Classical Dances MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Classical Dances - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is 1964Key Points

• National Institute of Kathak Dance, also known as Kathak Kendra. 
• It was Established in 1964 (the institution became a part of the Sangeet Natak Akademi).
• It is the premier dance institution for the Indian classical dance form of Kathak, and a unit of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, situated in New Delhi.
• The institution is primarily dedicated to Kathak, though it also offers courses in Hindustani classical music (Vocal) and Pakhawaj and Tabla.
• Kathak Kendra was originally established as the Kathak wing of the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, in 1955, through the efforts of Nirmala Joshi, the first secretary of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
• Here Pandit Shambhu Maharaj, celebrated Guru of the Lucknow Gharana (school) of Kathak, was head of the department. 
• Shambhu Maharaj received the highest award of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1967.
•  Birju Maharaj a Kathak dancer was his nephew.

Additional Information

Sangeet Natak Akademi

• The Sangeet Natak Akademi is constituted of three main units. The two of these units are dance teaching Institutes, as given below.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, called JNMDA located in Imphal.
• Kathak Kendra is located in Delhi.
• The President of India appoints the chairman of this Akademi. 
• The term of office for the chairman is of 5 years. 
• The duties, responsibilities, and functions of Sangeet Natak Akademi have been described in the Academy’s Memorandum of Association. 
• This memoran

The correct answer is Manipuri.

Key Points

• Sankirtana is a vital aspect of Manipuri dance, which is a classical dance form originating from Manipur, India.
• It is a devotional performance involving chanting, singing, and dancing to celebrate the love of Radha and Krishna, deeply rooted in Vaishnavism.
• Sankirtana is performed mainly by male dancers in temple courtyards, accompanied by traditional instruments like pung (drum) and kartal (cymbals).
• This dance form is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for its spiritual significance and cultural richness.
• Manipuri dance emphasizes graceful movements, subtle expressions, and a spiritual connection, setting it apart from other Indian classical dances.

Additional Information

• Vaishnavism in Manipur: Manipuri dance has strong ties to Vaishnavism, introduced in the region in the 15th century, emphasizing devotion to Lord Krishna.
• Pung Cholom: A special drum dance performed in Manipuri Sankirtana, showcasing acrobatics and rhythm as an integral part of the tradition.
• Costume and Attire: Manipuri dancers wear elaborate costumes, including a distinctive cylindrical skirt for female dancers and dhotis for male performers, reflecting the dance’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
• Other Classical Dance Forms of India: Apart from Manipuri, India has several classical dances like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, and Mohiniyattam, each with unique techniques, costumes, and cultural significance.
• UNESCO Recognition: Sankirtana was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013, highlighting its global cultural importance.

The correct answer is Bharatnatyam.

Key Points

• Bharatnatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, originating in Tamil Nadu.
• It is also referred to as Ekaharya, where a single dancer performs multiple roles within a single performance.
• The dance form is known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, intricate footwork, and expressive hand gestures (mudras).
• The themes of Bharatnatyam performances are often derived from Hindu mythology, particularly stories of gods like Vishnu, Shiva, and Krishna.
• This dance form was traditionally performed in temples as a form of devotion and storytelling.

Additional Information

• Ekaharya: A concept in Indian classical dance where one performer enacts multiple characters with the use of expressions, gestures, and costume changes.
• Abhinaya: A key element in Bharatnatyam, referring to the art of expression through facial movements and gestures to convey emotions and stories.
• Natya Shastra: The ancient treatise on performing arts by Bharata Muni serves as the foundation for Bharatnatyam and other classical dance forms.
• Margam: The traditional sequence of a Bharatnatyam performance, which includes Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Varnam, Padam, and Tillana.
• Devadasi Tradition: Historically, Bharatnatyam was performed by temple dancers (Devadasis) as a form of offering to deities, before it evolved into its present-day stage form.

The correct answer is Kerala.

Key Points

• Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form that originated in the state of Kerala, India.
• The name Mohiniyattam is derived from 'Mohini', a mythical enchantress avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, and 'attam', meaning dance.
• It is characterized by graceful, swaying body movements and subtle facial expressions, often depicting feminine love in its myriad forms.
• Mohiniyattam is traditionally performed as a solo recital by women and is known for its elaborate costumes and jewelry.
• The dance form combines elements of two other classical dance forms from South India: Bharatanatyam and Kathakali.

Additional Information

• Costumes and Jewelry
  • Mohiniyattam dancers wear a traditional white or off-white sari with gold brocade borders, known as 'Kasavu' sari.
  • The dancers adorn themselves with elegant gold jewelry that includes necklaces, earrings, bangles, and anklets.
• Music and Instruments
  • The music for Mohiniyattam is set in Carnatic style, which is the classical music system of South India.
  • Common instruments used include the Mridangam, Edakka, Veena, and Flute.
• Training and Performance
  • Training in Mohiniyattam involves rigorous practice and a deep understanding of the Abhinaya (expressions) and Mudras (hand gestures).
  • Performances usually narrate stories from Hindu mythology and literature, often focusing on themes of love and devotion.
• Renowned Exponents
  • Some of the renowned exponents of Mohiniyattam include Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, Kanak Rele, and Bharati Shivaji.
  • These artists have significantly contributed to the revival and global recognition of Mohiniyattam.

