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. Kathak
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Mohiniyattam
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


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

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

Correct Answer: Option A


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

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

Correct Answer: Option A


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

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

Correct Answer: Option A


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. Sattriya
B. Manipuri
C. Kathak
D. Odissi

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. None
B. Manipuri
C. Kathak
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option A


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

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

Correct Answer: Option A


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

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

Correct Answer: Option A


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. Odissi
C. Kathak
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option D


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. Odissi
B. Kathak
C. Kuchipudi
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option C


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. Kathak and Kathakali
B. Manipuri and Sattriya
C. Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam
D. Bharatanatyam and Odissi

Correct Answer: Option D


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 Kuchipudi
B. All classical dances
C. Only Bharatanatyam
D. Only Kathak

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. Manipuri
B. Sattriya
C. Kathak
D. Odissi

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. Kathak
C. Mohiniyattam
D. Odissi

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. Odissi
B. Gidda
C. Kathak
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Gidda is a popular folk dance of Punjab.

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

Correct Answer: Option A


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

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

Correct Answer: Option A


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. Bharatanatyam
B. Kuchipudi
C. Mohiniyattam
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option A


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

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