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.

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Total Questions

Practice Questions

Page 15 of 23
Question #281
Which classical dance uses 'Thumri' for expressive dance?
A. Odissi
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Mohiniyattam
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Thumri is a key musical style used in Kathak performances for abhinaya.

Question #282
Which classical dance is famously performed on the theme of Rasa Lila?
A. Sattriya
B. Kathak
C. Odissi
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Rasa Lila is the core devotional dance tradition of Manipur.

Question #283
Which dance form uses the 'Asamyuta' and 'Samyuta' hand gestures?
A. Only Bharatanatyam
B. All classical dances
C. Only Kuchipudi
D. Only Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The fundamental classification of mudras (Asamyuta/Samyuta) applies universally across classical Indian dance.

Question #284
Which classical dance form has its origins in the Sattras?
A. Kathak
B. Sattriya
C. Odissi
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Sattriya is explicitly rooted in the Vaishnava monastic tradition of Assam.

Question #285
Which classical dance form features the 'Vesham' makeup system?
A. Sattriya
B. Manipuri
C. Kathak
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Kathakali is uniquely characterized by its detailed Vesham system.

Question #286
Which classical dance uses the 'Hasta-lakshana-deepika'?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Kuchipudi
C. Odissi
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Kathakali dancers strictly follow the guidelines of the Hasta-lakshana-deepika.

Question #287
Which of these is a classical dance from the state of Manipur?
A. Odissi
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Manipuri
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Manipuri is the classical dance form representing the state of Manipur.

Question #288
Which classical dance form features the 'Mukhabhinaya' as a crucial element?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Kathakali
C. Odissi
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Kathakali's reliance on eye movements and facial muscles is defined by the term Mukhabhinaya.

Question #289
Which of the following classical dances originates from Odisha?
A. Odissi
B. Kathak
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Odissi is the classical dance form that originated in Odisha.

Question #290
The 'Navarasa' classification is found in which work?
A. Rigveda
B. Upanishad
C. Arthashastra
D. Natya Shastra

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Natya Shastra is the primary source for the concepts of Rasa and Bhava.

Question #291
Which classical dance involves the 'Kalaripayattu' influence?
A. Kathakali and Mohiniyattam
B. Sattriya and Manipuri
C. Kathak and Kuchipudi
D. Bharatanatyam and Odissi

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The martial art Kalaripayattu provided the foundation for Kerala's classical dance forms.

Question #292
Which dancer was instrumental in modernizing Odissi?
A. Kelucharan Mohapatra
B. Rukmini Devi
C. Birju Maharaj
D. Vempati Chinna Satyam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Kelucharan Mohapatra is credited with the systematic revival and modern structure of Odissi.

Question #293
The 'Nritta, Nritya, and Natya' are the three pillars of:
A. All classical dances
B. Only Kathak
C. Only Odissi
D. Only Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Natya Shastra classifies all Indian dance under these three pillars.

Question #294
Which classical dance form uses the 'Tarangam' sequence?
A. Kuchipudi
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Tarangam sequence, balancing on a brass plate, is unique to Kuchipudi.

Question #295
Which classical dance form was recognized as a classical dance in 2000?
A. Odissi
B. Kathak
C. Sattriya
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Sattriya was the final addition to the Sangeet Natak Akademi's list of eight classical dances.

Question #296
The 'Pung' barrel drum is synonymous with which dance?
A. Kathakali
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Odissi
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Pung drum is an essential, iconic instrument in Manipuri dance.

Question #297
The 'Tihai' is a technical rhythmic structure used primarily in:
A. Odissi
B. Kathak
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Tihai is a characteristic rhythmic device used in Kathak for technical display.

Question #298
The 'Panchavadyam' music ensemble is traditionally associated with which classical dance form?
A. Kathakali
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Panchavadyam, an orchestra of five instruments, is performed during Kathakali and temple festivals in Kerala.

Question #299
The 'Sutradhar' or narrator is a key figure in which classical dance-drama?
A. Sattriya
B. Kathakali
C. Manipuri
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
In Kuchipudi Yakshagana, the Sutradhar introduces characters and narrates the story. This role is central to Kuchipudi dance-dramas.

Question #300
The 'Gharana' system is a prominent feature in which classical dance?
A. Kathak
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Odissi
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Kathak developed into distinct gharanas (Lucknow, Jaipur, Banaras, Raigarh) each with stylistic variations.