Mcqs on classical dances of India. India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and art forms. Among the many art forms that originated in India, classical dances hold a special place. The classical dances of India are not only a form of entertainment but also a way to express emotions and tell stories.
These dances have a rich history and are known for their grace, beauty, and complexity. Let’s explore some of the most popular classical dances of India through a series of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). So, get ready to test your knowledge and learn more about the colorful and vibrant world of classical Indian dance.
30 mcqs on classical dances of India
Q1. What are the eight classical dances of India?
A. Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Odissi, Sattriya, Mohiniyattam, and Kathakali
B. Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Chhau, Odissi, Sattriya, Mohiniyattam, and Kathakali
C. Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Chhau, Sattriya, Mohiniyattam, and Kathakali
D. Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Odissi, Chhau, Mohiniyattam, and Kathakali
Q2. Which Indian classical dance form originated in Tamil Nadu?
A. Kathakali
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kuchipudi
D. Manipuri
Q3. Bharatanatyam is a dance of Tamil Nadu in south India, which is earlier known as
A. Raag
B. Raas Mori
C. Mohini
D. Daasi attam
Q4. Which Indian classical dance form is associated with the Devadasi tradition?
A. Mohiniyattam
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kathak
D. Kuchipudi
Q5. Which Indian classical dance form is performed primarily by men and is known for its use of make-up and elaborate costumes?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Manipuri
C. Kuchipudi
D. Kathakali
Q6. Kathakali is a dance of the following Indian states?
A. Andhra pradesh
B. Kerala
C. Tamil nadu
D. Tripura
Q7. Which of the following is not a classical dance form of India?
a) Bharatanatyam
b) Kuchipudi
c) Kathakali
d) Garba
Q8. Which classical dance form is known for its use of circular movements, and is often performed during festivals in the state of Manipur?
a) Kathak
b) Kuchipudi
c) Manipuri
d) Mohiniyattam
Q9. Which classical dance form is known for its use of intricate footwork and is typically performed by female dancers in the state of Odisha?
a) Kuchipudi
b) Odissi
c) Chhau
d) Bhangra
Q10. A classical dance indigenous to northern India,which has developed under the influence of Hindu Muslim cultures
a) Kathak
b) Manipuri
c) Bharatanatyam
d) Kathakali
Q11. Kathak is a classical dance of the following Indian States.
a) Karnataka
b) Kerala
c) Uttar pradesh
d) Assam
Q12. Which classical dance form is known for its use of the ghungroo (ankle bells) and is often performed to thumri and ghazal music?
a) Kathakali
b) Kuchipudi
c) Bharatanatyam
d) Kathak
Q13. Which classical dance form originated in the state of Andhra Pradesh and is known for its use of both dance and dialogue to tell stories?
a) Kathakali
b) Kuchipudi
c) Bharatanatyam
d) Mohiniyattam
Q14. Natya tarangini is a school for
a) Bharatanatyam
b) Kuchipudi
c) Kathakali
d) Garba
Q15. Which classical dance form is known for its use of slow and fluid movements, and is often performed to devotional songs?
a) Kathakali
b) Kuchipudi
c) Bharatanatyam
d) Mohiniyattam
Q16. Mohiniyattam is a classical dance of the following Indian States.
a) Karnataka
b) Kerala
c) Uttar pradesh
d) Assam
Q17. _____ is an Indian classical dance that has its origins in the Vaishnava monasteries (sattras) of Assam
a) Kathakali
b) Kuchipudi
c) Sattriya
d) Mohiniyattam
Q18. In which year the Sangeet Natak Academy recognized Sattriya as a classical dance
a) 2005
b) 2000
c) 2012
d) 2016
Q19. Who is considered the founder of the Bharatanatyam dance form?
a) Roshan Kumari
b) Shobha Naidu
c) Sunanda Nair
d) Rukmini Devi Arundale
Q20. Which classical dance form is known for its use of intricate hand gestures and facial expressions?
a) Kathakali
b) Kuchipudi
c) Bharatanatyaam
d) Mohiniyattam
Q21. Which classical dance form originated in the state of Kerala?
a) Kathakali.
b) Mohiniyattam
d) Kuchipudi
c) Bharatanatyaam
Q22. Which classical dance form is characterised by its use of fast footwork and spinning movements?
a) Kathakali
b) Kathak
c) Bharatanatyam
d) Kuchipudi
Q23. What is the name of the rhythmic footwork used in Kathakali?
a) Chenda
b) Taliya
c) Gaad
d) Ropli
Q24. Which classical dance form is known for its use of masks and elaborate costumes?
a) Bharatanatyam
b) Kuchipudi
c) Kathakali
d) Sattriya
Q25. Which classical dance form is based on the principles of Natyashastra?
a) Kathakali
b) Kuchipudi
c) Bharatanatyam
d) Mohiniyattam
Q26. Which classical dance form is known for its use of mudras or hand gestures?
