Indian classical dances have a rich cultural legacy, with each style, background, and significance being distinct. These dances have a strong foundation in Indian spirituality, mythology, and folklore. In India, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, and Sattriya are the principal classical dance styles.
Indian Classical Dances MCQs Practice Now
Bharatanatyam: With its roots in Tamil Nadu, this dance form is known for its exquisite footwork, expressive gestures, and elegant motions. Usually, it tells tales from Hindu mythology.
Kathak: This dance form, which has its roots in North India, is characterized by its emphasis on using rhythmic footwork, quick spins, and complex hand gestures to tell stories. It is influenced by Muslim and Hindu civilizations.
Kathakali: This highly stylized classical dance, which originated in Kerala, is renowned for its intricate makeup, costumes, and facial expressions. It frequently depicts tales from the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Kuchipudi: Kuchipudi is a dance-dramatic art form that originated in Andhra Pradesh. It has beautiful motions, deft footwork, and narrative with a theme.
Odissi: Originating in the state of Odisha, Odissi is distinguished by its elegant postures, flowing body motions, and deft feet. Hindu mythology’s tales of love and devotion are frequently shown in it.
Manipuri: Hailing from Manipur, Manipuri dance is renowned for its emphasis on spirituality and its graceful, poetic motions. Themes of love and devotion to Lord Krishna are frequently present.
Sattriya: Vaishnavite tradition is strongly linked to Sattriya dance, which has its origins in Assam. It is distinguished by elegant motions, deft footwork, and emotions that portray themes of devotion.
Over the course of centuries, many traditional dance styles have changed, keeping their cultural roots but also incorporating elements of modern culture. They are still cherished as living examples of India’s rich cultural past as well as as works of art.
Indian Classical Dances MCQs
Q1. Who many Classical Dances forms are in India
A. Eight
B. Nine
C. Ten
B. Eleven
Q2. All Classical dances are mainly governed by the guidelines laid in Natyashastra which is written by
A. Bharatamuni
B) Chanakya
C) Kalhana
D) Sudraka
Q3. Which Classical dance has its origin to the solo dance performance of Devadasis (temple dancers) in Tamil Nadu
2. Kuchipudi
3. Mohiniyattam
4. Bharatanatyam
5. Kathakali
Q4. Bharatnatyam became nearly extinct after the decline of the Devadasi system. Which prominent freedom fighter revived it
A. Vallathol Narayan Menon
B) E. Krishna Iyer
C) Rukmani Devi
D) Lakshmi Narayana shashtri
Q5. In the Bharatnatyam dance which of the following is the beginning of with simple poses and movements.
A. Jatishwara
B. Shabda
C. Thillana
D. Alarippu
Q6. In the Bharatnatyam dance which of the following is the synchronized dance and emotions with Raga and Tala
A. Varnam
B. Shabda
C. Jawali
D. Padma
Q7. Last stage of performance which comprise pure dance in Bharatnatyam is called
A. Jatishwara
B. Shabda
C. Thillana
D. Alarippu
Q8. How many stage of dances are in Bharatnatyam
A. 5
B. 6
C. 7
D. 8
Q9. Bharatnatyam Dance is also known as
A. Light Dance
B. Fire Dance
C. Snake Dance
S. Rope Dance
Q10. Which of the following is / are the proponents of Bharatnatyam dance in India?
1. Rukmini Devi Arundale
2. Yami Krishna Murthy
3. Padma Subramanian
4. Mrinali Sarabhai
5. All of the above
Q11. The music of bharatnatyam dance belongs to
A. Hindustani Music
B. Carnatic Music
C. Classical Music
D. All of the Above
Q12. Kuchipudi is the Classical Dance of which of the Following States of India
A. Kerala
B. Karnataka
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Tamil Nadu
Q13. Which of the following is the Oldest Classical dance form?
A. Kuchipudi
B. Bharatnatyam
C. Khatak
D. Manipuri
Q14. Which of the following Classical dance form is a product of Bhakti Movement
A. Kuchipudi
B. Bharatnatyam
C. Khatak
D. Manipuri
Q15. Who brought renown to kuchipudi dance form?
A. Vallathol Narayan Menon
B) E. Krishna Iyer
C) Rukmani Devi
D) Lakshmi Narayana shashtri
Q16. The music of Kuchipudi dance belongs to
A. Hindustani Music
B. Carnatic Music
C. Classical Music
D. All of the Above
Q17. Laaya and tandava elements are important in Which of the dance form
A. Kuchipudi
B. Bharatnatyam
C. Khatak
D. Kathakali
Q18.Which of the following is / are the proponents of Kuchipidi dance in India?
