Classical Dances — Set 9

Correct Answer: A. Bharata Muni

• **Bharata Muni** = This legendary sage is traditionally credited as the author of the 'Natya Shastra', a foundational text for Indian performing arts. • **'Fifth Veda'** — The 'Natya Shastra' is often referred to by this term, signifying its immense importance as a comprehensive treatise on dramaturgy and aesthetics from around **200 BCE to 200 CE**. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Veda Vyasa: traditionally credited with compiling the Vedas and Mahabharata; Kalidasa: a renowned classical Sanskrit writer, famous for plays like 'Abhijnanasakuntalam'; Tulsidas: a Hindu saint and poet, known for 'Ramcharitmanas' in the 16th century.

Correct Answer: C. Kerala

• **Kerala** = This South Indian state is the home of 'Kathakali', a major classical dance drama known for its elaborate makeup and costumes. • **17th century** — Kathakali originated in Kerala during this period, evolving from ancient temple and folk arts. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Karnataka: home to Yakshagana, a folk theatre form; Andhra Pradesh: home to Kuchipudi classical dance; Tamil Nadu: home to Bharatanatyam classical dance.

Correct Answer: A. Kathak

• **Kathak** = This is the only major classical dance form that originated in and belongs to North India, with roots in wandering storytelling traditions. • **Awadh courts** — Kathak flourished and developed significantly under the patronage of the Nawabs of Awadh in the **18th and 19th centuries**. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Odissi: originated in Odisha (East India); Sattriya: originated in Assam (Northeast India); Manipuri: originated in Manipur (Northeast India).

Correct Answer: A. 8

• **8** = The Ministry of Culture and Sangeet Natak Akademi officially recognize this number of major classical dance forms in India. • **Sangeet Natak Akademi** — This premier institution currently recognizes Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: 12: this number is incorrect, as only 8 forms are officially recognized as 'classical'; 10: this number is incorrect, as only 8 forms are officially recognized as 'classical'; 6: this number is incorrect, as only 8 forms are officially recognized as 'classical', with Chhau sometimes considered semi-classical.

Correct Answer: B. Odissi

• **Odissi** = This classical dance form is uniquely associated with the 'Tribhanga' posture, a distinctive stance where the body bends at three points. • **Indian temple sculpture** — The 'Tribhanga' pose, with its 'S' shaped curve formed by bends at the neck, waist, and knees, is a common motif in ancient Odisha temple art dating back to the **1st century BCE**. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Bharatanatyam: known for its 'Ardhamandali' (half-sit) posture and angular lines; Sattriya: characterized by upright postures and swift movements; Manipuri: emphasizes gentle, fluid movements with a focus on the torso, often in a 'Chaari' or 'Ulap' stance.

Correct Answer: B. Manipuri

• **Manipuri** = 'Pung Cholom', a vigorous drum dance, is a famous and integral component of this classical dance form from Northeast India. • **Pung (hand drum)** — In 'Pung Cholom', dancers simultaneously play this drum while performing high-energy jumps, complex footwork, and spins. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Sattriya: primarily uses 'Khol' and 'Taal' in its devotional music and dance; Odissi: uses 'Mardala' (a type of Pakhawaj) as its main percussion; Kathakali: emphasizes vocal music, elaborate makeup, and gestural language, with percussion like 'Maddalam' and 'Chenda'.

Correct Answer: A. Kathakali

• **Kathakali** = The renowned Malayalam poet Vallathol Narayana Menon played a pivotal role in the revival and promotion of this classical dance form. • **1930** — Vallathol Narayana Menon founded the Kerala Kalamandalam in this year, a major institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Bharatanatyam: revived and popularized by Rukmini Devi Arundale and E. Krishna Iyer; Mohiniyattam: also revived by Vallathol Narayana Menon, but Kathakali is the primary association; Sattriya: revived and brought to prominence by practitioners like Maniram Dutta Muktiyar Barbayan.

Correct Answer: D. Kuchipudi

• **Kuchipudi** = The 'Tarangam' performance, where a dancer balances on the rim of a brass plate, is a unique and spectacular element of this classical dance form. • **Andhra Pradesh** — Kuchipudi originated in this South Indian state, and the 'Tarangam' piece often features the dancer also carrying a water-filled pot on their head, showcasing exceptional skill. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Odissi: known for its 'Tribhanga' posture and fluid movements; Mohiniyattam: known for its graceful, feminine 'Lasyam' style; Bharatanatyam: known for its geometric patterns and intricate footwork on flat ground.

Correct Answer: A. Sattriya

• **Sattriya** = This classical dance form originated in the 'Sattras' (monasteries) of Assam, initially as a component of Vaishnavite rituals. • **Srimanta Sankardev** — The **15th-century** saint and social reformer established this dance form as a religious offering within the 'Sattras'. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Manipuri: originated in Manipur, associated with Vaishnavite traditions but not specifically 'Sattras'; Odissi: originated in Odisha, associated with temple traditions; Kathak: originated in North India, evolving from storytelling.

Correct Answer: A. Bharatanatyam

• **Bharatanatyam** = The term 'Sadir Attam', along with 'Dasi Attam', was the historical name for this modern classical dance form. • **Early 20th century** — Nationalist leaders and artists renamed 'Sadir Attam' to Bharatanatyam during this period to restore its dignity and traditional roots. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Kuchipudi: historically developed by a community of Brahmins in Andhra Pradesh; Kathak: historically evolved from 'Kathakars' (storytellers) in North India; Odissi: historically performed by 'Maharis' (temple dancers) in Odisha.