a) Kathakali
b) Kuchipudi
c) Bharatanatyam
d) Mohiniyattam
Q27. Which classical dance form is performed on a brass plate?
a) Kathakali
b) Kathak
c) Bharatanatyam
d) Kuchipudi
Q28. Which classical dance form is known for its use of percussion instruments like mridangam and ghatam?
a) Kathakali
b) Kuchipudi
c) Bharatanatyam
d) Mohiniyattam
Q29. Which classical dance form is known for its use of the jati patterns?
a) Kathakali
b) Kathak
c) Bharatanatyam
d) Kuchipudi
Q30. Which classical dance form is known for its use of the navarasas or nine emotions?
a) Manipuri
b) Bharatanatyam
c) Sattriya
d) Mohiniyattam
Q31. Which classical dance form is known for its use of the chakkar or spinning movements?
a) Manipuri
b) Kathak
c) Sattriya
d) Mohiniyattam
Q32. Which classical dance form is known for its use of the padams or poetic songs?
Answer: Mohiniyattama
a) Mohiniyattam
b) Kathak
c) Sattriya
d) Manipuri
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on classical dances of India are commonly asked in various competitive exams, including civil services, state-level exams, and college entrance tests. These questions can cover a wide range of topics, such as the history and origin of the dance form, its unique features, the music and instruments used, and the cultural significance of the dance.
MCQs can also test your knowledge of famous dancers and their contributions to the art form. Some questions may present a scenario or a description of a dance performance and ask the examinee to identify the dance form. Other questions may ask the examinee to match the name of the dance form with a description or a set of characteristics. In some cases, the questions may require the examinee to differentiate between two similar dance forms or identify the region where a particular dance form originated.
9 classical dances of India
India is known for its rich cultural heritage, and classical dance forms play a significant role in showcasing its diversity. Here are the nine classical dances of India:
- Bharatanatyam: Originating in Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most popular classical dance forms in India. It combines elements of music, dance, and drama to depict mythological stories.
- Kathak: Developed in northern India, Kathak is a dance form that originated in the courts of the Mughal era. It emphasizes intricate footwork, fast spins, and expressive storytelling.
- Kathakali: Hailing from Kerala, Kathakali is a highly stylized dance-drama form known for its vibrant costumes, elaborate makeup, and distinct facial expressions. It portrays mythological tales and folklore.
- Odissi: From the state of Odisha, Odissi is a graceful dance form that has its roots in ancient temple rituals. It features fluid movements, intricate footwork, and emotive storytelling.
- Manipuri: Originating in Manipur, Manipuri dance is characterized by its gentle and graceful movements. It is inspired by Vaishnavism and combines devotional themes with beautiful costumes and music.
- Kuchipudi: Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Kuchipudi is a classical dance form that encompasses both dance and drama elements. It is known for its intricate footwork, quicksilver movements, and expressive gestures.
- Mohiniyattam: Native to Kerala, Mohiniyattam is a dance form performed predominantly by women. It focuses on graceful movements, subtle expressions, and lyrical storytelling.
- Sattriya: Developed in Assam, Sattriya is a dance form associated with the Vaishnavite monasteries of the region. It combines dance, drama, and music to depict stories from Hindu mythology.
- Kathakali: Kathakali is a classical dance-drama form that originated in Kerala. Known for its elaborate makeup, costumes, and facial expressions, Kathakali tells stories from the Indian epics through highly stylized movements.
Each classical dance form has its own unique style, repertoire, and cultural significance, showcasing the diversity and artistic excellence of India.
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What are the classical dances of India?
India has eight major classical dance forms recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the national academy of music, dance, and drama. These classical dance forms are Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya.
What is the origin of classical dances in India?
Classical dances in India have ancient roots and are deeply connected to various religious and cultural traditions. They have evolved over centuries, with influences from different regions, kingdoms, and historical periods.
What are the main features of classical Indian dances?
Classical Indian dances typically incorporate elements such as elaborate hand gestures (mudras), intricate footwork, facial expressions (abhinaya), rhythmic movements, storytelling through dance, and often a blend of music, poetry, and theater.
Are there any similarities among the classical dance forms of India?
While each dance form has its unique characteristics, there are some common elements found in classical Indian dances, such as the use of mudras (hand gestures), rhythmic footwork, facial expressions, and the importance given to storytelling and emotional expression.
Can anyone learn classical Indian dance?
es, classical Indian dances are open to anyone who has a passion for learning and a willingness to devote time and effort to training. While it may take years to master the intricate techniques and expressions, people of all ages and backgrounds can learn and perform classical Indian dances.
Are there any competitions or platforms for classical Indian dance?
Yes, there are numerous competitions, festivals, and platforms where classical Indian dance is showcased and celebrated. These include national and international dance competitions, cultural festivals, professional performances in theaters, and opportunities to perform at temples and other religious events.
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