Introduction Indian martial arts represent a significant yet often overlooked aspect of India's rich cultural…
MCQs on “Classical Dances of India: Tradition, Expression, and Spirituality”
1. Which of the following is the primary focus of Bharatanatyam?
A. Folk tales
B. Mythological themes
C. War stories
D. Social reform
Answer: B. Mythological themes
2. The classical dance Kathak originated in which region of India?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Odisha
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Gujarat
Answer: C. Uttar Pradesh
3. Kuchipudi is a classical dance form associated with which state?
A. Karnataka
B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Kerala
D. Maharashtra
Answer: B. Andhra Pradesh
4. In which classical dance is the Natya Shastra considered the foundational text?
A. Manipuri
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Odissi
D. Mohiniyattam
Answer: B. Bharatanatyam
5. The dance form Odissi is predominantly performed in temples dedicated to which deity?
A. Shiva
B. Krishna
C. Durga
D. Ganesha
Answer: B. Krishna
6. Mohiniyattam, the classical dance form, emphasizes which quality?
A. Masculinity
B. Grace and femininity
C. Aggression
D. Acrobatics
Answer: B. Grace and femininity
7. Manipuri dance often depicts stories from which Indian epic?
A. Ramayana
B. Mahabharata
C. Bhagavad Gita
D. Upanishads
Answer: B. Mahabharata
8. Which classical dance form is known for its spinning movements and rhythmic footwork?
A. Kathak
B. Odissi
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Sattriya
Answer: A. Kathak
9. The Sattriya dance form originated from which Indian state?
A. Assam
B. West Bengal
C. Tripura
D. Manipur
Answer: A. Assam
10. The use of hand gestures to convey stories in Indian classical dance is known as?
A. Abhinaya
B. Mudras
C. Rasa
D. Natya
Answer: B. Mudras
11. Which of the following is a significant aspect of Kathakali?
A. Facial expressions and heavy makeup
B. Light movements and subtle gestures
C. Minimal costumes
D. Emphasis on vocal narration
Answer: A. Facial expressions and heavy makeup
12. The main theme of Mohiniyattam is often based on stories of which deity?
A. Krishna
B. Shiva
C. Vishnu
D. Parvati
Answer: A. Krishna
13. The ‘Guru-Shishya Parampara’ is traditionally associated with which aspect of Indian classical dance?
A. Spiritual training
B. Performance rituals
C. Learning and teaching
D. Costume design
Answer: C. Learning and teaching
14. The style of footwork in Kathak is called?
A. Tihai
B. Ghumar
C. Tandava
D. Tatkaar
Answer: D. Tatkaar
15. Which classical dance is recognized for its intricate hand movements and elaborate storytelling?
A. Kathakali
B. Manipuri
C. Bharatanatyam
D. Mohiniyattam
Answer: C. Bharatanatyam
16. In Kuchipudi, performers often incorporate what unique element?
A. Acrobatics
B. Dance on a brass plate
C. Group performances only
D. Singing while dancing
Answer: B. Dance on a brass plate
17. What is the primary emotion or essence in Indian classical dance referred to as?
A. Abhinaya
B. Rasa
C. Mudra
D. Tala
Answer: B. Rasa
18. The dance drama tradition of Kathakali is believed to have been inspired by which earlier form?
A. Koodiyattam
B. Yakshagana
C. Chhau
D. Bihu
Answer: A. Koodiyattam
19. Which classical dance form was revived through the efforts of Rukmini Devi Arundale?
A. Odissi
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Kathak
D. Sattriya
Answer: B. Bharatanatyam
20. Which instrument is traditionally used in Manipuri dance?
A. Pung (drum)
B. Veena
C. Sitar
D. Mridangam
Answer: A. Pung (drum)
21. The lasya and tandava elements in classical dances symbolize what?
A. Playfulness and destruction
B. Masculine and feminine energies
C. Good and evil
D. Balance and imbalance
Answer: B. Masculine and feminine energies
22. Which festival is associated with the performances of Manipuri dance?
A. Onam
B. Bihu
C. Rasa Leela
D. Navratri
Answer: C. Rasa Leela
23. Which classical dance is particularly popular in the state of Kerala?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Odissi
D. Kathak
Answer: B. Mohiniyattam
24. The performance space in classical Indian dance is traditionally called?
A. Sabha
B. Rangamandapa
C. Gurukul
D. Kalakshetra
Answer: B. Rangamandapa
25. The costumes of Kathakali are characterized by?
A. Simplicity and subtlety
B. Elaborate headdresses and bright colors
C. Minimal jewelry
D. Monochrome themes
Answer: B. Elaborate headdresses and bright colors
26. The epic most commonly depicted in Bharatanatyam is?
A. Mahabharata
B. Bhagavad Gita
C. Ramayana
D. Puranas
Answer: C. Ramayana
27. The term “Natya” in Indian classical dance refers to?
A. Music
B. Drama
C. Dance movements
D. Rituals
Answer: B. Drama
28. The concept of ‘Tala’ in Indian classical dance relates to?
A. Melody
B. Rhythm
C. Lyrics
D. Expressions
Answer: B. Rhythm
29. Which of the following classical dances is not from South India?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Kathakali
D. Kathak
Answer: D. Kathak
30. The classical dance form Sattriya was introduced by?
A. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
B. Narayana Guru
C. Sankardev
D. Kabir
Answer: C. Sankardev
