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

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Question #341
The 'Manipuri Sankirtana' is a ritual performance that includes:
A. Only singing
B. Singing, dancing, and drumming
C. Singing and drumming
D. Only dancing

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Sankirtana is a holistic ritual involving music, dance, and drumming, recognized by UNESCO.

Question #342
The 'Devadasi' system was abolished in India through legislation in:
A. 1952
B. 2005
C. 1947
D. 1988 (Bombay Devadasi Protection Act)

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Devadasi system was outlawed by the Bombay Devadasi Protection Act, 1988, and similar state acts.

Question #343
The 'Gaudiya Nritya' was proposed for classical status but is currently recognized as:
A. A variant of Odissi
B. A folk dance
C. Not recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi
D. A separate classical dance

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Gaudiya Nritya, from West Bengal, has not yet been granted classical status by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Question #344
The 'Sattriya' dance uses a distinct instrument called 'Khol'. What type of instrument is it?
A. Brass
B. Wind
C. Drum (percussion)
D. String

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The Khol is a two-headed terracotta drum used in Sattriya and Vaishnava devotional music.

Question #345
The 'Sapta Tandava' (seven tandavas) of Shiva are performed in which classical dance?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Odissi
C. Mohiniyattam
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Bharatanatyam's repertoire sometimes includes depictions of the Sapta Tandavas (seven tandavas of Shiva).

Question #346
The 'Tribhangi' is a signature stance of Odissi. How many bends are there?
A. Three
B. Four
C. Two
D. One

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Tribhangi involves a triple bend at the neck, torso, and knee.

Question #347
The 'Mohiniyattam' dance item 'Cholkettu' is equivalent to which Bharatanatyam item?
A. Tillana
B. Jatiswaram
C. Alarippu
D. Varnam

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Cholkettu is the first invocatory item in Mohiniyattam, analogous to Alarippu in Bharatanatyam.

Question #348
Which classical dance style originated from the temple dance tradition known as 'Mahari'?
A. Sattriya
B. Kathak
C. Kuchipudi
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Mahari dancers were temple dancers in Odisha, whose practices laid the foundational movements for the Odissi dance style.

Question #349
What is the primary function of the 'Kathi' (knife) makeup in Kathakali?
A. To signify divine status
B. To represent a forest dweller
C. To indicate a female character
D. To represent arrogant or evil characters

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
In Kathakali, Kathi vesham denotes characters who are powerful and arrogant, often villains.

Question #350
The 'Nritta' part of a classical dance performance is best described as:
A. Abstract, non-narrative rhythmic movement
B. Expressive story-telling through gestures
C. Theatrical makeup application
D. The vocal musical accompaniment

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Nritta refers to technical, abstract dance movements that emphasize rhythm and form rather than storytelling.

Question #351
Which state's classical dance form utilizes 'Chauka' as its basic posture?
A. Odisha
B. Kerala
C. Assam
D. Tamil Nadu

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Chauka (square) posture is the fundamental stance in Odissi dance.

Question #352
Which classical dance form is famous for its 'Rasa Lila' traditions?
A. Manipuri
B. Odissi
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Rasa Lila is a central, devotional performance tradition in Manipuri dance, depicting the life of Krishna.

Question #353
The 'Tattu-mettu' rhythm technique is fundamental to which dance form?
A. Kathakali
B. Manipuri
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Tattu-mettu is a specific rhythmic footwork technique used to ground the dancer in Bharatanatyam.

Question #354
Which of the following classical dance forms does not feature masks in its traditional performance?
A. Kathak
B. Sattriya (some styles)
C. Chhau (often categorized as semi-classical)
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Kathak focuses on natural facial expressions, whereas Kathakali and various folk-based Chhau traditions frequently utilize masks.

Question #355
The 'Geeta Govinda' is an essential text for which classical dance form's Abhinaya?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Odissi
C. Kathak
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Jayadeva's Geeta Govinda provides the lyrical, romantic framework for Odissi's expressive dance.

Question #356
The 'Sattriya' dance form is closely associated with which 15th-century reformer?
A. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
B. Srimanta Sankardeva
C. Tulsidas
D. Kabir

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Srimanta Sankardeva was a saint, scholar, and social reformer who created the Sattriya tradition.

Question #357
Which classical dance form incorporates martial movements from Kalaripayattu?
A. Kathak
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Manipuri
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The physical training and stage movements of Kathakali are deeply rooted in the martial art Kalaripayattu.

Question #358
The 'Margam' in a traditional Bharatanatyam performance refers to:
A. A sequence of dance items
B. The stage lighting
C. The musical instrument used
D. The costume worn by the dancer

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Margam is the systematic, progressive sequence of items in a Bharatanatyam recital.

Question #359
Which classical dance involves the 'Pung Cholom' drum performance?
A. Manipuri
B. Kathakali
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Pung Cholom is a highly skilled drum-playing and dance sequence central to the Manipuri repertoire.

Question #360
The 'Vesham' system for character classification is most prominent in:
A. Odissi
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kuchipudi
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Kathakali utilizes the detailed Vesham makeup system to denote character traits.