Classical Dances — Set 7

Correct Answer: A. Odissi

• **Odissi** = Odissi is a classical Indian dance form that frequently features the 'Dasavatara' (ten incarnations of Vishnu) as a common choreographic theme. • **ten** — refers to the number of principal incarnations of Vishnu depicted, allowing dancers to showcase various character traits. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sattriya]: primarily originated in Vaishnavite monasteries of Assam, focusing on Lord Krishna themes; [Kuchipudi]: a dance-drama tradition from Andhra Pradesh, also Vaishnavite but 'Dasavatara' is not its exclusive common theme; [None of the mentioned]: Incorrect, as Odissi is a specific dance form where 'Dasavatara' is a prominent theme.

Correct Answer: A. Pakhawaj

• **Pakhawaj** = The 'Mardala' drum used in Odissi is technically equivalent to the **Pakhawaj**, a horizontal barrel-shaped drum found in Hindustani music. • **'Deva-vadyam'** — indicates its revered status as a divine instrument in Odissi tradition. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Dholak]: a simpler folk percussion instrument, not as technically complex or formally used in classical Hindustani or Odissi; [Tabla]: a pair of drums primarily associated with North Indian classical vocal and instrumental music, distinct from the Mardala's shape and sound; [Khol]: while also a barrel drum, it's particularly associated with devotional music and Sattriya dance, not directly equivalent to Mardala in Odissi.

Correct Answer: D. Kathakali

• **Kathakali** = **Kathakali** is the classical dance form that uses the 'Hosta Mudras' (hand gestures) as per the specific text **'Hastha Lakshana Deepika'**. • **24** — refers to the number of root mudras in Kathakali that can combine to create hundreds of detailed meanings for narrative. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Bharatanatyam]: primarily follows the 'Abhinaya Darpana' for its mudra vocabulary; [Kathak]: emphasizes spins and footwork, with mudras being less central compared to other classical forms; [Manipuri]: uses gentle, subtle mudras influenced by Vaishnavite traditions, but does not specifically follow 'Hastha Lakshana Deepika'.

Correct Answer: A. Kathakali

• **Kathakali** = The **'Gopinath'** style, also known as 'Kerala Natanam', is a simplified variation of **Kathakali** developed by Guru Gopinath. • **'Kerala Natanam'** — is the name given to the modernized version of Kathakali, making it more accessible to contemporary audiences. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Odissi]: an Eastern Indian dance form, unrelated to the 'Gopinath' style which originated in Kerala; [Mohiniyattam]: another classical dance from Kerala, but 'Gopinath' style is a variation of Kathakali, not Mohiniyattam; [Bharatanatyam]: a South Indian dance form from Tamil Nadu, distinct from the Kathakali variations.

Correct Answer: D. Mohiniyattam

• **Mohiniyattam** = **Mohiniyattam**, a classical dance form traditionally performed in temples, was significantly revived by the poet **Vallathol Narayana Menon** who founded Kerala Kalamandalam. • **Kerala Kalamandalam** — the institution founded by Vallathol to formalize the training and revive Mohiniyattam and Kathakali. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sattriya]: from Assam, revived by Srimanta Sankaradeva, not Vallathol Narayana Menon; [Kuchipudi]: from Andhra Pradesh, revived by Siddhendra Yogi and others, not Vallathol; [Odissi]: from Odisha, revived by various gurus in the mid-20th century, not directly by Vallathol.

Correct Answer: B. Bharatanatyam

• **Bharatanatyam** = The **'Varnam'** is the most complex and longest item in the repertoire of **Bharatanatyam**, alternating between pure dance and expressive acting. • **45 minutes** — the approximate duration a single Varnam can last, showcasing the dancer's endurance and mastery. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Manipuri]: known for its gentle, fluid movements and emphasis on devotion, without a specific 'Varnam' structure; [Sattriya]: features specific items like 'Ankiya Naat' and 'Borgeet', but 'Varnam' is not part of its repertoire; [Kathak]: emphasizes intricate footwork and spins, with items like 'Thaat' and 'Tukra', not 'Varnam'.

Correct Answer: D. Sattriya

• **Sattriya** = In **Sattriya**, the **'Sutradhara'** acts as the narrator and conductor of the play, introducing characters and explaining the plot through rhythmic prose. • **ancient Sanskrit theatre traditions** — highlights the historical lineage of the Sutradhara's role, connecting Sattriya to classical Indian drama. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Manipuri]: narrative is typically conveyed through subtle movements and devotional songs, not by a 'Sutradhara' in the same theatrical sense; [Kathak]: often involves a dancer interacting with musicians, but does not have a formal 'Sutradhara' narrating the entire play; [Odissi]: storytelling is conveyed through 'abhinaya' (expression) and poses, with minimal explicit narration during performance.

Correct Answer: B. All classical dances

• **All classical dances** = The **'Chatur-varna'** or four-fold division of Abhinaya (Angika, Vachika, Aharya, Sattvika) is a fundamental theoretical framework followed by **all recognized classical Indian dance forms**. • **four** — represents the primary categories of acting (body, speech, costume, internal emotion) that are integrated into every classical dance. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Only Kathakali]: Incorrect, while Kathakali heavily uses all four, the concept is universal to all classical dances; [Only Kuchipudi]: Incorrect, Kuchipudi incorporates these, but it is not the sole dance form to do so; [Only Bharatanatyam]: Incorrect, Bharatanatyam is based on this, but it's a foundational concept for the entire classical dance tradition.

Correct Answer: C. Kathakali

• **Kathakali** = **Kathakali** is the classical dance form that originates from the same region, **Kerala**, as the 'Kalari' martial art, Kalaripayattu, sharing physical training methods. • **Kerala** — the common origin state for both Kathakali and Kalaripayattu, fostering a unique synergy between them. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Odissi]: from Odisha, a different region with distinct martial arts traditions; [Sattriya]: from Assam, having its own cultural and martial heritage, separate from Kalari; [Bharatanatyam]: from Tamil Nadu, also a different region with distinct martial arts such as Silambam.

Correct Answer: C. Sattriya

• **Sattriya** = The **'Nuni'** and **'Patu'** silk, traditional Assamese varieties, are specifically used to make the elegant costumes for **Sattriya** dance. • **Brahmaputra valley** — the geographical region whose cultural identity is reflected in the traditional Sattriya costumes made from these silks. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Kathak]: uses elaborate Anarkali-style costumes or lehenga-choli, not specifically 'Nuni' or 'Patu' silk; [Odissi]: features vibrant silk sarees (Pattasaree) with traditional motifs, but not specifically 'Nuni' or 'Patu'; [Manipuri]: costumes like the 'Kumil' (stiff skirt) are made of silk and other fabrics, but 'Nuni' and 'Patu' are specific to Assam.