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 #121
Which classical dance form is known for its intricate footwork and 'chakkars' (spins)?
A. Sattriya
B. Kathak
C. Manipuri
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Kathak is characterized by swift, complex footwork (tatkar) and rapid spins (chakkars), influenced by Persian and Central Asian traditions.

Question #122
The traditional costume of a Bharatanatyam dancer is inspired by the style of sculptures from which temple?
A. Khajuraho
B. Chidambaram
C. Konark
D. Mahabalipuram

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The pleated fan-like costume and jewellery in Bharatanatyam resemble the gopuram sculptures of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple.

Question #123
Which percussion instrument, a cylindrical drum, is central to Manipuri dance?
A. Dhol
B. Khol
C. Pung
D. Tabla

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The Pung (Manipuri mridanga) is the principal percussion instrument in Manipuri dance, played by both dancers and musicians.

Question #124
Sonal Mansingh is most famously associated with which classical dance?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Kathak
C. Kuchipudi
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Sonal Mansingh is a celebrated Odissi and Bharatanatyam dancer, but is primarily recognized as an iconic Odissi performer and guru.

Question #125
The 'Natya Shastra', a treatise on performing arts, was written by:
A. Bharata Muni
B. Vatsyayana
C. Patanjali
D. Nandikeshvara

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Bharata Muni is the author of the ancient Sanskrit text Natya Shastra, which codifies dance, drama, and music.

Question #126
The delicate 'lasya' aspect, representing grace and beauty, is a dominant feature of which dance?
A. Mohiniyattam
B. Kathakali
C. Manipuri
D. Chhau

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Mohiniyattam is predominantly a lasya (graceful and feminine) dance form, embodying the enchanting beauty of the celestial Mohini.

Question #127
Which of the following is a string instrument typically used in Bharatanatyam music ensemble?
A. Sarangi
B. Veena
C. Sitar
D. Sarod

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The veena, along with violin and flute, is a core melodic instrument in the traditional Carnatic music ensemble for Bharatanatyam.

Question #128
The 'Gat Bhav' technique of storytelling without words is an important element in:
A. Kathakali
B. Odissi
C. Kathak
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Gat Bhav in Kathak involves mimetic acting where the dancer portrays episodes through stylized gaits and expressions without singing.

Question #129
The 'Sattriya' dance was originally performed by:
A. Devadasis
B. Temple priests
C. Royal courtesans
D. Male monks

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Sattriya was first practised by celibate male monks (bhakats) within the Sattras of Assam as a form of worship.

Question #130
Kathakali follows the 'Hastalakshana Deepika' which prescribes how many basic hand gestures?
A. 28
B. 16
C. 20
D. 24

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Kathakali uses a codified language of 24 basic mudras derived from the Hastalakshana Deepika, distinct from the Asamyuta and Samyuta hastas.

Question #131
The Chhau dance was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in which year?
A. 2012
B. 2010
C. 2008
D. 2014

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Chhau was inscribed by UNESCO in 2010 as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage.

Question #132
Which classical dance form is performed in temple precincts, especially at the Konark Sun Temple, and features the 'Mangalacharan' as an opening item?
A. Mohiniyattam
B. Odissi
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Mangalacharan is the traditional invocatory first piece in an Odissi recital, and the dance has deep roots in Odisha temples.

Question #133
Rukmini Devi Arundale played a pivotal role in reviving which dance form?
A. Odissi
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Manipuri
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Rukmini Devi founded Kalakshetra in 1936 and was instrumental in removing the stigma from Bharatanatyam and reviving it as a classical art.

Question #134
The 'Chenda' and 'Maddalam' are percussion instruments essential to which dance drama?
A. Theyyam
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Kathakali
D. Yakshagana

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Chenda (cylindrical drum) and Maddalam (barrel drum) provide the powerful rhythmic accompaniment for Kathakali performances.

Question #135
Manipuri dance is predominantly influenced by which sect of Hinduism?
A. Shaivism
B. Shaktism
C. Vaishnavism
D. Jainism

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Manipuri dance draws its themes mainly from the Radha-Krishna lore and is deeply connected to Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

Question #136
The 'Basant Ras' is a famous thematic performance in which classical dance?
A. Manipuri
B. Sattriya
C. Kathak
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Basant Ras is performed in Manipur during the spring festival, depicting Krishna's playful dance with the gopis.

Question #137
Who is known as the father of modern Kuchipudi dance?
A. Vempati Chinna Satyam
B. Raja Reddy
C. Vedantam Lakshminarayana Sastry
D. Yamini Krishnamurthy

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Vempati Chinna Satyam standardized the Kuchipudi repertoire, introduced solo performances, and established the Kuchipudi Art Academy.

Question #138
In Mohiniyattam, the predominant language of the lyrics is:
A. Malayalam
B. Tamil
C. Sanskrit
D. Telugu

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Mohiniyattam songs are composed in Manipravalam, a mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit, with Malayalam as the base.

Question #139
Odissi dance is accompanied by a distinct classical music tradition known as:
A. Odissi music
B. Chhau music
C. Hindustani music
D. Carnatic music

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Odissi music is a separate classical music system specifically structured for Odissi dance, with its own ragas and talas.

Question #140
The 'Khol' drum is an important instrument in which classical dance?
A. Manipuri
B. Kathak
C. Odissi
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The khol (mridanga) is the primary drum used in Sattriya music and dance, along with cymbals (tal).