India's vibrant cultural tapestry is beautifully showcased through its diverse dance forms, each embodying unique traditions and artistic expressions. For aspirants gearing up for competitive exams like SSC CGL, SSC MTS, SSC CHSL, UPSC prelims, and various state PSCs, understanding these dance forms is crucial.
In this post highlights the most frequently asked multiple-choice questions (MCQs) related to important Indian dance forms, helping you making your study easier and better preparing you for the exam.
Knowing Indian dance forms enhances your cultural understanding and helps improve your exam scores. Familiarity with classical and folk dances, their origins, famous dancers, and unique features can give you an advantage in these tests.
PracticeShow All Answers
Q1: The Mohiniattam dance form was developed in ?
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Karnataka
C. Kerala
D. Tamil Nadu
Mohiniattam is a classical dance form that originated and developed in the state of Kerala, India. It is known for its graceful and fluid movements, which are meant to evoke the feminine spirit of the mythical enchantress Mohini. The dance form is deeply rooted in the cultural and mythological traditions of Kerala and is often performed as a solo recital by women. Mohiniattam was revived and reconstructed in the 1930s by the nationalist Malayalam poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, who helped repeal the ban on temple dancing in Kerala and established the Kerala Kalamandalam dance school to promote Mohiniattam studies, training, and practice.
Q2: Which of the following is related to Tamil Nadu ?
A. Pinnal Kolattam
B. Lezim
C. Lavani
D. Ghanta Mardala
Pinnal Kolattam is a traditional folk dance from Tamil Nadu, India. It is typically performed by women using colorful ropes or ribbons, which they weave into intricate patterns as they dance. The dance is often accompanied by singing and is a popular form of entertainment during festivals and celebrations in Tamil Nadu.
Q3: Kavadi and Karagam are related to which state ?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Maharashtra
C. Karnataka
D. Kerala
Kavadi and Karagam are traditional dance forms associated with the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Kavadi is a ceremonial dance performed during the festival of Thaipusam, dedicated to the Hindu god Murugan. Karagam is another folk dance of Tamil Nadu, performed in praise of the rain goddess Mariamman. Both dances are deeply rooted in the religious and cultural traditions of Tamil Nadu.
Q4: Dandiya Raas is mainly related to which state ?
A. Rajasthan
B. Gujarat
C. Maharashtra
D. West Bengal
Dandiya Raas is a traditional folk dance form that originated in the state of Gujarat, India. It is typically performed during the festival of Navratri and involves dancing with colorful sticks called dandiyas. The dance is a vibrant and energetic celebration of the goddess Durga and is an integral part of Gujarati culture.
Q5: Kuchipudi is a dance drama of which of the following states?
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Kerala
C. Karnataka
D. Tamil Nadu
Kuchipudi is a classical dance form that originated in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is known for its graceful movements and expressive storytelling, often depicting mythological tales and religious themes. Kuchipudi is one of the eight major classical dance forms of India and is characterized by its intricate footwork, elaborate costumes, and dramatic expressions.
Q6: With which state is Bhavai dance form associated ?
A. Gujarat
B. Rajasthan
C. Chhattisgarh
D. Odisha
Bhavai is a traditional folk dance form associated with the state of Rajasthan, India. It is known for its acrobatic and balancing acts, where dancers, often women, balance multiple earthen pots or brass pitchers on their heads while performing intricate dance moves. The dance is a display of skill and grace and is typically performed during festivals and celebrations in Rajasthan.
Q7: Which of the following is the dance related to Andhra Pradesh ?
A. Kaliyattam
B. Kirtan
C. Burrakatha
D. Jimmi Ki Kamal
Burrakatha is a traditional dance form associated with the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a form of storytelling and dance that combines music, dance, and narrative performances. Burrakatha is known for its vibrant costumes, rhythmic movements, and the use of traditional musical instruments. It is often performed during festivals and religious events in Andhra Pradesh.
