UPSC Indian Art and Culture – Chapter 11: Classical Dances of India (23 MCQs)

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UPSC Indian Art and Culture – Chapter 11: Classical Dances of India (23 MCQs) – 23 questions, subject: History. Every question has the correct answer with a one-line explanation; tap "Show Answer". Free practice for TNPSC, UPSC, SSC, Bank and RRB exams – Shanmugam IAS Academy, Coimbatore.

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1.  

Pure, rhythmic dance without a story is called:

Correct Answer: D [nritta]

Explanation:

Nritta is pure dance: rhythmic movement of the body with no story, mood or meaning to convey.

2.  

Expression through costume, make-up and ornaments is called:

Correct Answer: B [aharya abhinaya]

Explanation:

Aharya abhinaya conveys character through costume, make-up and ornaments, as in Kathakali's elaborate costume.

3.  

The number of dances recognised as classical by the Sangeet Natak Akademi is:

Correct Answer: B [eight]

Explanation:

The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognises eight classical dances; Sattriya became the eighth in 2000.

4.  

The order of a Bharatanatyam recital was set by the:

Correct Answer: C [Thanjavur Quartet]

Explanation:

The Thanjavur Quartet, four brothers at the Thanjavur court in the 19th century, fixed the Bharatanatyam margam.

5.  

Kalakshetra was founded by:

Correct Answer: A [Rukmini Devi Arundale]

Explanation:

Rukmini Devi Arundale founded Kalakshetra in Madras in 1936 to teach Bharatanatyam and other arts.

6.  

The tarangam, danced on the rim of a brass plate, is part of:

Correct Answer: B [Kuchipudi]

Explanation:

The tarangam of Kuchipudi is danced on the rim of a brass plate, sometimes with a pot on the head.

7.  

The chowk stance is a feature of:

Correct Answer: D [Odissi]

Explanation:

The square, half-seated chowk stance, with tribhanga, is the defining posture of Odissi.

8.  

Sattriya dance was introduced by:

Correct Answer: A [Srimanta Sankaradeva]

Explanation:

Srimanta Sankaradeva introduced Sattriya in the 15th–16th centuries in the Vaishnava sattras of Assam.

9.  

A classical dance performed without ankle bells is:

Correct Answer: C [Manipuri]

Explanation:

Manipuri dancers do not wear ankle bells; their soft, flowing movements avoid striking the floor.

10.  

Consider the following statements:

1. Kathakali developed from Ramanattam and Krishnanattam.
2. Mohiniyattam is a solo dance in the lasya style.
3. Kathakali was traditionally performed only by women.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: B [1 and 2 only]

Explanation:

Kathakali grew from Ramanattam and Krishnanattam and Mohiniyattam is a lasya solo; Kathakali was traditionally male.

11.  

Assertion (A): Bharatanatyam moved from temples to the public stage in the 20th century.

Reason (R): Artists such as Rukmini Devi Arundale revived and reshaped the dance after the decline of the devadasi tradition.

Correct Answer: A [Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A]

Explanation:

Both are true, and the revival by artists such as Rukmini Devi is what carried Bharatanatyam to the public stage.

12.  

Kerala Kalamandalam was founded by:

Correct Answer: A [Vallathol Narayana Menon]

Explanation:

The poet Vallathol Narayana Menon founded Kerala Kalamandalam in 1930 to revive Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.

13.  

Spins called chakkars and complex footwork are features of:

Correct Answer: D [Kathak]

Explanation:

Kathak is known for rapid spins (chakkars) and intricate footwork (tatkar) sounded by ankle bells.

14.  

Green make-up for noble characters (pacha) is used in:

Correct Answer: D [Kathakali]

Explanation:

Kathakali paints noble heroes in green (pacha) make-up, part of its elaborate aharya.

15.  

The Ras Lila of Manipur was developed under:

Correct Answer: B [Rajarshi Bhagyachandra]

Explanation:

The Ras Lila of Manipur took shape under Rajarshi Bhagyachandra in the 18th century.

16.  

The ninth rasa, added after the Natya Shastra, is:

Correct Answer: C [shanta]

Explanation:

Shanta (peace) was added by later writers to the eight rasas listed in the Natya Shastra.

17.  

Arrange the following in chronological order:

1. Founding of Kalakshetra
2. Natya Shastra
3. Sankaradeva introduces Sattriya
4. Sattriya recognised as a classical dance

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: C [2-3-1-4]

Explanation:

ancient, 15th–16th century, 1936, 2000.

18.  

The gotipua tradition of boy dancers is linked with:

Correct Answer: A [Odissi]

Explanation:

Gotipuas are boys dressed as girls who dance in Odisha; with the maharis they shaped Odissi.

19.  

The text Abhinaya Darpana is attributed to:

Correct Answer: C [Nandikeshvara]

Explanation:

The Abhinaya Darpana, a key text on gesture and expression, is attributed to Nandikeshvara.

20.  

Sattriya was recognised as a classical dance by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in:

Correct Answer: B [2000]

Explanation:

The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognised Sattriya of Assam as a classical dance in 2000.

21.  
UPSC Prelims 2017

With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:

1. It is a song and dance performance.
2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: B [1 and 3 only]

Explanation:

drums are also used.

22.  
UPSC Prelims 2014

With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements:

1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: B [1 and 2 only]

Explanation:

its songs were composed by Sankaradeva and Madhavadeva.

23.  
UPSC Prelims 2013

In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called 'Tribhanga' has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

Correct Answer: A [One leg is bent, and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck]

Explanation:

Tribhanga means three bends: one leg bent, the body curved oppositely at waist and neck, an S-shaped pose.

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