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

• Panthi, one of the important dance form in Chattisgarh is the folk dance of Chattisgarh.
• It is mainly performed by the Satnami community of Chhattisgarh.
• Saila Dance, Karma, Sua Nacha, and Gendi are the other important folk dances of Chattisgarh

The correct answer is Kerala.

• Thullal is a solo satiric dance form belonging to the state of Kerala.

Key Points

• Ottam Thullal is a dance-drama performing art form of Kerala, created by Kunchan Nambiar, as an alternative to the Chakyar koothu.
• The distinguishing factor of Ottanthullal is the performer himself singing and playing the story, which is a tedious task.
• Most popular Art and Dance forms of Kerala are: 
  • ​Theyyam
  • Kathakali
  • Kutiyattam
  • Nangiar Koothu

Additional Information

The correct answer is Jammu & Kashmir.

Key Points

• Hikat is danced by forming pairs, extending their arms and with the body inclined, they go round and round at the same position.
• This dance is filled with joy and is associated with Jammu and Kashmir. Hence option 2 is correct.
• This dance is performed by everyone to welcome the spring season in Kashmir and celebrates the harvesting season.
• When the dance originated, there were no instruments or music, people hold their wrists and just sing and spin. As the dance progress, it speeds up and beats become faster.
  • But nowadays, you will hear and feel the music and the sound of Rabab, drums accompanying the folk dance.
• Damali, Rauf and Mandjas are the other folk dances from Jammu and Kashmir.

Additional Information

• The folk dance that is associated with the Indian states is tabled below:

The correct answer is Chhau.

Key Points

• Chhau is a traditional Indian dance form primarily performed in the states of Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.
• Unlike many other classical Indian dance forms, Chhau does not use vocal music during performances.
• The music accompanying Chhau performances is primarily instrumental and consists of traditional Indian instruments such as dhol, dhamsa, and shehnai.
• Chhau is characterized by its martial movements, masks (in certain variants), and themes often derived from Indian mythology.
• This dance form is known for its vigorous and dramatic movements, making it distinct from other Indian classical dances like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi which incorporate vocal music.

Additional Information

• Bharatanatyam
  • A classical dance form from Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam heavily incorporates vocal music alongside instrumental music.
  • The themes often revolve around spiritual ideas, stories from Hindu mythology, and devotional content.
  • It uses intricate hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions to narrate stories.
• Odissi
  • Originating from Odisha, Odissi is one of the oldest classical dance forms in India.
  • It is performed to both vocal and instrumental music, often based on compositions of Jayadeva's "Gita Govinda."
  • Odissi emphasizes fluid movements and tribhangi (three-bend posture).
• Kathak
  • A classical dance form from northern India, Kathak incorporates vocal music and instrumental tabla and sitar performances.
  • The dance form is characterized by intricate footwork and spins.
  • Its themes often include storytelling from epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
• Traditional Indian Instruments in Dance Forms
  • Dhol: A percussion instrument used in Chhau performances.
  • Shehnai: A wind instrument that provides melody in many Indian traditional performances.
  • Tabla: A pair of drums often used in classical Indian music.

The correct answer is Giddha.

Key Points

• Giddha is a traditional folk dance performed by women in Punjab, India.
• It is considered the female counterpart of Bhangra, which is primarily performed by men.
• Giddha is characterized by vibrant costumes, rhythmic clapping, and lively singing of folk songs known as boliyan.
• The dance portrays various themes such as social issues, daily life, and playful teasing, making it a celebration of Punjabi culture.
• Giddha does not rely on instrumental music; instead, participants sing while clapping to maintain rhythm.

Additional Information

• Bhangra:
  • Bhangra is a folk dance originating from Punjab, performed by men to celebrate harvest festivals.
  • It involves vigorous movements, including jumps and spins, accompanied by the sound of dhol drums.
  • Bhangra has gained popularity worldwide and is frequently performed at cultural events.
• Boliyan:
  • Boliyan are short, traditional Punjabi folk songs sung during dances like Giddha and Bhangra.
  • They often convey emotions, humor, and themes of daily life or social issues.
• Costumes in Giddha:
  • Women wear colorful Punjabi suits, adorned with heavy jewelry and accessories.
  • The attire reflects the rich cultural heritage of Punjab.
• Regional Folk Dances of India:
  • Ghoomar: A traditional dance from Rajasthan performed by women in circular movements.
  • Kalbelia: A folk dance of the Kalbelia community in Rajasthan, known for its serpent-like movements.
  • Garba: A Gujarati folk dance performed during Navratri celebrations.

The correct answer is Madhya Pradesh.

• The 'Matki' dance form has been developed by nomadic tribes in Madhya Pradesh.
• Performed using a “small pitcher” is a folk dance originating from central India known as the “Matki Dance”.
  • This “pitcher dance” belongs to the state of Madhya Pradesh, and is mainly performed in the Malwa region.

Important Points

The Correct Answer is Kerala.

• Mohiniyattam literally interpreted as the dance of ‘Mohini’, the celestial enchantress of Hindu mythology, is the classical solo dance form of Kerala.

Key Points

• References to Mohiniyattam can be found in the texts Vyavaharamala written in 1709 by Mazhamagalam Narayanan Namputiri and in Ghoshayatra, written later by poet Kunjan Nambiar.
• It has elements of Bharatanatyam (grace & elegance) and Kathakali (vigor) but is more erotic, lyrical, and delicate.
• Mohiniyattam is characterized by graceful, swaying body movements with no abrupt jerks or sudden leaps.
• It belongs to the lasya style which is feminine, tender, and graceful.
• The movements are emphasized by the glides and the up and down movement on toes, like the waves of the sea and the swaying of the coconut, palm trees, and paddy fields.
• Realistic make-up and simple dressing (in Kasavu saree of Kerala) are used.

