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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Practice Questions

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Question #301
The 'Mohan Khokar' collection at IGNCA is a significant archive for the history of which art form?
A. Indian puppetry
B. Indian classical dance
C. Indian classical music
D. Indian painting

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Mohan Khokar Dance Collection is one of India's largest archives on classical dances.

Question #302
The 'Chollukal' is the term for which aspect of a Kathakali performance?
A. The foot-tapping bell sound
B. Opening prayer song
C. Makeup application
D. Drumming pattern

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Chollukal is a traditional invocatory song sung at the beginning of a Kathakali performance.

Question #303
The 'Tandava' and 'Lasya' concepts were first described in which ancient text?
A. Nritta Ratnavali
B. Sangita Ratnakara
C. Abhinaya Darpana
D. Natya Shastra

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra describes Tandava (masculine, vigorous) and Lasya (feminine, graceful) dance aspects.

Question #304
Which classical dance form is traditionally performed by women in a white saree with a golden border?
A. Sattriya
B. Manipuri
C. Odissi
D. Mohiniyattam

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The distinctive costume of Mohiniyattam is a white saree with gold zari border, enhancing the graceful movements.

Question #305
The 'Pakhawaj' is the traditional percussion instrument in which Kathak gharana?
A. Lucknow gharana
B. Banaras gharana
C. All of the above
D. Jaipur gharana

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Historically, the pakhawaj accompanied early Kathak in all gharanas before the tabla became prevalent.

Question #306
The 'Mridangam' is the main percussion instrument in which two classical dances?
A. Kathak and Odissi
B. Manipuri and Sattriya
C. Kathakali and Mohiniyattam
D. Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi use the mridangam as the primary rhythmic instrument in Carnatic music.

Question #307
The 'Ektaal', 'Teentaal', and 'Jhaptaal' are rhythmic cycles commonly used in which dance?
A. Odissi
B. Manipuri
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Kathak extensively uses Hindustani rhythmic cycles like Teen taal (16 beats), Ektaal (12 beats), etc.

Question #308
The 'Khajuraho' temples' sculptures are rich in dance poses that bear a strong resemblance to which classical dance?
A. Kathak
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The sculptures at Khajuraho display poses strikingly similar to Odissi, including the Tribhanga stance.

Question #309
The 'Chokkar' is a term used in which classical dance for a rapid spin?
A. Sattriya
B. Manipuri
C. Kathak
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
In Kathak, a chakkardar is a composition featuring rapid spins, and chakkar means spin.

Question #310
Which classical dance is also known as 'Jagoi' in its traditional Manipuri name?
A. Sattriya
B. Odissi
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Jagoi is the Meitei term for dance, encompassing classical and folk traditions of Manipur.

Question #311
The 'Utsav' dance festival at the Khajuraho temples mainly features which dance forms?
A. Odissi and Bharatanatyam
B. All classical dances
C. Only Kathak
D. Kathak and Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Khajuraho Dance Festival showcases a variety of Indian classical dances, not limited to one.

Question #312
The 'Kerala Natanam' is a modern choreographic style derived from which classical dance?
A. Kuchipudi
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Kerala Natanam, created by Guru Gopinath, evolved from Kathakali, making it more accessible.

Question #313
The 'Dasiattam' was an early name for which classical dance?
A. Odissi
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Mohiniyattam
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Bharatanatyam was initially known as Sadir or Dasiattam, performed by devadasis.

Question #314
The 'Chau' mask-making is a traditional craft linked to which classical dance?
A. Seraikella Chhau
B. Mayurbhanj Chhau
C. All of the above except Mayurbhanj
D. Purulia Chhau

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Seraikella and Purulia Chhau use masks; Mayurbhanj Chhau does not use masks.

Question #315
The 'Pallavi' in Odissi is a pure dance item. Which raga is most commonly used for it?
A. Kalyan
B. Any appropriate Odissi raga
C. Bhairavi
D. Khamaj

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Pallavi is set to various ragas like Khamaj, Kalyan, etc., showcasing the beauty of Odissi music.

Question #316
The 'Sarangi', used in Kathak music, is a:
A. Brass instrument
B. Wind instrument
C. Stringed instrument
D. Percussion instrument

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Sarangi is a bowed, stringed instrument used for melodic accompaniment in Kathak.

Question #317
The 'Manipuri' dance costume includes a stiff skirt called:
A. Kunri
B. Kumbha
C. Kanchi
D. Kumil

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The cylindrical, embroidered stiff skirt worn by Manipuri female dancers is called Kumil or Kumin.

Question #318
The 'Bharatanatyam' dancer who also composed 'Shri Chakra' dance is:
A. Alarmel Valli
B. Mallika Sarabhai
C. Padma Subrahmanyam
D. Rukmini Devi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Padma Subrahmanyam conceptualised and danced the Sri Chakra using geometric formations.

Question #319
The 'Kuchipudi' dance originally started as a male-only tradition, performed by:
A. Tribal artists
B. Bhagavathulu (Brahmins)
C. Devadasis
D. Kshatriyas

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Kuchipudi was traditionally performed by male Brahmins of the village, known as Bhagavathulu.

Question #320
The 'Goti Pua' dance from Odisha involves:
A. Boys dressed as girls
B. Fire dancers
C. Women with pots
D. Men wearing masks

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Goti Pua are young boys trained in acrobatic and feminine dance, an influence on Odissi.