhaveri Sisters' are celebrated exponents of which classical dance?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Odissi
C. Kathak
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Nayana, Suverna, Darshana, and Ranjana Jhaveri are legendary Manipuri dancers.

Question #242
The 'Tillana' in Kuchipudi is analogous to which Bharatanatyam item?
A. Shabdam
B. Jatiswaram
C. Tillana
D. Alarippu

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Tillana in Kuchipudi is similar to Bharatanatyam's Thillana; both are pure dance (nritta) concluding items.

Question #243
The 'Sattriya' dance was historically performed only by:
A. Female temple dancers
B. Male monks
C. Both men and women
D. Court dancers

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
For centuries, Sattriya was practiced exclusively by male monks (bhakats) within the monasteries.

Question #244
The 'Chhau' dance uses the 'Dhol' as a major drum, also known as:
A. Chenda
B. Nagara
C. Khol
D. Dhamsa

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
In Purulia Chhau, the large kettle drum Dhamsa accompanies the Dhol, creating a powerful rhythmic backdrop.

Question #245
The 'Gat' in Kathak refers to:
A. A musical scale
B. A rhythmic cycle
C. A stylized walking movement
D. A type of costume

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Gat is a choreographed sequence showing a simple action or walking pattern, often used in Gat Nikas and Gat Bhav.

Question #246
The 'Abhinaya Darpana' is a key text for which dance form?
A. Kathakali
B. Odissi
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikesvara serves as a foundational manual for Bharatanatyam, especially for hand gestures and expressions.

Question #247
The 'Suddha Nritta' is an item in Odissi, performed:
A. At the end
B. At any point
C. In the middle
D. At the beginning

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Suddha Nritta is an opening pure dance item in Odissi, following Mangalacharan.

Question #248
The 'Yakshagana' from coastal Karnataka has similarities with which classical dance?
A. Manipuri
B. Kathakali
C. Sattriya
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Yakshagana, like Kathakali, is a vibrant dance-drama with elaborate costumes and makeup, though distinct in style.

Question #249
Which classical dance form utilizes 'Mudras' categorized into 'Asamyuta' (single-handed) and 'Samyuta' (double-handed)?
A. Only Odissi
B. All classical dances
C. Only Bharatanatyam
D. Only Kathak

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
All classical Indian dance forms follow the classification of hand gestures into Asamyuta and Samyuta mudras as defined in the Natya Shastra.

Question #250
Which classical dance form is known for the 'Thumri' style of presentation?
A. Manipuri
B. Odissi
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Kathak dancers often use Thumri and other semi-classical vocal forms to showcase their abhinaya (expression).

Question #251
The 'Navarasa' (nine emotions) are explicitly categorized in which ancient text?
A. Rigveda
B. Arthashastra
C. Upanishads
D. Natya Shastra

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni defines the eight original rasas, with the ninth (Shanta) later added.

Question #252
Which classical dance form features the 'Tukras' and 'Parans' in its technical repertoire?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Odissi
C. Kuchipudi
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Tukras and Parans are specific rhythmic structures used in Kathak dance to show technical proficiency.

Question #253
Which classical dance form is centered around the 'Bhava' (emotion) of 'Sringara' (love)?
A. Sattriya
B. Manipuri
C. Mohiniyattam
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Mohiniyattam, the 'dance of the enchantress', is renowned for its predominant focus on Sringara rasa.

Question #254
Who was instrumental in the 'Sattriya' dance revival in modern times?
A. Rukmini Devi
B. Kelucharan
C. Birju Maharaj
D. Various Sattras (monasteries)

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Sattras of Assam have been the primary preservers and modern revivalists of the Sattriya dance form.

Question #255
Which classical dance involves the 'Kathi Vesham' representing 'Rajasic' (passionate) characters?
A. Odissi
B. Kuchipudi
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
In Kathakali, the Kathi Vesham represents characters with Rajasic qualities—arrogant yet regal.

Question #256
Which of these is a classical dance form from the state of Andhra Pradesh?
A. Sattriya
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Kuchipudi
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Kuchipudi is the indigenous classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh.

Question #257
The 'Nritta' (rhythmic) dance is often contrasted with which other element?
A. Drama (Natya)
B. Both A and B
C. Nritya (expressive)
D. Music

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Dance is typically classified into Nritta (rhythm), Nritya (expression), and Natya (theatrical drama).

Question #258
Which classical dance form utilizes 'Pung' and 'Kartal' during the performance?
A. Kathakali
B. Manipuri
C. Odissi
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Manipuri dancers play the Pung (drum) and use Kartal (cymbals) to accompany their rhythmic movements.

Question #259
Which classical dance form originated in the courts of the Nawabs of Oudh?
A. Kuchipudi
B. Kathak
C. Odissi
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Kathak, specifically the Lucknow Gharana, flourished under the patronage of the Nawabs of Oudh.

Question #260
Which of these is the first piece in a traditional Bharatanatyam recital?
A. Varnam
B. Alarippu
C. Jatiswaram
D. Thillana

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Alarippu serves as the invocatory, opening sequence of a Bharatanatyam Margam.