Dance Exponents MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Dance Exponents - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Sattriya.

Key Points 

• In Assamese, generally, Mati-Akhora means exercise done on the ground.
• The Sattriya dance training begins with these Mati-Akhoras.
• Mati-Akhoras are a foundation for the learners to make a healthy physical, mental, and spiritual set-up which is very necessary for a classical dancer. 
• The great Assamese reformer and Vaishnava saint Mahapurusha Sankaradeva established the Sattriya dancing style in the 15th century A.D. as a potent means of spreading the Vaishnava religion.
• It is one of India's eight classical dance genres.
• Sankaradeva created this dance style by fusing ideas from numerous treatises with popular dance styles, regional folk dances, and his own unique perspective.
• The Sattriya dance is a blatant example of how the former influenced the latter.
• Bihu, Bodos, and other Assamese folk dances are other clearly discernible influences on Sattriya dance.
• These dancing styles have very similar hand movements and rhythmic syllables.

Additional Information 

The Correct answer is Kathak.

Key Points

• Shovana Narayan is one of the most renowned performers of Kathak, an Indian classical dance form. She is a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award for her contributions to this art form.
• Kathak is a classical dance form that originated in North India and is known for its intricate footwork, graceful movements, and expressive storytelling through gestures and facial expressions.
• The word Kathak is derived from the Sanskrit word "Katha" which means story. Historically, it was performed by traveling bards or storytellers who narrated tales from Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
• Shovana Narayan has played a pivotal role in reviving and modernizing Kathak, blending traditional techniques with contemporary themes while maintaining its cultural essence.
• She has performed widely both in India and abroad, earning accolades for her skill, innovation, and dedication to preserving this classical dance form.
• In addition to being a Kathak maestro, Shovana Narayan is also known for her academic accomplishments and work as a civil servant, showcasing her versatility.

Additional Information

• Odissi
  • Odissi is one of the oldest classical dance forms in India, originating from the state of Odisha.
  • It is characterized by its graceful movements, sculpturesque poses, and intricate footwork.
  • Odissi is deeply rooted in temple dance traditions and was originally performed as a form of offering to deities.
• Bharatanatyam
  • Bharatanatyam is one of the most popular classical dance forms of South India, originating in Tamil Nadu.
  • It is known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, intricate hand gestures (mudras), and facial expressions.
  • Bharatanatyam has a rich history and is considered a form of devotional expression performed in temples.
• Manipuri
  • Manipuri is a classical dance form from the state of Manipur in Northeast India.
  • It is known for its graceful, fluid movements and its association with themes of Vaishnavism, particularly stories of Radha and Krishna.
  • The dance uses unique costumes, such as the Potloi (decorative skirt worn by female dancers).

The correct answer is Bharatanatyam.

Key Points

• Lakshmi Vishwanathan was an esteemed exponent of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu, India.
• She received the prestigious Natya Kalanidhi Award from the Music Academy for her extensive contributions to Bharatanatyam.
• Known for her exceptional abhinaya (expression) and intricate footwork, she brought a unique style to the traditional form.
• She trained under the legendary Guru K.N. Dandayudapani Pillai, a renowned Bharatanatyam teacher.

Additional Information

• Bharatanatyam
  • It is one of the oldest classical dance traditions in India, known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, and intricate footwork combined with expressive hand gestures and facial expressions.
  • Originating from the temples of Tamil Nadu, it was traditionally performed by female temple dancers called Devadasis.
  • The dance form is characterized by three primary elements: Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natyam (dramatic dance).
  • Bharatanatyam is accompanied by classical Carnatic music and involves a deep connection between the dancer and the divine.
• Natya Kalanidhi Award
  • This prestigious award is presented by the Music Academy in Chennai to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of dance.
  • The award recognizes outstanding performers and teachers who have dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting classical dance forms.
• Guru K.N. Dandayudapani Pillai
  • He was a legendary Bharatanatyam teacher and choreographer, known for his innovative compositions and teaching methods.
  • His contributions to Bharatanatyam include training several prominent dancers and enriching the repertoire of the dance form.
• Abhinaya
  • Abhinaya refers to the art of expression in Indian classical dance, involving facial expressions, hand gestures, and body movements to convey emotions and stories.
  • It is an essential aspect of Bharatanatyam, allowing dancers to connect with the audience and communicate complex narratives.

The correct answer is Banaras.

