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 #161
Which of these is a prominent feature of the 'Lucknow Gharana' of Kathak?
A. Use of masks
B. Grace and bhava (expression)
C. Martial arts influence
D. Vigorous footwork

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Lucknow Gharana is renowned for its focus on Abhinaya, grace, and subtle expressions.

Question #162
Which dance form uses the 'Bala-gopala-tarangam' theme?
A. Kathak
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kuchipudi
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Bala-gopala-tarangam is a classic Kuchipudi dance piece depicting the childhood of Lord Krishna.

Question #163
Which Indian state is home to the 'Bihu' dance, which is often confused with classical dance?
A. Manipur
B. Odisha
C. Kerala
D. Assam

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Bihu is a popular folk dance of Assam, distinct from the classical Sattriya dance.

Question #164
Which classical dance form features the 'Kudiyattam' technique?
A. Manipuri
B. Odissi
C. Kuchipudi
D. Kathakali (influence)

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The centuries-old Koodiyattam (Sanskrit drama) in Kerala heavily influenced the development of Kathakali.

Question #165
Which classical dance utilizes 'Natyadharmi' and 'Lokadharmi' styles?
A. Only Odissi
B. Only Bharatanatyam
C. Only Kathak
D. All classical dances

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Natyadharmi (stylized/theatrical) and Lokadharmi (realistic/folk-based) are two modes of performance described in the Natya Shastra, applicable to all.

Question #166
Which classical dance is noted for its 'Sankirtana' (devotional singing and dancing)?
A. Kathakali
B. Sattriya
C. Manipuri
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Sankirtana is a foundational performance tradition in Manipuri culture.

Question #167
Which classical dance features the 'Chakkar' as a major technical element?
A. Kathak
B. Manipuri
C. Odissi
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Kathak dance style is world-renowned for its intricate and rapid spinning Chakkars.

Question #168
The 'Tattu-mettu' rhythm technique is found in which dance?
A. Kathakali
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Odissi
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Tattu-mettu refers to specific rhythmic footwork techniques in Bharatanatyam.

Question #169
Which classical dance form is historically linked with 'Devadasi' traditions in South India?
A. Sattriya
B. Manipuri
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Kathak

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Bharatanatyam was initially performed by Devadasis in the temples of Tamil Nadu.

Question #170
Which of these is a classical dance form from Manipur?
A. Manipuri
B. Odissi
C. Kathakali
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Manipuri is the classical dance form representing the state of Manipur.

Question #171
The 'Nritta', 'Nritya', and 'Natya' classification comes from which ancient text?
A. Upanishad
B. Veda
C. Purana
D. Natya Shastra

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Natya Shastra, authored by Bharata Muni, classifies dance into these three categories.

Question #172
Which classical dance form traditionally incorporates the 'Kalaripayattu' martial art?
A. Kathakali and Mohiniyattam
B. Bharatanatyam and Odissi
C. Kathak and Kuchipudi
D. Sattriya and Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Both of Kerala's classical dance forms, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, draw heavily from the traditional martial art, Kalaripayattu.

Question #173
Which dancer was central to the revival of Odissi in the 20th century?
A. Vempati Chinna Satyam
B. Rukmini Devi Arundale
C. Birju Maharaj
D. Kelucharan Mohapatra

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Kelucharan Mohapatra is regarded as the main architect of the modern Odissi revival.

Question #174
The 'Brajabuli' language is associated with the literature of?
A. Kathakali
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Odissi
D. Manipuri Rasa Lila

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The lyrics of the Manipuri Rasa Lila are often composed in Brajabuli, a language developed by Vaishnava poets.

Question #175
Which classical dance is characterized by its 'Pung Cholom' drum dance?
A. Manipuri
B. Kathak
C. Odissi
D. Sattriya

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Pung Cholom is a spectacular percussive dance form within the Manipuri tradition.

Question #176
The 'Arangetram' is an important milestone in the life of a:
A. Manipuri dancer
B. Odissi dancer
C. Bharatanatyam dancer
D. Kathakali dancer

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
An Arangetram signifies the completion of a student's basic training and their professional debut in Bharatanatyam.

Question #177
Which classical dance involves the 'Kathi' (knife) vesham character?
A. Mohiniyattam
B. Kathakali
C. Kuchipudi
D. Odissi

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Kathakali features the 'Kathi' vesham for representing powerful, negative, yet aristocratic characters.

Question #178
Which classical dance utilizes the 'Vesham' system for costume and makeup?
A. Sattriya
B. Kathak
C. Kathakali
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The Vesham system is a defining theatrical aspect of Kathakali.

Question #179
Which dance form uses the 'Hasta-lakshana-deepika' as its guide for hand gestures?
A. Kuchipudi
B. Kathakali
C. Odissi
D. Bharatanatyam

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Hasta-lakshana-deepika is the standard text used in Kerala for Kathakali's hand mudras.

Question #180
Which of the following classical dances has its origins in Vaishnava monasteries?
A. Kathak
B. Sattriya
C. Odissi
D. Manipuri

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Sattriya dance is deeply embedded in the Sattras, the Vaishnava monasteries of Assam.