1. Rukmini Devi Arundale
2. Yami Krishna Murthy
3. Padma Subramanian
4. Mrinali Sarabhai
5. All of the above
Q19. Representation of Rasa through movement of Eye and Eyebrows is the most remarkable feature of
A. Kuchipudi
B. Bharatnatyam
C. Khatak
D. Kathakali
Q20. Kathakali is the Classical Dance of which of the Following States of India
A. Kerala
B. Karnataka
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Odisha
Q21. Which of the following poet revived Kathakali dance form
A. Vallathol Narayan Menon
B) E. Krishna Iyer
C) Rukmani Devi
D) Lakshmi Narayana shashtri
Q22. In which of the following dance Brass Lamp is used for lighting
A. Kuchipudi
B. Manipuri
C. Khatak
D. Kathakali
Q23. Kathakali is the Classical Dance of which of the Following States of India
A. Kerala
B. Karnataka
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Odisha
Q24. Which of the following poet revived Mohiniattam dance form
A. Vallathol Narayan Menon
B) E. Krishna Iyer
C) Rukmani Devi
D) Lakshmi Narayana shashtri
Q25. Which of the following dance form narrates the story of the feminine dance of Vishnu
A. Sattriya
B. Kathakali
C. Manipuri
D. Mohiniattam
Q26. Sunanda Nair, Madhuri Amma, Jayaprabha Menon are the main proponents of
A. Sattriya
B. Kathakali
C. Manipuri
D. Mohiniattam
Q27. Which dance form derives its name from Odra Nritya
A. Sattriya
B. Odissi
C. Manipuri
D. Mohiniattam
Q28. The three bent form of dance called Tribhanga posture is an important feature
A. Sattriya
B. Mohiniattam
C. Manipuri
D. Odissi
Q30. Reddening white portion of the eye is a peculiar feature of
A. Sattriya
B. Odissi
C. Manipuri
D. Kathakali
Q31. Which of the following is symbol of Odissi dance
a) Water
b) Air
c) animals
d) Fish
Q32. Which of the following is / are the main proponents of Odissi dance form
a) Guru Pankaj Charan Das
b) Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra
c) both A and B
d) None of the above
Q33. Guru Kunchu Kurup, Gopi Nath, Rita Ganguly are the famous proponents of
A. Sattriya
B. Kathakali
C. Manipuri
D. Mohiniattam
Q34. Which Classical dance form is called Mobile Sculpture
A. Sattriya
B. Odissi
C. Manipuri
D. Kathakali
Q35. Rabindra Nath Tagore introduced it in Shantiniketan thereby bringing back the prominence of this dance form in modern times. Name the dance
A. Sattriya
B. Odissi
C. Manipuri
D. Kathakali
Q36. The body connected through curves in the shape of ‘8’ called Nagabandha Mudra is an important feature of which Classical dance form
A. Sattriya
B. Bharatnatyam
C. Manipuri
D. Kathak
Q37. Which of the following is a recurring theme of Manipuri dance recital
A) Baroque
B) Ras Leela
C) Candle dance
D) Jazz
Q38. Jhaveri sisters and Guru Bipin Singh are the famous proponents of ______ following dance form.
A. Manipuri
B. Bharatnatyam
C. Kuchipudi
D. Kathak
Q39. Which Classical dance was influenced by Islamic features, especially in costume and dancing style.
A. Manipuri
B. Bharatnatyam
C. Kuchipudi
D. Kathak
Q40. Kathak is the Classical Dance of which of the Following States of India
A. Kerala
B. Karnataka
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Uttar Pradesh.
Q41. Who revived the classical style of Kathak.
A. Lady Leela Sokhey
B) E. Krishna Iyer
C) Rukmani Devi
D) Lakshmi Narayana shashtri
Q42. The music of Kuchipudi dance belongs to
A. Hindustani Music
B. Carnatic Music
C. Classical Music
D. All of the Above
Q43. The main proponents of Kathak dance is / are
A. Lachha Maharaj
B. Shambu Maharaj
C. Birju Maharaj
D. All of the Above
Q44. Shankaradeva introduced the ________ form of dance.
A. Sattriya
B. Bharatnatyam
C. Manipuri
D. Kathak
Q45. Khol and Flute are the main instruments played in______ dance
A. Odissi
B. Bharatnatyam
C. Manipuri
D. Sattriya
Q46. Gayan-Bhayanar Nach and Kharmanar Nach are the famous proponents of ______ following dance form
A. Odissi
B. Bharatnatyam
C. Manipuri
D. Sattriya
What role does classical dancing have in Indian culture?
Indian classical dances are important cultural and spiritual expression forms that convey religious devotion, narrative, and expression. They are steeped in mythology and tradition, which reflects the rich culture of the nation.
What distinguishes classical dance styles from one another?
Every Indian classical dance style has its own distinct repertory, style, technique, and cultural influences. Variations are evident in elements like gait, hand movements, expressions on the face, clothes, and subjects presented in performances.
What is the history of classical dances in India?
Indian classical dances have their roots in traditional performing arts, old scriptures, and temple rites. These art forms have developed throughout centuries thanks to the contributions of different dynasties, geographical areas, and cross-cultural interactions within and outside of India.
In what ways are traditional dances taught and maintained in the present era?
The Guru-Shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition is commonly used to teach classical dance, with an emphasis on direct transmission of knowledge, technique, and repertoire. These days, training, preservation, and promotion of these art forms are greatly aided by dancing academies, universities, and cultural institutions.
What function do traditional dances serve in Indian society today?
Classical dances are an essential part of Indian cultural identity and are commemorated in a variety of festivals, performances, and educational institutions despite shifts in entertainment trends and society. They still serve as a source of inspiration for artists, arouse pride in the country, and conduct cultural diplomacy internationally.