Key Points

• Gopi Krishna was a renowned exponent of Kathak dance and is celebrated as a dancer, actor, and choreographer.
• He belonged to the Banaras Gharana, one of the prominent schools of Kathak known for its distinct style and techniques.
• Gopi Krishna is widely recognized for his exceptional speed, rhythm, and creative choreography in Kathak.
• He played a pivotal role in popularizing Kathak both within India and internationally through performances and films.
• Banaras Gharana emphasizes subtle expressions, intricate rhythmic patterns, and graceful movements, characteristics often associated with Gopi Krishna’s style.

Additional Information

• Kathak
  • Kathak is one of the eight classical dance forms of India and has its roots in the storytelling traditions of North India.
  • The term "Kathak" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Katha," meaning story, and "Kathakar," meaning storyteller.
  • This dance form is characterized by intricate footwork, spins, facial expressions, and gestures.
  • Kathak has three major gharanas or schools: Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras, each with its unique style.
• Banaras Gharana
  • It is one of the key gharanas of Kathak, originating in Varanasi (Banaras), Uttar Pradesh.
  • The style is known for its fluid movements, emphasis on expressiveness (abhinaya), and use of intricate rhythmic patterns.
  • Banaras Gharana incorporates elements of spirituality and storytelling, often focusing on mythological themes.
• Gopi Krishna in Cinema
  • He contributed to Indian cinema by choreographing and performing dance sequences in various films.
  • Notable movies featuring his work include "Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje," where his dance gained widespread acclaim.
• Other Prominent Kathak Gharanas
  • Lucknow Gharana: Known for its grace, elegance, and emphasis on facial expressions.
  • Jaipur Gharana: Focuses on powerful footwork, intricate patterns, and vigorous movements.
  • Raigarh Gharana: A comparatively modern gharana that blends elements from other schools and emphasizes innovation.

The Correct answer is Pandvani

Key Points

• Pandvani is a traditional folk dance drama that narrates tales from the Indian epic Mahabharata.
• This art form is performed in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.
• Teejan Bai is one of the most renowned performers of Pandvani and has earned national and international acclaim for her contributions to this art.
• She performs in the Kapalik style of Pandvani, which involves singing and narrating the stories with gestures and minimal props.
• Teejan Bai has received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, for her exceptional work in preserving and promoting Pandvani.
• Pandvani performances are typically accompanied by musical instruments such as the tambura, which sets the tone for the narration.
• This art form is not only a medium of entertainment but also plays a significant role in preserving Indian cultural heritage and traditions.

Additional Information

• Bagurumba
  • Bagurumba is a traditional folk dance of the Bodo tribe, primarily performed in the northeastern state of Assam.
  • It is known for its graceful movements, colorful attire, and depiction of nature and wildlife.
  • The dance is performed during the Bwishagu festival, which marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year.
• Garba
  • Garba is a popular folk dance form originating from the Indian state of Gujarat.
  • It is performed during the Navratri festival and involves circular movements accompanied by clapping and music.
  • Garba celebrates Goddess Durga and signifies feminine strength and divinity.
• Jhumar
  • Jhumar is a folk dance performed in the northern and eastern regions of India, such as Punjab, Haryana, and Jharkhand.
  • It is characterized by rhythmic movements and vibrant costumes and is performed during harvest festivals and other celebrations.
  • Jhumar represents the joy and unity of rural communities.

The correct answer is Odissi.

Key Points

• Sonal Mansingh is a prominent Indian classical dancer who specializes in Bharatanatyam and Odissi.
• For her contributions to promoting ‘Classical dances’, she has received accolades from many national and international organizations.
• She was the youngest recipient of Padma Bhushan in 1992.
• In 2003, Sonal became the first Indian woman dancer to be awarded Padma Vibhushan.

Important PointsOdissi Dance:

• Odissi is a folk dance form of Odisha.

• This is a delicate dance backed by soothing lyrics and Is similar to Bharatnatyam in terms of Mudras and Expressions.
• The cave of Udayagiri-Khandagiri provides the earliest example of Odissi.
• It was primarily practiced by Maharis under patrons of Jain King Kheravela.
• "Mobile Sculpture" includes two major postures:
  • Tribhanga - The body is deflected at the neck, torso, and knees.
  • Chowk - A position imitating a square.
• Indrani Rehman, Charles Fabri, Guru Pankaj Charan Das, and Kelu Charan Mohapatra are some of the famous artists of Odissi dance

Additional Information

The correct answer is Sattriya.