Additional Information

8 classical dance forms of India

The correct answer is Odissi.

Key Points

• Odissi is one of the 8 classical dances of India recognized by the Sangeet Natak Academy.
• Odissi is a major ancient classical dance that originated in the Indian state of Orissa.
• The famous dancers of Odissi are -
  • Sujata Mohapatra, Kelucharan Mohapatra, Ratikant Mohapatra, Gangadhar Pradhan, etc.
• Kelucharan Mohapatra is the first person to receive the Padma Vibhusan from Orissa.

Additional Information

The correct option is 1 i.e. Maharashtra.

Key Points

• Lavani is a folk dance form of Maharashtra.
• It is performed on the beats of Dholki.
• Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar are some more folk dances of Maharashtra.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Manipur.

Key Points

Additional Information

• Manipur:
  • Capital: Imphal
  • Governor: Anusuiya Uikey
  • Chief Minister: N. Biren Singh
  • Keibul Lamjao National Park is a national park in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur in India. 
    • It is the only floating park in the world, located in North East India, and an integral part of Loktak Lake

• Manipur’s martial art form ‘Thang-Ta’ to feature at Khelo India 2021. 
• Gatka from Punjab, Kalaripayattu of Kerala and Mallakhamba, a well-known sport played in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra will also be part of the Games.

The correct answer is Kerala.

• Ottamthullal is an art form performed only in Kerala.
• The meaning of Ottamthullal is 'poor man's Kathakali'.
• Kunchan Nambiar created this dance form, as an alternative to the Chakyar koothu.
• To protest against the prevalent socio-political structure and prejudices of the society, Kunchan Nambiar used it as a medium.
• Now it is a famous folk art presented in the temples of Kerala.
• Some other dance forms of Kerala:
  • Theyyam
  • Thiruvathirakali
  • Chakyar Koothu
  • Koodiyattam
  • Kathakali(Classical)
  • Mohiniattam(Classical).

The correct answer is Andhra Pradesh.

Key Points

• The Kuchipudi dance originated in Andhra Pradesh.
• It is one of the major forms of Indian classical dance.
• It originated in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, a village called Kuchipudi.
• It is a dance-drama performance that has its roots in the ancient Hindu Sanskrit text of Natya Shastra.
• It evolved like all major classical dances of India as a religious art linked to travelling bards, temples, and spiritual beliefs.
• Mridangam, cymbals, veena, flute, and tambura are the traditional musical instruments in Kuchipudi.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Jharkhand.

Key Points

• The Tusu festival is primarily observed in Assam, the Tea-producing State, Northeastern Odisha, Southwest West Bengal, and Southeast Jharkhand.
• During this occasion, the goddess Tusu is worshipped. The focus is primarily on rivers. It is a unified expression of the agrarian society's shared trust and belief in the pleasure of crop gathering.
• It is thought that the term "Tusu" derives from the word "tush" for rice bran. Both a youthful child and a cosmic deity are representations of the Goddess Tusu.
• The ceremonies carried out during the Tusu Puja center on harvest-related ceremonies and songs of ethnic dedication chanted by women folk.
• Therefore, the Tusu festival is associated with Jharkhand.

Additional Information

State-Specific Festivals of India

The correct answer is Mizoram.

Key Points

• Cheraw dance
  • Cheraw is one of the traditional and oldest dances of Mizoram. It is also recognized as the oldest dance form of Mizoram.
  • It is also known as the Bamboo dance.
  • Chewar is performed by six to eight people holding a pair of bamboo staves on another horizontally placed bamboo at the ground on special occasions such as when there is a bumper harvest of a crop. Gongs and drums are used as musical instruments in Cheraw dance.
  • It is one of the most famous dances in Mizoram, and a centre of attraction during festive occasions.
  • khuallam, Sarlamkai, Chheihlam and Mizo are other Traditional Dances of Mizoram.

Additional Information

• Mizoram
  • Capital - Aizawl
  • Chief Minister - Lalduhawma
  • Governor - Ajay Kumar Bhalla
  • State Bird - Vavu
  • State Animal - Saza
  • State Tree - Herhse
  • State Flower - Senhri
  • National Parks - Murlen National Park, Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park.

The correct answer is Jharkhand.Key Points 

• ‘Paika’ is a traditional dance form associated with Jharkhand.
• Paika dance is mainly performed by the Munda community.
• Paikas were a group of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the safety of the kingdom.
• This dance form represents the great war of the Munda community against the British.
• In this dance form, martial arts are mixed with some other dance steps.
• It is only performed by the male members of the community.

Additional Information

• Other important dance forms of Jharkhand are:
  • Domkach
  • Mardana Jhumair.
  • Janani Jhumair.
  • Jhumta
  • Lahasua.
  • Fagua.
  • Chhau.
  • Santali
• Important dance forms of Madhya Pradesh are:
  • Grida Dance.
  • Matki.
  • Jawara.
  • Khada Nach.
  • Selalarki.
• Important dance forms of Uttarakhand are:
  • Langvir Nritya
  • Jhora.
  • Raslila.
• Important dance forms of Sikkim are:
  • Singhi Chaam.
  • Denzong Gnenha.
  • Tashi Yangku.
  • Chu Faat.
  • Yak Chaam.