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 #141
The 'Thumri' is a musical form often used in which classical dance for expressive pieces?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Odissi
C. Kathak
D. Kuchipudi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Thumri, a semi-classical Hindustani vocal genre, is frequently performed in Kathak to convey delicate emotions through abhinaya.

Question #142
The temple dance tradition of the 'Devadasis' in Tamil Nadu evolved into which classical dance?
A. Mohiniyattam
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kuchipudi
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Bharatanatyam originated from the ancient devadasi tradition of temple dancers in Tamil Nadu, known as Sadir.

Question #143
Dancing with a pot on the head and a brass plate with a lighted lamp is typical of which classical dance item?
A. Kuchipudi Tarangam
B. Odissi Pallavi
C. Bharatanatyam Tillana
D. Kathak Gat Bhav

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Tarangam of Kuchipudi showcases the dancer balancing on a brass plate while holding a pot with a lamp, exhibiting balance and rhythm.

Question #144
The 'Satriya' dance was recognized as a classical dance form by Sangeet Natak Akademi in which year?
A. 2000
B. 1998
C. 1996
D. 2002

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Sattriya was granted classical status by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in the year 2000, making it one of the recognised Indian classical dances.

Question #145
The 'Bharatanatyam' recital traditionally concludes with which item?
A. Tillana
B. Varnam
C. Shabdam
D. Alarippu

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Tillana is the finale of a Bharatanatyam performance, a pure dance (nritta) piece with complex footwork and sculptural poses.

Question #146
Which of the following pairs (Dance – State) is NOT correctly matched?
A. Kuchipudi – Andhra Pradesh
B. Manipuri – Meghalaya
C. Sattriya – Assam
D. Odissi – Odisha

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Manipuri dance belongs to the state of Manipur, not Meghalaya.

Question #147
In Kathakali, the 'Kari' (black) makeup is used for which type of characters?
A. Sages and hermits
B. Demons and evil characters
C. Female characters
D. Hunters and forest dwellers

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Kari (black) makeup in Kathakali represents hunters, forest dwellers, and primitive beings. Red beard (chuvanna thadi) is for demons.

Question #148
The famous dancer 'Padma Subrahmanyam' is associated with which classical dance?
A. Kuchipudi
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Odissi
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Padma Subrahmanyam is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, scholar, and choreographer known for her research on the Natya Shastra.

Question #149
The 'Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award' is given for excellence in which field?
A. Classical music
B. Theatre
C. Kathak dance
D. Odissi dance

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
This prestigious award, instituted in 1995, honours outstanding contributions to Odissi dance and music.

Question #150
The 'Nritya Ratna' awardee 'Yamini Krishnamurthy' is proficient in which two dance forms?
A. Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi
B. Kathak and Manipuri
C. Odissi and Mohiniyattam
D. Sattriya and Chhau

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Yamini Krishnamurthy, a recipient of Padma Vibhushan, excels in both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.

Question #151
The 'Kathak' dance form underwent major evolution under the patronage of which rulers?
A. Nawabs of Oudh
B. Chola Kings
C. Pallava Kings
D. Vijayanagara Emperors

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Kathak evolved significantly in the courts of the Nawabs of Oudh, particularly under Wajid Ali Shah, giving rise to the Lucknow Gharana.

Question #152
Which of the following is a 'Dharmika' (thematic) element in Indian classical dance?
A. Fast spinning movements
B. Portrayal of divine themes
C. Pure rhythmic footwork
D. Use of heavy costumes

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Dharmika element refers to the thematic representation of religious or mythological narratives.

Question #153
The 'Srimanta Sankardeva' is the pioneer of which classical dance form?
A. Manipuri
B. Kathak
C. Odissi
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Srimanta Sankardeva, a saint and social reformer, introduced Sattriya dance in the 15th century in Assam.

Question #154
Which classical dance form uses the 'Vesham' style consisting of 'Kathi', 'Pacha', and 'Thadi'?
A. Kathakali
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Mohiniyattam
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Kathakali uses these distinct 'Vesham' types to categorize characters based on their temperament.

Question #155
The 'Sangeet Natak Akademi' currently recognizes how many Indian classical dance forms?
A. 7
B. 8
C. 6
D. 9

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognizes eight forms: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Sattriya, and Mohiniyattam.

Question #156
Which dance form is known for its 'Pung Cholom' (drum dance)?
A. Kathak
B. Sattriya
C. Manipuri
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Pung Cholom is a famous component of Manipuri dance where dancers play the Pung while performing acrobatic movements.

Question #157
The 'Margam' in Bharatanatyam is said to be codified by?
A. Tanjore Quartet
B. Vempati Chinna Satyam
C. Birju Maharaj
D. Kelucharan Mohapatra

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Tanjore Quartet (four brothers who were musicians) is credited with formalizing the Margam (performance repertoire) of Bharatanatyam.

Question #158
Which classical dance style originated in the temples of Odisha and was traditionally performed by 'Maharis'?
A. Odissi
B. Kuchipudi
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Mohiniyattam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Maharis were temple dancers in Odisha whose traditional dance form eventually evolved into modern Odissi.

Question #159
Which classical dance uses a 'Chauka' (square-like) posture?
A. Odissi
B. Kathak
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Mohiniyattam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Chauka posture is a basic, stable stance in Odissi dance.

Question #160
Which classical dance form has an 'Eka-harya' (one actor) tradition?
A. All of the above
B. Manipuri
C. Sattriya
D. Kathakali (often ensemble, but solo elements exist) / Bharatanatyam (Solo)

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Bharatanatyam is famous for its solo (Eka-harya) performance tradition, where one dancer plays multiple characters.