Key Points 

• In Assamese, generally, Mati-Akhora means exercise done on the ground.
• The Sattriya dance training begins with these Mati-Akhoras.
• Mati-Akhoras are a foundation for the learners to make a healthy physical, mental, and spiritual set-up which is very necessary for a classical dancer. 
• The great Assamese reformer and Vaishnava saint Mahapurusha Sankaradeva established the Sattriya dancing style in the 15th century A.D. as a potent means of spreading the Vaishnava religion.
• It is one of India's eight classical dance genres.
• Sankaradeva created this dance style by fusing ideas from numerous treatises with popular dance styles, regional folk dances, and his own unique perspective.
• The Sattriya dance is a blatant example of how the former influenced the latter.
• Bihu, Bodos, and other Assamese folk dances are other clearly discernible influences on Sattriya dance.
• These dancing styles have very similar hand movements and rhythmic syllables.

Additional Information 

The correct answer is Manipuri.Key Points

• Guru Bipin Singh:-
  • He​ was a renowned dance exponent and teacher from Manipur, India.
  • He was instrumental in promoting and popularizing the Manipuri dance form across the country and the world.
  • He trained several students and established the Manipuri Nartanalaya in New Delhi to impart training in the dance form.
  • Guru Bipin Singh received several prestigious awards for his contributions to the field of dance, including the Nrityacharya, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Kalidas Samman awards.

Additional Information

• Kuchipudi
  • It is a classical dance form from Andhra Pradesh, India.
  • It is known for its intricate footwork, graceful movements, and expressive storytelling.
• Odissi:-
  • It is a classical dance form from Odisha, India.
  • It is characterized by fluid movements, intricate hand gestures, and elaborate costumes.
• Kathak:-
  • It​ is a classical dance form from northern India, known for its rhythmic footwork, intricate hand movements, and storytelling through dance. 

The correct option is Odissi.Key Points

• Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibushan awardee, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, was instrumental in reviving the classical dance form of Odissi.
• Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was a renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer who played a significant role in popularizing Odissi dance form across the world.
• Odissi is one of the eight classical dance forms of India that originated in the eastern state of Odisha.
• It has a rich history and is known for its graceful movements, expressions, and intricate footwork.

Additional Information

• Kuchipudi is a classical dance form that originated in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
  • It is known for its fast-paced footwork and dramatic storytelling.
• Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
  • It is known for its grace, symmetry, and expressive storytelling.
• Manipuri is a classical dance form that originated in the northeastern state of Manipur.
  • ​It is known for its fluid movements, delicate footwork, and devotional themes.

The correct answer is Kathak. Key Points

• Ishwari Prasad is associated with the Indian classical dance form of Kathak.
• The roots of the Kathak Lucknow Gharana may be traced back to Sri Ishwari Prasadji, an Allahabad inhabitant of the Handia Tehsil.
• Kathak is a North Indian classical dance form that originated in the Mughal era and is known for its intricate footwork and graceful movements.

Additional Information

• Manipuri is a classical dance form from Manipur in Northeast India.
  • It is characterized by its slow and graceful movements.
• Kathakali is a classical dance-drama form from Kerala in South India.
  • It is known for its elaborate makeup and costumes, and its use of facial expressions and hand gestures to convey emotions.
• Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form from Tamil Nadu in South India.
  • It is known for its complex rhythms and expressive gestures.

The correct answer is Manipuri.

Key Points

• The correct answer to the question is option 4, Manipuri.
  • Darshana Jhaveri is a renowned Manipuri dancer from India who has been awarded the Padma Shri in 2007 for her contribution to the field of dance.
  • Manipuri is a classical dance form that originated in the northeastern state of Manipur in India and is known for its graceful movements, delicate footwork, and storytelling through dance.
• Bharatanatyam is another popular classical dance form from South India that is characterized by intricate footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions. It is known for its dynamic and rhythmic movements.
•  Kathak is a North Indian classical dance form that emphasizes fast spins, footwork, and storytelling through dance. It is known for its intricate rhythmic patterns and graceful movements.
• Kathakali is a traditional dance-drama form from the southern state of Kerala that combines dance, music, and acting. It is known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and facial expressions that are used to convey emotions and tell stories.
• Hence, the statement "Padma Shri awardee, Darshana Jhaveri is a Manipuri dancer of India" is correct.

The correct answer is Bharatanatyam.

Key Points

• Lakshmi Vishwanathan was an esteemed exponent of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu, India.
• She received the prestigious Natya Kalanidhi Award from the Music Academy for her extensive contributions to Bharatanatyam.
• Known for her exceptional abhinaya (expression) and intricate footwork, she brought a unique style to the traditional form.
• She trained under the legendary Guru K.N. Dandayudapani Pillai, a renowned Bharatanatyam teacher.

