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 #321
The 'Sattriya' dance was recognised as classical in 2000. Before that, it was limited to:
A. Public fairs
B. Royal courts
C. Sattras (monasteries)
D. Temples

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Sattriya originated and was confined to the Sattras (monasteries) of Assam for centuries.

Question #322
The 'Chhau' dance has three distinct styles. Which of these is performed without masks?
A. All styles use masks
B. Mayurbhanj Chhau
C. Purulia Chhau
D. Seraikella Chhau

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Mayurbhanj Chhau from Odisha does not use masks, relying on facial expressions.

Question #323
The 'Mohiniyattam' dancer 'Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma' is known for:
A. All of the above
B. Standardising the repertoire
C. Introducing Kathakali elements
D. Reviving the form in the 20th century

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Kalyanikutty Amma revived and structured Mohiniyattam, incorporating elements from other forms.

Question #324
The 'Kathak' dancer 'Pt. Sunder Prasad' belonged to which gharana?
A. Raigarh
B. Jaipur
C. Lucknow
D. Banaras

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Sunder Prasad was a stalwart of the Jaipur gharana, known for its emphasis on pure rhythm.

Question #325
The 'Odissi' music system employs which specific tala system?
A. Odissi tala
B. Carnatic tala
C. Hindustani tala
D. Mixed tala

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Odissi music has its own tala structure, distinct from Hindustani and Carnatic.

Question #326
The 'Bharatanatyam' arangetram is a:
A. Initiation ritual
B. Stage debut performance
C. Retirement performance
D. Graduation performance

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Arangetram (ascending the stage) marks a dancer's first public solo recital.

Question #327
The 'Manipuri Ras' costume does NOT include:
A. Stiff cylindrical skirt
B. Transparent veil
C. Heavy jewellery
D. Ghungroo (ankle bells)

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Manipuri dancers do not wear ghungroos; they use ankle straps but not the metallic bells like Kathak or Bharatanatyam.

Question #328
The 'Sattriya' dance item 'Ramdani' is:
A. A rhythmic prelude
B. A war dance
C. A concluding item
D. A devotional song

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Ramdani is the opening pure dance (nritta) item in a Sattriya performance.

Question #329
The 'Chhau' dance of Purulia district is mainly based on episodes from:
A. Ramayana and Mahabharata
B. Purana and folk tales
C. Only Mahabharata
D. Social issues

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Purulia Chhau draws themes from Puranas and local folk tales, often with a comic element.

Question #330
The 'Kathakali' makeup colour 'Minukku' is used for:
A. Gods like Krishna
B. Hunters
C. Female and sage characters
D. Male demons

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Minukku is a glowing yellow-orange facial makeup for female characters and sages, made from turmeric and lime.

Question #331
The 'Kuchipudi' dancer 'Vedantam Satyanarayana Sarma' is renowned for which role?
A. Usha
B. Satya Bhama
C. Nataraja
D. Krishna

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
He is famous for his portrayal of Satya Bhama in the traditional Kuchipudi dance-drama 'Bhama Kalapam'.

Question #332
The 'Abhinaya' in Indian classical dance is classified into how many types as per Natya Shastra?
A. Three
B. Six
C. Four
D. Five

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Abhinaya is of four types: Angika (body), Vachika (speech), Aharya (costume), and Sattvika (inner emotions).

Question #333
The 'Tillana' is a lively concluding piece. In Kuchipudi, what is the equivalent item?
A. Tillana itself is used
B. Javali
C. Padam
D. Taranga

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Kuchipudi also uses the Tillana as a pure dance concluding number, similar to Bharatanatyam.

Question #334
The 'Shankarabharana' raga is a major raga used in which classical dance's music?
A. Kathakali
B. Both A and C
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Raga Shankarabharana is common in Carnatic (Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi) and Odissi music systems.

Question #335
The 'Uparupaka' is a minor dance-drama form, distinguished from the 'Rupaka' (major). Which classical dance is an example of Rupaka?
A. Sattriya
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kathakali
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Kathakali is considered a Rupaka (major drama), while forms like Bhavai are Uparupaka.

Question #336
The 'Kerala Mural' painting style is often depicted in the background of which classical dance-drama?
A. Mohiniyattam
B. Chhau
C. Yakshagana
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Kathakali's elaborate makeup and costumes mirror the vivid colours and lines of Kerala murals.

Question #337
The 'Bharatanatyam' pose 'Natarajasana' is associated with which deity?
A. Shiva
B. Krishna
C. Parvati
D. Vishnu

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Natarajasana represents Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer Nataraja.

Question #338
The 'Vachik Abhinaya' is a prominent feature in which classical dance?
A. Manipuri
B. Odissi
C. Kuchipudi
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Kuchipudi dancers often speak dialogue or sing during performance, employing Vachik Abhinaya.

Question #339
The 'Banasura' character appears in which classical dance traditions?
A. Sattriya
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Both A and B
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Banasura is a prominent demon character in Sattriya dance dramas, based on Assamese legends.

Question #340
The 'Chhau' dance performance is traditionally held at which time?
A. Morning
B. Night
C. Afternoon
D. Dawn

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Chhau is usually performed at night under torchlight in open fields, adding dramatic effect.