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 #381
The 'Nritta, Nritya, and Natya' pillar concept comes from:
A. Veda
B. Upanishad
C. Natya Shastra
D. Purana

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The Natya Shastra classifies all Indian classical performance under these three pillars.

Question #382
Which dance form is recognized by UNESCO for its intangible heritage?
A. Odissi
B. Koodiyattam
C. Kathak
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Koodiyattam has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Question #383
Which classical dance form has the 'Brajabuli' connection?
A. Sattriya
B. Odissi
C. Manipuri
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The literary tradition of Manipuri Rasa Lila is heavily influenced by Brajabuli language.

Question #384
Which dancer was instrumental in the modern revival of Odissi?
A. Vempati Chinna Satyam
B. Birju Maharaj
C. Kelucharan Mohapatra
D. Rukmini Devi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Kelucharan Mohapatra is regarded as the main revivalist and systematic architect of modern Odissi.

Question #385
The 'Nataraja' (Shiva) concept is the root of:
A. Only Kuchipudi
B. Only Kathakali
C. Only Bharatanatyam
D. All classical Indian dances

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The concept of Lord Shiva as Nataraja is the foundational inspiration for all Indian classical dance forms.

Question #386
Which dance form uses the 'Tihai' rhythmic pattern?
A. Kathak
B. Odissi
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Tihai is a repetitive rhythmic device essential to Kathak dance.

Question #387
The 'Vesham' system for costume is prominent in:
A. Kathak
B. Sattriya
C. Kathakali
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Kathakali uses the Vesham makeup system to denote character types.

Question #388
The 'Mudras' are categorized as Asamyuta and Samyuta in:
A. Only Kathak
B. All classical dances
C. Only Odissi
D. Only Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
This fundamental classification of hand mudras applies to all classical Indian dances.

Question #389
Which dance form originated in the Vaishnava monasteries of Assam?
A. Manipuri
B. Odissi
C. Kathak
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option D


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

Question #390
Which dance form features the 'Tarangam' sequence?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Kuchipudi
C. Mohiniyattam
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Tarangam is the signature Kuchipudi sequence balancing on a brass plate.

Question #391
The 'Tattu-mettu' rhythmic pattern is found in:
A. Manipuri
B. Odissi
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Tattu-mettu is a specific rhythmic footwork technique used in Bharatanatyam.

Question #392
The 'Kalaripayattu' influences are found in:
A. Kathakali and Mohiniyattam
B. Sattriya and Manipuri
C. Bharatanatyam and Odissi
D. Kathak and Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Both Kerala-based classical forms, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, developed with martial arts influences from Kalaripayattu.

Question #393
The 'Sattriya' dance form was officially recognized in:
A. 2000
B. 1990
C. 1995
D. 2005

Correct Answer: Option A


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

Question #394
Which of the following classical dance forms is traditionally performed by men in female roles?
A. Kathakali
B. Manipuri
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Mohiniyattam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Kathakali, a traditional dance-drama from Kerala, has historically been performed by all-male troupes, with men enacting both male and female roles.

Question #395
The 'Jaipur Gharana' of Kathak is particularly known for its emphasis on:
A. Gat Nikas (graceful walks)
B. Laya and Nritta (rhythmic pure dance)
C. Abhinaya (expression)
D. Thumri singing

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Jaipur gharana of Kathak gives greater weightage to powerful footwork, complex rhythms, and tandava elements compared to the Lucknow gharana which emphasizes expression.

Question #396
Which classical dance form originates from the state of Kerala, with a name meaning 'dance of the enchantress'?
A. Kathakali
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Kuchipudi
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Mohiniyattam, the solo female classical dance from Kerala, literally means 'the dance of the enchantress' (Mohini - enchantress, attam - dance).

Question #397
The 'Banaras Gharana' of Kathak was popularized by which legendary dancer?
A. Pandit Birju Maharaj
B. Pandit Sukhdev Maharaj
C. Pandit Shambhu Maharaj
D. Sitara Devi

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Sitara Devi was a shining star of the Banaras gharana of Kathak, known for her expressive and rhythmic mastery.

Question #398
The 'Chhau' dance is traditionally performed during which festival?
A. Diwali
B. Chaitra Parva
C. Navratri
D. Holi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Chhau is performed during the Chaitra Parva festival in March-April, marking the spring season and the traditional new year in the region.

Question #399
In Kathakali, the red (Chuvanna) beard makeup is used for which type of character?
A. Demonic characters (Rakshasa)
B. Female characters
C. Noble heroes
D. Hunters

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Chuvanna Thadi (red beard) is used for evil and demonic characters like Ravana and Dushasana in Kathakali.

Question #400
The 'Pallavi' item in Odissi is a pure dance sequence primarily based on:
A. Mythological storytelling
B. Elaboration of a raga and tala
C. Martial movements
D. Devotional lyrics

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Pallavi is a nritta (pure dance) piece in Odissi that elaborates on a specific raga, adorned with complex rhythmic patterns.