Classical Dances of India MCQs with Answers and Explanations

Question #101

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The Sangeet Natak Akademi currently recognises how many classical dance forms in India?

A. 10

B. 8

C. 9

D. 7

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
As of 2010, Sangeet Natak Akademi recognises 9 classical dance forms: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Sattriya, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Chhau.

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Question #102

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Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest classical dances, originated in which Indian state?

A. Andhra Pradesh

B. Tamil Nadu

C. Karnataka

D. Kerala

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Bharatanatyam originated in the temples of Tamil Nadu and was earlier known as Sadir or Dasiattam.

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Question #103

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Which classical dance form is closely associated with the 'Sattras' (Vaishnavite monasteries) of Assam?

A. Sattriya

B. Manipuri

C. Kathakali

D. Odissi

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Sattriya dance evolved within the Sattras of Assam and was introduced by Srimanta Sankaradeva as a medium of religious expression.

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Question #104

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The 'Tarangam' feat, involving dancing on the rim of a brass plate, is a unique feature of which dance?

A. Bharatnatyam

B. Mohiniyattam

C. Kathak

D. Kuchipudi

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
In Kuchipudi, the Tarangam sequence displays the dancer's rhythmic skill by dancing on a brass plate while balancing a pot of water or a lamp.

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Question #105

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The word 'Kathakali' literally means:

A. Dance drama

B. Story-play

C. Masked dance

D. Story-teller

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Derived from Malayalam 'Katha' (story) and 'Kali' (play), Kathakali means story-play, combining drama, dance, music, and elaborate costumes.

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Question #106

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Which classical dance form is traditionally performed by women and is known for its graceful, feminine (lasya) style, with the dancer often dressed in a white sari with a golden border?

A. Bharatanatyam

B. Mohiniyattam

C. Kuchipudi

D. Odissi

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Mohiniyattam, the 'dance of the enchantress', is a solo female dance from Kerala characterized by lasya-dominated movements and a white-gold costume.

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Question #107

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The 'Pung Cholom' or drum dance is an integral part of which classical dance tradition?

A. Sattriya

B. Manipuri

C. Kathakali

D. Chhau

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Pung Cholom is a vigorous drum dance where performers play the pung (drum) while dancing, often preceding the Ras Lila in Manipuri.

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Question #108

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Who among the following is a renowned exponent of Kathak?

A. Kelucharan Mohapatra

B. Birju Maharaj

C. Rukmini Devi Arundale

D. Vempati Chinna Satyam

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Pandit Birju Maharaj was a legendary Kathak dancer, belonging to the Lucknow gharana. Kelucharan Mohapatra (Odissi), Vempati (Kuchipudi), Rukmini Devi (Bharatanatyam).

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Question #109

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Odissi dance is characterized by the 'Tribhangi' posture, which means:

A. Three musical notes

B. Three steps of rhythm

C. Three hand gestures

D. Three parts of the body deflected

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
Tribhangi refers to the triple bend of the body—head, torso, and hips—creating a distinctive S-curve, central to Odissi.

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Question #110

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Which of the following classical dances uses the 'Chowk' stance as a basic posture?

A. Odissi

B. Kathak

C. Kathakali

D. Bharatanatyam

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
The Chowk is a square-like standing position in Odissi, symbolizing Lord Jagannath, and is one of the two primary postures along with Tribhangi.

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Question #111

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The Chhau dance of Purulia (West Bengal) is characterised by the use of:

A. Fire torches

B. Masks

C. Long sticks

D. Swords

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Purulia Chhau and Seraikella Chhau use elaborate masks, while Mayurbhanj Chhau is performed without masks.

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Question #112

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The main percussion instrument used in modern Kathak is the:

A. Chenda

B. Mridangam

C. Pakhawaj

D. Tabla

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
While earlier styles used the pakhawaj, the tabla is now the principal percussion instrument accompanying Kathak, enabling intricate rhythmic patterns.

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Question #113

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Kuchipudi originally developed in a village of the same name, located in which state?

A. Karnataka

B. Andhra Pradesh

C. Tamil Nadu

D. Telangana

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Kuchipudi village is situated in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, from where the dance form takes its name.

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Question #114

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Sattriya dance was introduced by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer:

A. Kabir

B. Srimanta Sankaradeva

C. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

D. Tulsidas

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva founded the Sattriya dance tradition in the 15th century as part of the neo-Vaishnava movement in Assam.

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Question #115

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The 'Ras Leela' is a recurring theme in which classical dance form?

A. Manipuri

B. Mohiniyattam

C. Kathak

D. Odissi

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Manipuri dance is deeply rooted in Vaishnavism, and Ras Leela depicting the divine love of Radha and Krishna is its most celebrated theme.

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Question #116

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The green facial make-up known as 'Pacha' in Kathakali represents which type of character?

A. Female

B. Noble and divine

C. Demonic

D. Hunter

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Pacha (green) is used for heroic, noble, and divine characters like Krishna and Rama in Kathakali.

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Question #117

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Which classical dance form includes the 'Alarippu' as its first item in a traditional performance?

A. Odissi

B. Bharatanatyam

C. Kuchipudi

D. Mohiniyattam

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Alarippu, meaning 'blossoming', is the opening invocatory piece of a Bharatanatyam margam, warming up the dancer.

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Question #118

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The dance form Mohiniyattam derives its name from Mohini, the female avatar of which Hindu god?

A. Vishnu

B. Ganesha

C. Shiva

D. Brahma

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Mohini is the enchanting female incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and Mohiniyattam means 'dance of the enchantress'.

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Question #119

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Kelucharan Mohapatra is an internationally acclaimed guru of which dance form?

A. Kuchipudi

B. Odissi

C. Manipuri

D. Kathak

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Padma Vibhushan Kelucharan Mohapatra is considered the architect of modern Odissi dance, reviving it in the 20th century.

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Question #120

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The Chhau dance style that does NOT use masks is:

A. Mayurbhanj Chhau

B. Seraikella Chhau

C. All of them use masks

D. Purulia Chhau

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Mayurbhanj Chhau from Odisha is distinct as it uses no masks, relying solely on facial expressions and body movements.

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