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Dance Forms and Traditions

5,849 Questions

Indian dance forms encompass a rich variety of classical and folk traditions with unique gestures, expressions, and historical significance. Questions on these dance forms frequently appear in the general awareness sections of competitive exams. This hub provides practice questions covering classical styles like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Mohiniyattam, and various regional folk dances.

Classical Dance FormsFolk DancesFamous DancersBharatanatyamKathakMohiniyattamYakshagana

Dance Forms and Traditions Questions

Multiple choice history the flowering of regional culture development of regional cultures regional cultures the making of regional cultures

Which of the following classical dances developed in North East India?

  1. Kuchipudi

  2. Odissi

  3. Manipuri

  4. Kathak
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

There are 6 types of classical dances in India mainly :
Kathak, Kathakali, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri. Kathak is performed in North India, Kathakali in Kerala, Bharatanatyam in Tamil Nadu, Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh, Odissi in Odisha, Manipuri in Manipur.

Multiple choice sociology culture study of culture the tribes of india tribes in madhya pradesh

Which of the following is a classical dance from North India?

  1. Kathak

  2. Kathakali

  3. Kuchipudi

  4. Bharat Natyam
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Kathak is one of the 10 major classical dance forms of India. It is a classical dance from Northern India. One who performs Kathak are known as Kathakas. They communicated stories from the great epics and ancient mythology through dance. 

Multiple choice history what is history? historiography in the west historiography: development in the west historiography: indian tradition

Trace out the growth of Kathak as a dance form through the centuries.
a. Kathak through Bhakti cult.
b. Kathak through the case of story tellers.
c. Kathak through the Nawab of Awadh.
d. Kathak through the Mughals.

  1. a, d, b, c

  2. b, a, d, c

  3. d, c, b, a

  4. b, c, a, d
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The evolution of Kathak began with storytellers (bards), moved through the Bhakti movement, was patronized by the Mughals, and finally flourished under the Nawabs of Awadh.

Multiple choice history government, society and culture under the delhi sultanate life under delhi sultanate arab invasions and delhi sultanate royal dynasties of rajasthan and mughals

Kathak, a new dance form that developed during Delhi Sultanate period, combines Hindu ______ with Persian _______.

  1. Costumes, Themes

  2. Themes, Costumes

  3. Rituals, Paintings

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

 Kathak is one the eight classical dance forms in India. Kathak is found in three distinct forms, named after the cities where the Kathak dance tradition evolved – Jaipur, Banaras and Lucknow. It developed during Delhi Sultanate period, combines Hindu themes and Persian costumes. The main focus of the dance are the eyes and the foot movements.

Multiple choice current trends of indian history modern indian history general knowledge

Which of the following statements about 'Mohiniattam' is/are correct?
1. It borrows heavily from both Kathakali and Bharatnatyam.
2. It is performed by both men and women.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only

  2. 2 only

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Mohiniattam is a classical solo dance form that developed in the state of Kerala. It borrows heavily from both Kathakali and Bharatanatyam. Movement technique includes feminine movements, hand gestures and soft footwork and is performed only by women. Famous proponents of this dance form are Sunanda Nair, Madhuri amma, Jayaprabha Menon.

Multiple choice current trends of indian history modern indian history general knowledge

With reference to the Indian Classical dances, consider the following statements:
1. Sangeet Natak Academy has given the status of classical dances to eight dance forms.
2. The principles of Indian classical dances lie in Natyashastra written by Patanjali.
3. These dance forms only include feminine characteristics i.e.Lasya.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

  1. 1 only

  2. 2 and 3

  3. 3 only

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Sangeet Natak Academy has given status of classical dance to eight dances viz. Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri, Sattriya, Mohiniattam and Kuchipudi. Natyshastra written by Bharat Muni defines principles of Indian classical dance. It includes two basic aspects i.e. Tandava which is male characteristic of power and strength and Lasya which comprises of feminine grace, bhava, rasa and abhinaya.

Multiple choice current trends of indian history modern indian history general knowledge

Which of the following statements about "Kathak" is/are correct?
1. It was patronized and practiced by Wajid Ali Shah.
2. Its main centres are Jaipur, Banaras and Lucknow.
3. Both men and women take part.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2

  2. 2 and 3

  3. 1 and 3

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Kathak developed during the Bhakti movement. Golden age of Kathak began under the patronage of Wajid Ali Shah (last Nawab of Oudh). Three gharanas are more well known and studied - Jaipur, Banaras and Lucknow.  Kathak dance can be performed by both men and women. Birju Maharaj, Lacchu Maharaj, Sitara Devi, Damayanti Joshi are some of the famous Kathak dancers.

Multiple choice current trends of indian history modern indian history general knowledge

Tribhanga body position is associated with which of the following classical dance form?

  1. Bharatnatyam

  2. Kathakali

  3. Oddisi

  4. Kuchipudi
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The tribhanga posture is innate to Odissi dance. It is a standing body position which means three parts break, consisting of three bends in the body - at the neck, waist and knee and hence the body curves into a gentle "S" shape. It is considered the most graceful and sensual of the Odissi positions.

Multiple choice current trends of indian history modern indian history general knowledge

Consider the following statements regarding 'Mudiyettu' theatre form:
1. It can be found in Karnataka.
2. It is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam (November-December).
3. It is performed in kali and Shiva temples.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

  1. 1 and 3

  2. 2 only

  3. 1 only

  4. 1 and 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Mudiyettu is a theatre form found in Kerala. It is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam (November-December) and is usually performed only in Kali temples. It depicts the triumph of goddess Bhadrakali over asura Darika.

Multiple choice history devotion towards the almighty bhakti movement bhakti movement : south and north india bhakti saints

Which of the following Bhakti saints used the medium of dance and songs(Kirtans) to make one feel the personal presence of God near him?

  1. Shankaradeva

  2. Chandidasa

  3. Jnanadeva

  4. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a popular Vaishanv saint and reformer from Bengal. According to him the presence of God could be realised through love, devotion, song, and dance. He wrote many bhajans for lord Krishna. He himself began to be worshipped as an incarnation of Lord Krishna.

Multiple choice

Kathak is classical dance of

  1. NORTH INDIA

  2. SOUTH INDIA

  3. EAST INDIA

  4. WEST INDIA
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Kathak is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance, and it is traditionally associated with the northern part of India. It evolved from the storytelling traditions of wandering bards.

Multiple choice

Kalidasa is know for

  1. Indian dance

  2. beautiful literature

  3. as a scientist

  4. ruling India
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Kalidasa was a renowned Classical Sanskrit writer and dramatist, widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in Indian history. Active during the Gupta Empire, his famous works include plays like Shakuntala and epic poems that are celebrated for their beauty and emotional depth.

Multiple choice

Indian classical dance forms are based on the instructions of which book?

  1. Natya katha

  2. Natya shastra

  3. Natya kala

  4. None of above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

All Indian classical dance forms, such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kathakali, trace their theoretical foundations and performance techniques back to the Natya Shastra, the ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts.