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Classical And Folk Dances MCQs
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The 8 Classical Dance Forms of India (Sangeet Natak Akademi)
- • Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu): Oldest classical dance, derived from Sadir Attam performed by Devadasis in Shaivite temples. Key elements: Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Varnam, Padam, Tillana. Characterized by bent knees (Araimandi) and dynamic mudras.
- • Kathak (Uttar Pradesh / North India): Derived from 'Katha' (storytellers). Characterized by intricate rhythmic footwork (Tatkar), pirouettes (Chakkars), and padhant (verbal recitation). Major Gharanas: Lucknow (grace/bhava), Jaipur (fast footwork/laya), Banaras.
- • Kathakali (Kerala): Dramatic dance-drama enacting epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata). Elaborate facial makeup: Paccha (green - noble heroes like Rama/Arjuna), Kathi (green with red streaks - arrogant characters like Ravana), Kari (black - evil she-demons).
- • Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh): Originated in Kuchelapuram village by Siddhendra Yogi. Signature element: Tarangam (dancing on the brass plate rim with a pot balanced on the head).
- • Odissi (Odisha): Ancient temple dance associated with Lord Jagannath; characterized by the 'Tribhanga' posture (three-bend body posture) and Chowk.
- • Sattriya (Assam): Introduced in the 15th-16th century by Bhakti saint Srimanta Sankardeva in Vaishnavite monasteries (Sattras).
- • Manipuri (Manipur): Centered on Radha-Krishna Raasleela; graceful undulating movements, cylindrical skirt (Kumil).
- • Mohiniyattam (Kerala): 'Dance of the Enchantress'; feminine Lasya style, distinctive off-white (Kasavu) gold-bordered costume.
Major Regional Folk & Tribal Dances
- • North India: Rouf & Bhand Pather (J&K), Nati (Himachal Pradesh), Bhangra & Giddha (Punjab), Chholiya (Uttarakhand).
- • West India: Garba & Dandiya Raas (Gujarat), Ghoomar & Kalbelia (Rajasthan - UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), Lavani & Tamasha (Maharashtra), Fugdi (Goa).
- • East India: Chhau (Semi-classical martial dance with 3 traditions: Seraikella in Jharkhand, Mayurbhanj in Odisha, Purulia in West Bengal), Bihu (Assam), Cheraw / Bamboo Dance (Mizoram).
- • South India: Yakshagana (Karnataka dance-drama), Theyyam (Kerala ritual dance), Karagattam & Kummi (Tamil Nadu).
| Dance Form | Origin State | Classification | Hallmark Feature / Signature Posture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bharatanatyam | Tamil Nadu | Classical | Araimandi stance; Fire dance representation |
| Kathak | Uttar Pradesh | Classical | Tatkar footwork, Chakkars, Lucknow/Jaipur Gharanas |
| Kathakali | Kerala | Classical Dance-Drama | Elaborate Paccha/Kathi face paint; eye movements |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh | Classical | Tarangam (dancing on brass plate edge with pot) |
| Odissi | Odisha | Classical | Tribhanga posture (head, torso, hip bends) |
| Sattriya | Assam | Classical | Founded by Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva (Sattras) |
| Mohiniyattam | Kerala | Classical | White-and-gold Kasavu saree; Lasya elegance |
| Kalbelia | Rajasthan | Folk (UNESCO) | Serpentine swaying movements by snake-charmers |
Showing 15 Practice Questions
Q1SSC CGL 2023Easy
The classical dance form 'Sattriya', recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi, originated from which Indian state?
Q2UPSC CSE PrelimsMedium
In which classical dance form does the dancer perform the intricate 'Tarangam', dancing with feet balanced on the raised rim of a brass plate while carrying a vessel on the head?
Q3CDS 2022Easy
The 'Tribhanga' posture, characterized by three distinct body bends at the neck, waist, and knee, is the hallmark aesthetic of which dance?
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Q4SSC CGL 2022Easy
Which folk dance of Rajasthan, performed by women of a nomadic community wearing black swirling skirts resembling serpent movements, is listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage?
Q5JKPSC KAS PrelimsMedium
In Kathakali classical dance-drama of Kerala, what does the green facial makeup ('Paccha') symbolize?
Q6JKSSB FAA 2022Easy
The classical dance form 'Kathak' is traditionally associated with which major region of India?
Q7SSC CHSL 2023Easy
Which folk dance involving rhythmic balancing of bamboo poles hopped across by dancers is native to Mizoram?
Q8JKSSB VLW 2023Easy
Mohiniyattam, meaning 'dance of the enchantress', is an exclusively feminine solo classical dance form of which state?
Q9UPSC CSE PrelimsMedium
The martial-folk dance 'Chhau', renowned for vigorous acrobatics and masks, has which of the following three distinct regional schools?
Q10SSC CGL Tier-1Easy
Yakshagana is a vibrant traditional folk theatre and dance-drama indigenous to which Indian state?
Q11JKPSC KAS PrelimsMedium
Which of the following classical dances traces its historical roots to the ancient 'Sadir Attam' temple dance practiced by Devadasis?
Q12JKSSB Sub-InspectorEasy
Lavani, a traditional high-tempo rhythmic folk dance accompanied by the beats of the Dholki drum, belongs to:
Q13SSC CGL Tier-2 2023Medium
The cylindrical stiff skirt called 'Kumil' is worn by female dancers in which classical Indian dance form?
Q14JKSSB Junior AssistantEasy
Bihu is the most renowned agricultural folk dance celebrated across three seasonal festivals in:
Q15JKSSB Patwari 2024Easy
Which classical dance guru was revered for pioneering the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan?
Frequently Asked Questions (Classical And Folk Dances)
Q: Which ancient Sanskrit treatise forms the foundational aesthetic basis for all Indian classical dances?
The Natya Shastra, attributed to sage Bharata Muni and composed between 200 BCE and 200 CE, is the seminal foundational treatise on dramaturgy, aesthetics (Rasa), hand gestures (Mudras), and bodily postures for Indian classical dance.
Q: What is the 'Tribhanga' posture in Odissi dance?
Tribhanga (literally 'three bends') is a signature sculpted body posture in Odissi classical dance where the body deflects simultaneously at three joint axes: the neck/head, the torso/waist, and the knees, mimicking classical temple sculptures.
Q: Which Indian folk dance performed by the snake-charmer community was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list?
Kalbelia, the sensuous folk dance of Rajasthan performed by women of the Kalbelia snake-charmer community wearing flowing black embroidered skirts that emulate the swirling movements of a cobra, was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010.
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