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.

442
Total Questions

Practice Questions

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Question #421
The 'Tarangam' sequence in Kuchipudi involves dancing on the rim of a brass plate. What is often balanced on the dancer's head?
A. A statue of Krishna
B. A stack of books
C. A pot filled with water
D. A brass lamp

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
In the Tarangam, the dancer balances a pot (Kalasha) filled with water or a brass lamp on the head while dancing on the brass plate.

Question #422
Who was the first female Kathak dancer to receive the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award?
A. Rohini Bhate
B. Shovana Narayan
C. Sitara Devi
D. Damayanti Joshi

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Damayanti Joshi, a noted Kathak exponent, was among the early female recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Kathak.

Question #423
The 'Manipuri' dance style is closely linked to the devotional movement called:
A. Jainism
B. Shaktism
C. Vaishnavism
D. Shaivism

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Manipuri dance is deeply rooted in Vaishnavism, particularly the Radha-Krishna Raslila themes.

Question #424
The 'Lai Haraoba' festival is a source of inspiration for which classical dance?
A. Chhau
B. Odissi
C. Manipuri
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Lai Haraoba is a traditional Meitei festival that includes ritualistic dances, which have significantly influenced Manipuri classical dance.

Question #425
The 'Tillana' in Bharatanatyam is set to which tempo?
A. Madhyam (medium)
B. Drut (fast)
C. Vilambit (slow)
D. Variable

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Tillana is a lively, pure dance piece set to a fast tempo, concluding a Bharatanatyam performance.

Question #426
The 'Sarangi' is a stringed instrument commonly used in which classical dance's music ensemble?
A. Odissi
B. Kathak
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Sarangi is traditionally used in Kathak music for melodic accompaniment, especially for Thumri and Dadra.

Question #427
The 'Varnam' in a Kuchipudi recital is:
A. A pure dance piece
B. A concluding item
C. An elaborate narrative and rhythmic piece
D. An opening prayer

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Varnam in Kuchipudi, similar to Bharatanatyam, is a complex central piece that combines nritta and abhinaya.

Question #428
Which classical dance form originated in the temples of Assam?
A. Odissi
B. Manipuri
C. Mohiniyattam
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Sattriya evolved in the Sattras (Vaishnavite monasteries) and temples of Assam.

Question #429
The 'Padam' in classical dance is typically a:
A. Martial dance
B. Fast rhythmic sequence
C. Slow, expressive piece depicting love
D. Pure drum solo

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Padam is a lyrical and emotive piece set to a slow tempo, focusing on abhinaya, often dealing with themes of love and devotion.

Question #430
The 'Chhau' dance is inscribed in UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Which country is it from?
A. Sri Lanka
B. India
C. Bangladesh
D. Nepal

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Chhau was inscribed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 2010 from India.

Question #431
The 'Rasak' is a pure dance item in Manipuri performed by:
A. Both male and female
B. Female dancers
C. Male dancers
D. Children only

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Rasak is a nritta number in Manipuri, usually presented by a group of male dancers.

Question #432
Which classical dance uses the 'Chenda' and 'Ilathalam' as primary instruments?
A. Sattriya
B. Kathakali
C. Manipuri
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Chenda (cylindrical drum) and Ilathalam (cymbals) are key percussion instruments in Kathakali music.

Question #433
The 'Natyamayuri' award is associated with which dance form?
A. Kathak
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kuchipudi
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The 'Natyamayuri' title is often conferred on exceptional Kuchipudi dancers.

Question #434
The 'Bharatanatyam' dancer 'Rukmini Devi Arundale' was also a:
A. Carnatic vocalist
B. Physicist
C. Freedom fighter
D. Theosophist and Rajya Sabha member

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Rukmini Devi was a theosophist, founder of Kalakshetra, and served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha.

Question #435
The 'Pung Cholom' or drum dance is an integral element of which classical dance?
A. Odissi
B. Kathak
C. Sattriya
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Pung Cholom is a vigorous drum dance from Manipur where performers play the pung while dancing.

Question #436
The 'Ghunghat' (veil) is used in the repertoire of which classical dance?
A. Mohiniyattam
B. Manipuri
C. Kathak
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
In Kathak's Gat Bhav, the dancer often uses the ghunghat (veil) to convey the mood of a character.

Question #437
The 'Mayurbhanj Chhau' is distinct from other Chhau styles because it:
A. Uses only string instruments
B. Uses masks
C. Does not use masks
D. Performed only by women

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Mayurbhanj Chhau from Odisha does not use masks; it relies on facial expressions and body movements.

Question #438
The 'Mohiniyattam' music is primarily based on which traditional musical style?
A. Sufi
B. Sopana Sangeetham
C. Carnatic
D. Hindustani

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Mohiniyattam songs are set in the Sopana Sangeetham, a semi-classical Kerala style, with Malayalam lyrics.

Question #439
Who among the following is a famous Manipuri dancer and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan?
A. Shovana Narayan
B. Sonal Mansingh
C. Darshana Jhaveri
D. Yamini Krishnamurthy

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Darshana Jhaveri, one of the Jhaveri sisters, is a celebrated Manipuri dancer awarded the Padma Vibhushan.

Question #440
The 'Nautanki' folk theatre has influenced the abhinaya of which classical dance?
A. Odissi
B. Kathak
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Kathak's storytelling aspects have been enriched by influences from the Nautanki theatre of Uttar Pradesh.