The correct answer is Karnataka.

Key Points

• The Shantala Natya Sri Award was initiated by the Karnataka State Government in 1995.
• This award is dedicated to the field of classical dance and is named after Queen Shantala, who was a renowned patron of art and culture.
• Queen Shantala was the wife of King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty and was known for her exceptional contributions to the promotion of art forms, especially dance.
• The award aims to honor and recognize excellence in the domain of Indian classical dance, which includes forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Odissi.
• Karnataka has a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to classical art forms, making it an ideal state to institute such an award.
• The Shantala Natya Sri Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field of dance and serves as a motivation for artists to preserve and promote traditional Indian dance forms.

Additional Information

• Assam
  • Assam is known for its traditional dance forms like Bihu and Sattriya (one of the eight classical dance forms of India).
  • It is a northeastern state of India with a rich tradition of art, culture, and music.
• Andhra Pradesh
  • Andhra Pradesh is renowned for its classical dance form Kuchipudi, which originated in the state.
  • The state has a long tradition of promoting classical arts and culture.
• Tamil Nadu
  • Tamil Nadu is the birthplace of Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest classical dance forms of India.
  • It has a rich tradition of temple dances and classical music, especially associated with the temples of Chidambaram and Thanjavur.

The correct answer is Kathakali.

Key Points

• Kathakali is a classical Indian dance form that is a story-play genre of art and is the folk dance form of Kerala.
• It is a combination of 5 forms of fine art which are –
  • Natyam (expressions)
  • Nritham (dance)
  • Nrithyam (enactment) 
  • Sangeetam (music)
  • Vadya (instruments)
• Various costumes of characters of Kathakali –
  • Sathwika (Hero)
  • Katti (Villain)
  • Minukku (females)
  • Thathi (other characters)​

Additional Information

The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognizes eight classical dances in India.

The correct answer is Odissi.

Key Points

• Sharmila Biswas is an accomplished Odissi dancer in addition to being a Kathak and Manipuri dancer.
• She started learning Odissi dance in the late 1970s under the guidance of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, a renowned exponent of the dance form.
• She went on to become one of his foremost disciples and performed with his troupe, Srjan, for many years.
• She has also choreographed and performed her own Odissi productions, such as "Sita Haran," "Sufi and the Mystic," and "Abhimanyu Vadh."
• She has performed Odissi extensively in India and abroad, including at the World Dance Festival in Germany and the Festival of India in the USSR.
• She has received several awards and honours for her contributions to Odissi dance, including the Odisha State Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Nritya Choodamani award.
  • Padma Shri, 2011.
  • Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, 2005.
  • National Nritya Shiromani Award, 1994.
  • Nandita Kripalini Award, 1992.
  • Kalidas Samman, 2008.
  • Nritya Choodamani, 2000.
• She has also been honoured with the title of "Jewel of India" by the Rotary Club of India in recognition of her contributions to Indian classical dance.​

Additional Information

The correct answer is Sattriya.

Key Points

• Borgeet is associated with the Sattriya Indian classical dance form.
• It is a genre of devotional music from Assam, composed to praise Lord Krishna.
• Borgeet adds a spiritual dimension to Sattriya dance performances.
• It combines rhythmic movements with soulful melodies, creating a harmonious expression of devotion.
• Sattriya dance, accompanied by Borgeet, offers a unique cultural and artistic experience from the northeastern region of India.

Additional Information

Eight Classical Dances of India and States: 

The correct answer is Kerala.

Key Points

Mohiniyattam:

• It is one of the two classical dance forms that originated in Kerala, the other one being Kathakali.
• Mohiniyattam gets its name from the word 'Mohini', the feminine form of Lord Vishnu, the word means 'dance of Mohini'.
• Dr. Sunanda Nair became the first in India to acquire a Master's degree in Mohiniyattam. She completed her Ph.D. thesis in Intrinsic Lyrical Feminism in Mohiniyattam from Mumbai University.
• Mohiniyattam is based on Natya Shastra's lasya style.
• It has delicate movements and more feminine facial expressions.
• The movements are gentle and glide-like.
• They do not have terse rhythmic steps.
• More emphasis is on facial expressions and hand gestures.

Additional Information

• The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognizes 8 classical dances in India.
• 8 Classical Dances of India and States: 

The correct answer is Manipuri.

