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.
- Q21.
Mohiniyattam, a dance performed by women, is performed in honour of which deity?
A. Lord GaneshaB. Lord VishnuC. Goddess DurgaD. Lord ShivaeasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q22.
Saila, Panthi, Pandwani and Raut Nacha are associated with which state?
A. Madhya PradeshB. OdishaC. ChhattisgarhD. JharkhandeasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q23.
Bhangra, Luddi and Giddha are folk dances of which state?
A. RajasthanB. PunjabC. Himachal PradeshD. HaryanaeasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q24.
The Sattriya dance of Assam was inspired by which movement?
A. Swadeshi movementB. Arya Samaj movementC. Bhakti movementD. Sufi movementeasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q25.
Purulia, Mayurbhanj and Seraikela are sub-types (styles) of which dance?
A. GotipuaB. ChhauC. DalkhaiD. JhumureasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q26.
The Konark Dance Festival, held every year for five days, is organised in which state?
A. Andhra PradeshB. Madhya PradeshC. OdishaD. West BengaleasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q27.
Theyyam is a ritual art form of which state?
A. Tamil NaduB. KeralaC. KarnatakaD. GoaeasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q28.
Which form of folk theatre is based on the life of Lord Krishna, especially his childhood and his love for Radha?
A. NautankiB. RaasleelaC. RamlilaD. TamashaeasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q29.
Yakshagana, a traditional theatre form, is associated with which state?
A. KarnatakaB. MaharashtraC. KeralaD. Tamil NadueasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q30.
The hand gestures used in Indian classical dances are called:
A. BhavasB. MudrasC. TalasD. KaranaseasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q31.
In which classical dance does the performer balance on the edge of a brass plate while dancing, in an element called Tarangam?
A. KuchipudiB. BharatanatyamC. KathakaliD. OdissieasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q32.
Which rasa is considered best suited to express love?
A. Veera rasaB. Karuna rasaC. Adbhuta rasaD. Shringara rasaeasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q33.
According to the Natyashastra tradition, Mohiniyattam is a form of:
A. Ritual folk theatreB. Tandava danceC. Lasya danceD. Martial danceeasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q34.
Which classical dance style is depicted in the poses carved on the gopurams of the Chidambaram temple?
A. KathakB. OdissiC. KathakaliD. BharatanatyameasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q35.
Alarippu is a dance piece (item) from which classical dance?
A. OdissiB. BharatanatyamC. KathakD. ManipurieasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q36.
The Raigarh Gharana is associated with which classical dance?
A. KathakB. ManipuriC. KuchipudiD. OdissieasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q37.
The Kalakshetra style, developed by Rukmini Devi Arundale, is associated with which classical dance?
A. OdissiB. BharatanatyamC. ManipuriD. KathakeasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q38.
Which classical dance form is closely related to the worship of Lord Jagannath?
A. SattriyaB. OdissiC. KathakaliD. MohiniyattameasyAsked in SSCView solution › - Q39.
Karagam (Karagattam), a folk dance in which dancers balance a decorated pot on their heads, is associated with which state?
A. PunjabB. Tamil NaduC. OdishaD. GujarateasyAsked in SSC +1View solution › - Q40.
Ghoomar is a folk dance of which state?
A. RajasthanB. PunjabC. GujaratD. MaharashtraeasyAsked in SSC +1View solution ›