Indian Dance Forms Questions with Solutions
Indian dance forms are one of the most frequently tested areas of static GK. This topic covers the eight classical dances recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam and Sattriya), the folk and tribal dances of every state, and related terms such as mudra, abhinaya, lasya and tandava. Most questions ask which state a dance belongs to, which community performs it, or which feature identifies a classical style. Learn the classical dances with their state and one signature feature each, such as the face make-up of Kathakali or the brass plate of Kuchipudi. For folk dances, group them state by state, since exams often list three or four dances and ask for the common state. Watch for dances shared by more than one state, such as Chhau, which has three styles. Practise the Indian dance forms questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.
- Q1.
The techniques of Rasa and Bhava used in Indian classical dance trace their origin to which ancient text?
A. Bharata Muni's NatyashastraB. Sarngadeva's Sangita RatnakaraC. Nandikeshvara's Abhinaya DarpanaD. Jayadeva's Gita GovindaeasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q2.
Lavani, Powada, Koli, Waghya Murali and Dhangari Gaja are folk dances of which state?
A. MaharashtraB. KarnatakaC. GujaratD. RajasthaneasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q3.
The one-act play associated with the Sattriya tradition of Assam is called:
A. Ankiya NatB. KrishnanattamC. YakshaganaD. JatramediumAsked in SSCView solution › - Q4.
Which dance form of Goa is known as the 'Warrior Dance'?
A. DekhniB. MandoC. FugdiD. Ghode ModnimediumAsked in SSCView solution › - Q5.
Manipuri dance is based on the Rasleela themes of:
A. Shiva and ParvatiB. Radha and KrishnaC. Vishnu and LakshmiD. Rama and SitaeasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q6.
In which year did the Sangeet Natak Akademi recognise Sattriya of Assam as a classical dance form?
A. 2000B. 2010C. 1995D. 2005mediumAsked in SSCView solution › - Q7.
In which year did UNESCO inscribe 'Mudiyettu', a ritual dance-drama of Kerala, on its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?
A. 2010B. 2016C. 2012D. 2008mediumAsked in SSCView solution › - Q8.
Thullal, a solo dance and recitation art form, originated in which state?
A. Andhra PradeshB. KeralaC. Tamil NaduD. KarnatakaeasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q9.
'Ka Shad Mastieh', a victory dance of the Khasi tribe, belongs to which state?
A. MizoramB. AssamC. NagalandD. MeghalayamediumAsked in SSCView solution › - Q10.
Mamita (Maimita), a harvest dance, is a popular folk dance of which state?
A. MizoramB. MeghalayaC. ManipurD. TripuramediumAsked in SSCView solution › - Q11.
Bharatanatyam is traditionally performed to which system of music?
A. Carnatic musicB. Rabindra SangeetC. Sopana SangeethamD. Hindustani musiceasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q12.
Thumri, a semi-classical vocal form of Hindustani music, is closely associated with which classical dance?
A. KathakaliB. KathakC. OdissiD. BharatanatyammediumAsked in SSCView solution › - Q13.
The masculine (vigorous) aspect of the Manipuri classical dance is known as:
A. Lai HaraobaB. JagoiC. CholomD. Nata SankirtanamediumAsked in SSCView solution › - Q14.
The type of abhinaya that deals with the use of costumes, jewellery and facial make-up is called:
A. Vachika AbhinayaB. Sattvika AbhinayaC. Aharya AbhinayaD. Angika AbhinayamediumAsked in SSCView solution › - Q15.
The Siddi community of Gujarat, whose ancestors came from East Africa, is known for which dance?
A. Siddi DhamalB. TippaniC. PadharD. GarbamediumAsked in SSCView solution › - Q16.
'Natwari Nritya' is an older name associated with which classical dance?
A. KathakB. ManipuriC. KuchipudiD. OdissimediumAsked in SSCView solution › - Q17.
The Dandari-Gussadi festival and dance of Telangana are celebrated by which tribes?
A. Bhils and MeenasB. Todas and KotasC. Raj Gonds and KolamsD. Santhals and MundashardAsked in SSCView solution › - Q18.
In Jharkhand, the Paika dance, a martial dance performed by men, is mainly associated with which tribe?
A. GondB. SanthalC. BhilD. MundamediumAsked in SSCView solution › - Q19.
The Gaur Maria dance, in which dancers wear headgear decorated with bison horns, belongs to which state?
A. JharkhandB. ChhattisgarhC. OdishaD. Madhya PradeshmediumAsked in SSC +1View solution › - Q20.
Lebang Boomani, a harvest dance, belongs to which state?
A. MizoramB. ManipurC. AssamD. TripuramediumAsked in SSC +1View solution ›