SSC
Chali, Jhumura and Nadu Bhangi are forms of which classical dance?
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Answer: Option C — Sattriya
Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Sattriya. Sattriya, the classical dance of Assam, developed in the sattras (Vaishnavite monasteries) founded by Srimanta Sankaradeva in the 15th and 16th centuries. Over time, it developed several distinct types of dance, and Chali, Jhumura and Nadu Bhangi are among the best known of them.
Chali is a graceful and elegant dance. Its name is believed to come from "chal", the movement of a peacock, and it is considered a feminine, lasya-style dance. Jhumura is a vigorous, masculine dance with powerful movements, and it is considered tandava in style. Nadu Bhangi (also written Nadu Bhangi Nritya) is a dance that depicts the childhood plays of Krishna and uses quick, rhythmic movements. Other types of Sattriya dance include Sutradhari Nritya (performed by the Sutradhara, the narrator of the Ankiya Nat), Gosai Prabesh (the entry of the main deity) and Rasa Nritya. The dance is accompanied by Borgeet songs, the khol drum, the taal (cymbals) and the flute. The basic training is given through exercises called Mati Akhora.
About the other options:
- Manipuri dance has its own forms, such as the Ras Leela, Pung Cholom, Kartal Cholom and Lai Haraoba.
- Odissi has a set sequence of items: Mangalacharan, Batu (or Sthayee), Pallavi, Abhinaya and Moksha.
- Kuchipudi includes forms such as the Bhama Kalapam dance-drama and the Tarangam, in which the dancer balances on the edge of a brass plate.
- None of these use the terms Chali, Jhumura or Nadu Bhangi.
💡 Exam tip
Sattriya questions often test its founder (Sankaradeva), its origin (the sattras), its recognition as a classical dance (2000), its exercises (Mati Akhora), its songs (Borgeet) and its dance types (Chali, Jhumura and Nadu Bhangi). Remember that Chali is graceful and Jhumura is vigorous.💬 Discussions on this question
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Ask a doubtMore Indian Dance Forms Questions
View all ›- Q1.The techniques of Rasa and Bhava used in Indian classical dance trace their origin to which ancient text?
- Q2.Lavani, Powada, Koli, Waghya Murali and Dhangari Gaja are folk dances of which state?
- Q3.The one-act play associated with the Sattriya tradition of Assam is called:
- Q4.Which dance form of Goa is known as the 'Warrior Dance'?
- Q5.Manipuri dance is based on the Rasleela themes of:
Indian Dance Forms — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Indian Dance Forms, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
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.