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 #21
Which classical dance features the 'Mudras' or hand gestures?
A. Only Kuchipudi
B. All classical dances
C. Only Kathakali
D. Only Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
All classical dance forms of India extensively use Mudras or hand gestures to convey meaning.

Question #22
The term 'Arangetram' is associated with which dance form?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Kathak
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Arangetram marks the debut on-stage performance of a student of Bharatanatyam.

Question #23
Which dance form uses the 'Thattadavu' technique?
A. Manipuri
B. Kathak
C. Odissi
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Thattadavu is the basic footwork step used in Bharatanatyam.

Question #24
Which dance form is predominantly performed in temples by Devadasis?
A. Manipuri
B. Sattriya
C. Kathak
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Bharatanatyam was traditionally performed by Devadasis (temple dancers) in South India.

Question #25
Which Indian classical dance form uses the 'Chau' technique?
A. Manipuri
B. Odissi
C. Sattriya
D. None of the above (Chau is a folk dance)

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
While Chau (Chhau) is a dance form, it is generally considered a semi-classical or folk dance, not one of the 8 recognized classical forms.

Question #26
Which dance form is associated with the 'Sankirtana' tradition of Manipur?
A. Kathak
B. Manipuri
C. Odissi
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Sankirtana tradition of Manipur is a part of the cultural expression associated with Manipuri dance.

Question #27
Which classical dance form has the 'Bhangra' influence?
A. Sattriya
B. Manipuri
C. Kathak
D. None

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Classical dances and folk dances like Bhangra are distinct categories.

Question #28
Which dance form is known for its intricate 'Chakkars' (spins)?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Odissi
C. Mohiniyattam
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Kathak is famous for its rapid footwork and intricate chakkars.

Question #29
The 'Odissi' dance is recognized by which unique posture?
A. None of the above
B. Tribhanga
C. Both A and B
D. Chauka

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The Tribhanga (three-bend posture) and the Chauka (square posture) are defining features of Odissi.

Question #30
Which Indian classical dance was once known as 'Sadir'?
A. Kuchipudi
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kathak
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Sadir was the traditional name for the dance form now known as Bharatanatyam.

Question #31
Which dance form involves dancers balancing on a brass plate?
A. Kuchipudi
B. Odissi
C. Kathak
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
A unique feature of Kuchipudi is the 'Tarangam', where the dancer balances on the edges of a brass plate.

Question #32
Sonal Mansingh is a famous exponent of?
A. Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam
B. Bharatanatyam and Odissi
C. Manipuri and Sattriya
D. Kathak and Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Sonal Mansingh is a renowned Indian classical dancer specializing in Bharatanatyam and Odissi.

Question #33
Which dance form is characterized by the use of 'Ghungroos' (bells)?
A. Only Kathak
B. All classical dances
C. Only Bharatanatyam
D. Only Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Almost all Indian classical dance forms utilize ghungroos to emphasize rhythmic footwork.

Question #34
Which classical dance form originated in the Vaishnava monasteries of Assam?
A. Odissi
B. Sattriya
C. Kathak
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Sattriya originated in the Sattras (Vaishnava monasteries) of Assam.

Question #35
Padma Subrahmanyam is an exponent of which dance form?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Odissi
C. Kathak
D. Mohiniyattam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Padma Subrahmanyam is a famous Bharatanatyam dancer and creator of the 'Bharata Nrityam' style.

Question #36
Which of the following is not a recognized Indian classical dance?
A. Kuchipudi
B. Gidda
C. Kathak
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Gidda is a popular folk dance of Punjab.

Question #37
The 'Nritta' part of classical dance refers to?
A. Folk dance
B. Dramatic dance
C. Expressive dance
D. Pure technical dance

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Nritta refers to the rhythmic, non-representational elements of the dance.

Question #38
The 'Nritya' part of classical dance refers to?
A. Pure rhythmic dance
B. Costume design
C. Musical composition
D. Expressive dance with emotions

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Nritya refers to the expressive dance, which uses gestures and facial expressions to tell a story.

Question #39
Which classical dance form was known as 'Dasi Attam'?
A. Mohiniyattam
B. Kuchipudi
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Bharatanatyam was historically performed by the Devadasis, hence called Dasi Attam.

Question #40
Yamini Krishnamurthy was an exponent of?
A. Mohiniyattam and Kathakali
B. Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi
C. Manipuri and Sattriya
D. Kathak and Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Yamini Krishnamurthy was a world-renowned Indian classical dancer in the styles of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.