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 #81
Which dance is considered the 'most masculine' classical dance form?
A. Kathakali
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Due to its roots in Kalaripayattu and its focus on vigorous, athletic character portrayals, Kathakali is often seen as having the most masculine energy.

Question #82
The 'Vachika Abhinaya' (verbal expression) is practiced in which classical form?
A. Odissi
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kathak
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
While most classical dances are silent, Kuchipudi traditionally allows for the dancer to sing or speak (Vachika Abhinaya).

Question #83
Which state has the maximum number of classical dance forms recognized?
A. Kerala
B. Assam
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Odisha

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Kerala is the home to both Kathakali and Mohiniyattam (two of the eight recognized classical dance forms).

Question #84
The 'Tihai' is a repetitive rhythmic element in which classical dance?
A. Manipuri
B. Odissi
C. Kathak
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
A Tihai is a technical rhythmic structure in Kathak (and Hindustani music) that repeats three times to land on the 'Sam' (beat).

Question #85
Which dance form traditionally focuses on the 'Sringara Rasa' (romantic love)?
A. Mohiniyattam
B. Kathakali
C. Sattriya
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Mohiniyattam is famous for its portrayal of Sringara Rasa, focusing on the story of the enchantress Mohini.

Question #86
The 'Chhau' dance is sometimes grouped with classical forms. It originates from which belt?
A. Western India
B. Southern India
C. Northern India
D. Eastern India (WB, Odisha, Jharkhand)

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Chhau is a powerful, masked dance tradition from Eastern India, often referred to as semi-classical.

Question #87
Which classical dance form traditionally avoids masks?
A. Kathakali
B. Kathak
C. Sattriya
D. Chhau (if included)

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Kathak is a dance form that does not utilize masks, focusing on facial expressions instead.

Question #88
The 'Angika Abhinaya' refers to?
A. Expression through words
B. Expression through costume
C. Expression through music
D. Expression through body movements

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Angika Abhinaya is the communication of meaning through body gestures and postures.

Question #89
Which classical dance is noted for its 'Sankirtana' performance?
A. Odissi
B. Manipuri
C. Kathak
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Sankirtana is a ritualistic, community-based singing and dancing performance central to Manipuri culture.

Question #90
Which classical dance form has the 'Brajabuli' language connection?
A. Sattriya
B. Manipuri
C. Odissi
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The lyrics for many Manipuri Rasa dances are composed in Brajabuli, a literary language associated with Vaishnavism.

Question #91
The 'Margam' is a traditional sequence of items in which dance?
A. Kathak
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kuchipudi
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
A Margam is the systematic progression of items in a Bharatanatyam performance.

Question #92
Which dance form uses the 'Thali' (plate) as a prop?
A. Mohiniyattam
B. Kathakali
C. Kuchipudi
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Kuchipudi is distinct for its use of the plate (Thali) in the Tarangam dance sequence.

Question #93
The 'Laya' (tempo) in Indian classical dance is:
A. Not used
B. Fundamental to all
C. Only important in Kathak
D. Only important in Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Laya (rhythmic tempo) is the backbone of all classical Indian dance and music systems.

Question #94
Which classical dance form uses the 'Hindustani' music style?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Kathak
C. Kuchipudi
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Kathak is unique among classical dances for its primary integration with Hindustani (North Indian) classical music.

Question #95
The 'Kalamandalam' is a premier institution for?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Kathakali and Mohiniyattam
C. Kathak
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Kerala Kalamandalam is the most famous institute for the training of Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.

Question #96
Which dancer was instrumental in bringing 'Sattriya' to the national stage?
A. Birju Maharaj
B. Dr. Bhupen Hazarika (promotion)
C. Rukmini Devi
D. Kelucharan

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Prominent cultural figures and Sattras (monasteries) in Assam worked to get Sattriya recognized nationally in 2000.

Question #97
Which classical dance style is defined by its 'Lasya' (grace) in Manipuri?
A. Kartal Cholom
B. None of the above
C. Pung Cholom
D. Rasa Lila

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Rasa Lila style of Manipuri dance is defined by its delicate, feminine Lasya movements.

Question #98
The 'Kudiyattam' (Koodiyattam) is recognized by which international body?
A. IMF
B. WTO
C. WHO
D. UNESCO

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
UNESCO has recognized Koodiyattam as a 'Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity'.

Question #99
Which classical dance form features the 'Ashtapadi' songs?
A. Kuchipudi
B. Kathak
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Ashtapadi songs from the Geeta Govinda are a cornerstone of the Odissi dance repertoire.

Question #100
Which classical dance uses 'Pung' drums?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Odissi
C. Kathakali
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Manipuri dancers play the Pung, a barrel drum, during their performance.