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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Practice Questions

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Question #61
Which classical dance form uses the 'Viniyoga' (usage) of 'Hastha Mudras'?
A. Only Bharatanatyam
B. All classical dances
C. Only Kuchipudi
D. Only Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
All classical Indian dances follow the Viniyoga of Hastha Mudras to communicate narrative elements.

Question #62
Which of these is a famous Kuchipudi dancer?
A. Mallika Sarabhai
B. Bipin Singh
C. Birju Maharaj
D. Kelucharan Mohapatra

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Mallika Sarabhai is a renowned classical dancer known for her expertise in both Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam.

Question #63
The 'Tattu-mettu' rhythm pattern is specific to which dance form?
A. Kathak
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Odissi
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Tattu-mettu is a specific rhythmic footwork pattern fundamental to Bharatanatyam.

Question #64
Which classical dance form incorporates the martial art of Kerala as its base?
A. Kathakali
B. Sattriya
C. Odissi
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The training and body movements in Kathakali are heavily grounded in Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s traditional martial art.

Question #65
The 'Alarippu' is the first dance item in a traditional performance of:
A. Odissi
B. Manipuri
C. Kathakali
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Alarippu is the inaugural, invocatory piece in a Bharatanatyam Margam (performance sequence).

Question #66
Which classical dance is traditionally performed by men disguised as women?
A. Kathak
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kuchipudi (Historically)
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Historically, Kuchipudi was performed by groups of male actors, who often played female roles, known as 'Kuchipudi Bhagavatulu'.

Question #67
Which dancer is famous for revitalizing the 'Gotipua' tradition which influenced Odissi?
A. Bipin Singh
B. Kelucharan Mohapatra
C. Padma Subrahmanyam
D. Birju Maharaj

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Kelucharan Mohapatra was deeply influenced by the Gotipua (traditional boy dancers) tradition of Odisha, which he adapted into Odissi.

Question #68
Which classical dance form has the least amount of facial expression (abhinaya) compared to others?
A. None (all emphasize abhinaya)
B. Kathak
C. Kathakali
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Abhinaya is essential to every recognized classical Indian dance form.

Question #69
The 'Rasa' and 'Bhava' are integral concepts in:
A. Only Kathakali
B. All classical dances
C. Only Kuchipudi
D. Only Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Rasa (sentiment/taste) and Bhava (emotion/mood) are the foundations of all Indian classical performing arts.

Question #70
Which dance form uses the 'Mukhabhinaya' (facial expression) extensively?
A. Odissi
B. Kathakali
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Kathakali relies heavily on Mukhabhinaya, specifically eye, eyebrow, and cheek movements, because the rest of the face is masked.

Question #71
Which of these is a classical dance from South India?
A. Manipuri
B. Sattriya
C. Kathak
D. Mohiniyattam

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form from the South Indian state of Kerala.

Question #72
The 'Jathi' is a rhythmic sequence in:
A. Kathakali
B. Sattriya
C. Manipuri
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
A Jathi is a complex sequence of rhythmic patterns performed in Bharatanatyam.

Question #73
Which classical dance has its roots in the temple dance traditions of Devadasis?
A. Manipuri and Sattriya
B. Kathak and Kathakali
C. Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam
D. Bharatanatyam and Odissi

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Both Bharatanatyam (Devadasis) and Odissi (Maharis/Gotipuas) evolved from temple dance traditions.

Question #74
Which classical dance form is the most 'theatrical' in style?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Kathak
C. Sattriya
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Kathakali is essentially a dance-drama form, making it the most theatrical of the classical Indian dances.

Question #75
The 'Nritta' elements in Kathak are called?
A. Tukras and Parans
B. Alarippu
C. Mudras
D. Tribhanga

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
In Kathak, rhythmic technical sequences are known as Tukras, Parans, and Tihai.

Question #76
Which classical dance form has the most variety of Gharanas?
A. Kathak
B. Manipuri
C. Odissi
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Kathak is uniquely divided into distinct Gharanas, such as Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras.

Question #77
The 'Koodiyattam' of Kerala is a precursor to:
A. Kuchipudi
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Odissi
D. Kathakali

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Koodiyattam, a Sanskrit theater form in Kerala, is considered a major precursor to the development of Kathakali.

Question #78
Which dance form features the 'Krishna-Radha' theme prominently?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Manipuri
C. Kathak
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Manipuri dance is famously centered around the Krishna and Radha lore, particularly through the Rasa Lila.

Question #79
Which dance form uses the 'Hasta-lakshana-deepika' as a reference manual?
A. Kuchipudi
B. Kathakali
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Kathakali dancers rely on the Hasta-lakshana-deepika for the interpretation of their intricate hand gestures.

Question #80
The 'Bhavanritya' style is common in which dance?
A. Sattriya
B. Odissi
C. Manipuri
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Bhavanritya, which focuses on expressive emotions, is a significant component of Manipuri classical dance.