Additional Information

• Bharatanatyam
  • It is one of the oldest classical dance traditions in India, known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, and intricate footwork combined with expressive hand gestures and facial expressions.
  • Originating from the temples of Tamil Nadu, it was traditionally performed by female temple dancers called Devadasis.
  • The dance form is characterized by three primary elements: Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natyam (dramatic dance).
  • Bharatanatyam is accompanied by classical Carnatic music and involves a deep connection between the dancer and the divine.
• Natya Kalanidhi Award
  • This prestigious award is presented by the Music Academy in Chennai to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of dance.
  • The award recognizes outstanding performers and teachers who have dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting classical dance forms.
• Guru K.N. Dandayudapani Pillai
  • He was a legendary Bharatanatyam teacher and choreographer, known for his innovative compositions and teaching methods.
  • His contributions to Bharatanatyam include training several prominent dancers and enriching the repertoire of the dance form.
• Abhinaya
  • Abhinaya refers to the art of expression in Indian classical dance, involving facial expressions, hand gestures, and body movements to convey emotions and stories.
  • It is an essential aspect of Bharatanatyam, allowing dancers to connect with the audience and communicate complex narratives.

The correct answer is Mallika Sarabhai.

Key Points

• Mallika Sarabhai is a renowned Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• She is the daughter of the celebrated Indian scientist, Vikram Sarabhai, and the renowned classical dancer, Mrinalini Sarabhai.
• Mallika Sarabhai is known for her contributions to Indian classical dance, especially her performances in Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam.
• She has also been an active social activist and has used her art to address various social issues.
• In addition to her dance career, she has worked as a choreographer, author, and theatre artist.
• Mallika Sarabhai has been honored with several awards for her contributions to dance and society, including the Padma Bhushan.

 Additional Information

• Vijay Shankar
  • Vijay Shankar is a name that could be associated with various professions, but in the context of Indian classical dance, there is no widely recognized dancer by this name.
• Pandit Birju Maharaj
  • Pandit Birju Maharaj is a legendary Kathak dancer from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
  • He is known for his mastery in the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak dance.
  • Pandit Birju Maharaj has been honored with numerous awards, including the Padma Vibhushan.
• Sonal Mansingh
  • Sonal Mansingh is a distinguished Indian classical dancer known for her performances in Bharatanatyam and Odissi.
  • She has received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan.
  • Sonal Mansingh is also known for her work as a cultural activist.

The Correct Answer is Janaki Prasad.

Key Points

• Janaki Prasad
  • The Banaras Gharana of Kathak developed under the leadership of Janaki Prasad.
  • He was originally a resident of Bikaner.
  • Imparting the intricate knowledge of this ancient dance to his disciple, he founded the Banaras Gharana of Kathak.
  • Practitioners of Kathak Banaras Gharana are unique in that they often take turns to both the right and left with equal assurance.
  • This Banaras gharana is different from other gharanas in many ways, including thaat (a piece of performance) and tatkar (use of steps).

Additional Information

• Kathak
  • The spiritual center of India and one of the oldest cities in the world is Banaras. Kathak and a particular gharana Kathak was popular in Banaras.
  • The three main gharanas of Kathak, a traditional dance form originating in Uttar Pradesh, are located in Lucknow, Jaipur and Banaras.
  • The Vedic Sanskrit word "Katha", meaning "story", is where the word "Kathak" originates from.
  • The resulting text-based analysis suggests that Kathak is an old style of traditional Indian dance.
  • With the entry of the British in India, Kathak started declining. Artists passed on their knowledge to the next generation within the family as there were no written texts to preserve this art style.

The correct answer is Odissi.

Key Points

• Sonal Mansingh is a prominent Indian classical dancer who specializes in Bharatanatyam and Odissi.
• For her contributions to promoting ‘Classical dances’, she has received accolades from many national and international organizations.
• She was the youngest recipient of Padma Bhushan in 1992.
• In 2003, Sonal became the first Indian woman dancer to be awarded Padma Vibhushan.

Important PointsOdissi Dance:

• Odissi is a folk dance form of Odisha.

• This is a delicate dance backed by soothing lyrics and Is similar to Bharatnatyam in terms of Mudras and Expressions.
• The cave of Udayagiri-Khandagiri provides the earliest example of Odissi.
• It was primarily practiced by Maharis under patrons of Jain King Kheravela.
• "Mobile Sculpture" includes two major postures:
  • Tribhanga - The body is deflected at the neck, torso, and knees.
  • Chowk - A position imitating a square.
• Indrani Rehman, Charles Fabri, Guru Pankaj Charan Das, and Kelu Charan Mohapatra are some of the famous artists of Odissi dance

Additional Information