Key Points

• Manipuri is an ancient classical dance form that originated in the northeastern state of Manipur in India.
• Jagoi and cholom are the two main divisions in Manipur’s dance, the one gentle and the other vigorous, corresponding to the lasya and tandava elements described in Sanskrit literature.
• There are essentially two divisions in the classical Manipuri dance:
  • Jagoi
    • Predominant in Ras Leela, this part represents the Lasya element described in Bharata’s Natya Shastra. Here, the legs are generally bent and the knees are kept together. The foot movements are not as loud and pronounced as in the other classical dances of India.
  • Cholom
    • ​This represents the Tandava form of classical dance

Additional Information

• The important dance forms of Manipur include
  • Lai Haraoba
    • ​Lai Haraoba means the Festival of Gods. The traditional Lai Haraoba Dance, which enacts the 'Creation of the Universe', was initially a part of the Lai Haraoba festival. 
  • Kabui Dance
    • ​The Kabuis, inhabiting the western hill ranges of Manipur, has a rich tradition of dance and music and are well known for their exquisite costumes. During the Gang-Ngai festival, the Kabuis perform a series of dances in different stylized forms, accompanied by the sound of heavy drums and high-pitched songs. 
  • Thang-Ta
    • ​The art of Thang-Ta represents an ancient and remarkable tradition of Manipur. It exhibits the extraordinary technique of combat using the Thang (sword) and the Ta (spear). Thang-Ta symbolizes the traditional martial art techniques of the Manipuris.

The correct answer is Sattriya.

Key Points

Sattriya dance

• Satriya Nritya is the classical dance form of Assam which represents the Satriya culture, the basis of the religious and cultural fabric of Assam.
• It is a dance-drama performance art with origins in the Krishna-centered Vaishnavism monasteries of Assam and attributed to the 15th-century Bhakti movement scholar and saint Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev.
• Dance historian Dr. Sunil Kothari has recently been bestowed with the Madhabdev Award by the Government of Assam for popularising the Sattriya dance.
• Sattriya was given the status of classical dance in the year 2000 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Sattriya.

Key Points

• Borgeet, a musical composition, is used in Sattriya.
• It is composed for Madhavdeb and Sankardev based on classical raga.
• The instruments include Khol (asymmetrical drum), Cymbals, manjira, flute, violin, harmonium, etc.​
• Some eminent personality who contributed importance are Late Moniram Dutta, Muktiyar Barban etc.

Additional Information

• ​Manipuri dance
  • It is counted among major classical dance forms of India, especially noted for themes based on Vaishnavism and spectacular execution of 'Ras Lila', dance dramas based on love between Radha and Krishna.  
• Kathak dance
  • It is originated from Uttar Pradesh (U.P) in North India.
  • This one is derived from the word Katha meaning story, and during the whole dance, the dancers narrate stories through their eyes and expressions.
• Bharatanatyam dance
  •  In this dance for style is noted for its fixed upper torso, bent legs and knees flexed (Araimandi) combined with footwork, and a vocabulary of sign language based on gestures of hands, eyes, and face muscles.

The correct answer is Gopinath.

Key Points

• Guru Gopinath broadened the boundaries of tradition while maintaining the traditional discipline that kept him in check.
• He played a significant role in bringing Kerala's renowned dance theatre, Kathakali, out of obscurity and into the public eye.
• Like Uday Shankar, he is regarded as one of the legendary figures of Indian dance in the 20th century.
• He developed a modern dance form that was classical in form but had a broad appeal, by which Kathakali's renown quickly expanded throughout the world from the start of the 1930s.

Additional Information

•  Kathakali
  • The entire male troop performs in kathakali.
  • Keralan temple dancing is known as Kathakali.
  • Ramnattam and Krishnattam are the two dancing styles used in Kathakali.
  • Episodes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are told in kathakali.

The correct answer is Mohiniyattam.Key Points

• Kerala is where the Indian classical dance style known as mohiniyattam was born and has since flourished.
• The word Mohini is the source of the term "Mohiniyattam dance."
• The term "mohini" refers to a historical enchantress and Vishnu avatar who, by harnessing her feminine powers, aids in the triumph of good over evil.
• Both the 1709 work Vyavaharamala by Mazhamagalam Narayanan Namputiri and the subsequent poem Ghoshayatra by poet Kunjan Nambiar contain references to Mohiniyattam.

Additional Information

• Sattriya:
  • A notable form of Indian classical dance is sattriya.
  • Ankiya Nat, one-act dramas that Sankardev originally produced, are performed as part of Bhaona, where this dance was first established. 
• Manipuri:
  • One of the eight principal Indian traditional dance styles, the Manipuri Dance is a product of the state of Manipur.
  • The spiritual themes of Madhura Raas of Radha-Krishna are infused into the dance style.
  • Gentle gaze and calm, serene body movements define it.
• Odissi dance:
  • The temples of Odisha are where the odissi dance had its start.
  • Throughout its history, women predominately performed odissi.
  • Through songs, it conveyed spiritual and religious beliefs, particularly those of Vaishnavism.

The correct answer is Natya Shastra. Key Points

• Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originated in South India and is known for its intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and graceful movements.
• The theoretical foundations of Bharatanatyam can be traced back to the Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts written by the sage Bharata.
• The Natya Shastra covers a wide range of topics related to dance, music, and theater, including the classification of dance forms, the elements of performance, and the roles of the performer and the audience.

Additional Information

• Arth Shastra is a treatise on economics and political science.
  • It was written by Kautilya.
• Vaimanika Shastra is a text on aeronautics.
  • It is attributed to the ancient Indian sage Maharishi Bharadwaja.
• Dharma Shastra is a collection of religious and ethical guidelines for Hindus.
  • These texts are based on Puranas.