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 19 of 23
Question #361
The 'Hasta-lakshana-deepika' is a guiding text primarily for:
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Kuchipudi
C. Kathakali
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Kathakali dancers refer to this manual for interpreting and performing mudras (hand gestures).

Question #362
Which classical dance uses the 'Vachika Abhinaya' technique (verbal narration)?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Odissi
C. Kuchipudi
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
While most classical dances are silent, traditional Kuchipudi performances allow for the dancer to sing or speak lines.

Question #363
Which of these is a classical dance from the state of Kerala?
A. Mohiniyattam
B. Sattriya
C. Odissi
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Mohiniyattam is a graceful, feminine classical dance form native to Kerala.

Question #364
The 'Sankirtana' performance tradition is a key feature of:
A. Kathakali
B. Manipuri
C. Odissi
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Sankirtana is a ritualistic performance involving music and dance central to Manipuri culture.

Question #365
Which classical dance form has distinct 'Gharanas' (schools) like Lucknow and Jaipur?
A. Kathak
B. Kuchipudi
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Kathak is the only classical dance form uniquely categorized into these regional schools.

Question #366
Which classical dance was officially added as the eighth classical form in 2000?
A. Sattriya
B. Kathak
C. Odissi
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Sattriya was officially recognized as a classical dance form in the year 2000.

Question #367
The 'Tihai' is a specific rhythmic pattern used to achieve:
A. A balanced, repetitive ending on the 'Sam' beat
B. A change in lighting
C. A mask display
D. An intricate costume change

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Tihai is a technical device in Kathak that ensures the rhythmic cycle ends precisely on the main beat (Sam).

Question #368
The 'Arangetram' marks the professional debut of a dancer in:
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Manipuri
C. Kathakali
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
An Arangetram is the first, full-length professional on-stage performance for a Bharatanatyam student.

Question #369
The 'Tarangam' is a hallmark performance in which classical dance?
A. Kuchipudi
B. Kathakali
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Mohiniyattam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Tarangam involves the Kuchipudi dancer demonstrating high skill by dancing on the edges of a brass plate.

Question #370
Which classical dance utilizes 'Mukhabhinaya' as a crucial feature due to its mask system?
A. Kathakali
B. Odissi
C. Kathak
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Because Kathakali dancers' faces are heavily made up/masked, they express everything through sophisticated eye and muscle movements.

Question #371
Which classical dance form has its roots in the temple 'Mahari' tradition?
A. Odissi
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kuchipudi
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Odissi dance is the evolved form of the Mahari (temple dancer) tradition of Odisha.

Question #372
The 'Tandava' and 'Lasya' concepts originated from:
A. Purana
B. Veda
C. Upanishad
D. Natya Shastra

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Natya Shastra classifies dance movements into the vigorous Tandava and the graceful Lasya.

Question #373
Which classical dance form incorporates the 'Ghungroo' (bells) as a primary rhythmic element?
A. All classical dances
B. Only Kathak
C. Only Bharatanatyam
D. Only Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Ghungroos are a defining feature of almost every Indian classical dance style.

Question #374
Which of these is a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Odissi
C. Sattriya
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Bharatanatyam is the traditional classical dance form of Tamil Nadu.

Question #375
Which dancer was instrumental in modernizing and popularizing Kuchipudi?
A. Birju Maharaj
B. Kelucharan
C. Vempati Chinna Satyam
D. Rukmini Devi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Vempati Chinna Satyam was the visionary behind the global growth of Kuchipudi dance.

Question #376
The 'Nritta' components in Kathak are known as?
A. Tribhanga
B. Mudras
C. Tukras and Parans
D. Alarippu

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Technical, non-narrative rhythmic sequences in Kathak are referred to as Tukras and Parans.

Question #377
Which classical dance utilizes 'Kalaripayattu' as a training base?
A. Sattriya and Manipuri
B. Kathak and Kuchipudi
C. Kathakali and Mohiniyattam
D. Bharatanatyam and Odissi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The discipline of the body in Kathakali and Mohiniyattam is deeply intertwined with the martial art Kalaripayattu.

Question #378
Which of these classical dance forms uses the 'Ashtapadi' songs from Geeta Govinda?
A. Kuchipudi
B. Odissi
C. Kathak
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Odissi abhinaya (expression) is heavily based on the beautiful Ashtapadi lyrics.

Question #379
Which classical dance style originated in the Sattras (monasteries)?
A. Kathak
B. Odissi
C. Manipuri
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Sattriya is based on the monastic traditions of the Sattras of Assam.

Question #380
Which dance form is characterized by its 'Pung Cholom' drum performance?
A. Manipuri
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Odissi
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Pung Cholom is a spectacular percussive dance form within the Manipuri tradition.