Q8: Lezim is a dance form of which state of India ?
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. West Bengal
C. Maharashtra
D. Tamil Nadu
Lezim is a traditional folk dance form from the state of Maharashtra, India. It is a vigorous and energetic dance that involves the use of a musical instrument called lezim, which consists of jingling cymbals. The dance is typically performed in groups and is known for its synchronized movements and lively rhythms. Lezim is often performed during festivals and celebrations in Maharashtra.
Q9: Gidda is a popular folk dance from which state of India ?
A. Punjab
B. Haryana
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Uttarakhand
Giddha is a popular folk dance of women in the Punjab region. The dance is often considered derived from the ancient dance known as the ring dance and is just as energetic as bhangra; at the same time it manages to creatively display feminine grace, elegance and flexibility. It is a highly colourful dance form which has spread to all regions of India.
Q10: Bhagavata Mela Nataka is mainly related to which place ?
A. Kerala
B. Karnataka
C. Assam
D. Tamil Nadu
Bhagavata Mela Nataka is a traditional dance-drama form mainly related to the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is particularly associated with the Thanjavur region and is performed as a devotional offering during festivals and religious events. Bhagavata Mela Nataka combines music, dance, and drama to tell mythological stories and is an important part of Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage.
Q11: Kathakeertan and Gafa are related to which state?
A. Madhya Pradesh
B. Karnataka
C. Maharashtra
D. Kerala
Kathakeertan and Gafa are folk dances of Maharashtra. Other folk dances of Maharashtra include Dasavtar and Lezin..
Q12: Domkach is a folk dance form of which state?
A. Kerala
B. Jharkhand
C. Assam
D. Uttar Pradesh
Domkach is a folk dance form from Jharkhand, typically performed during weddings and festivals. It is a lively and energetic dance that involves both men and women, who form a circle and dance to the rhythm of traditional music.
Q13: Sattriya is a classical dance form of which state?
A. Assam
B. West Bengal
C. Odisha
D. Kerala
Sattriya is a classical dance form that originates from the state of Assam in India. It was developed by the 15th-century saint and scholar Srimanta Sankardeva and is known for its graceful movements, intricate footwork, and expressive hand gestures. Sattriya is one of the eight classical dance forms recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's national academy for music, dance, and drama.
Q14: Who has popularized the Indian classical dance abroad?
A. Kelucharan Mohapatra
B. Rukmani Devi
C. Gopi Krishna
D. Uday Shankar
Uday Shankar was a pioneering Indian dancer and choreographer who played a significant role in popularizing Indian classical dance abroad. He founded the Uday Shankar India Culture Centre in Almora, which became a hub for learning and promoting Indian dance forms. His innovative fusion of classical Indian dance with Western techniques helped introduce Indian dance to international audiences.
Q15: Ankia Naat is a dance form of which state?
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Bihar
C. Assam
D. Jammu and Kashmir
Ankia Naat is a traditional dance-drama form from the state of Assam, India. It was developed by the Vaishnava saint Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century and is known for its vibrant performances that combine dance, music, and drama. Ankia Naat is typically performed during festivals and religious occasions and is an important part of Assam's cultural heritage.
Q16: Name the popular folk dance of Uttar Pradesh?
A. Maang
B. Kajri
C. Baul
D. Boli
Kajri is a popular folk dance from Uttar Pradesh, typically performed during the monsoon season. It is known for its graceful movements and is often accompanied by folk songs that celebrate the beauty of nature and the joy of the rainy season. Kajri is an integral part of the cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Q17: Jata Jatin is mainly related to which state?
A. Bihar
B. Jharkhand
C. Sikkim
D. Goa
Jata Jatin is a traditional folk dance from the state of Bihar, particularly popular in the Mithila region. It is typically performed by women during festivals and celebrations. The dance is known for its graceful movements and is an important part of the cultural heritage of Bihar.
Q18: Yakshagana is the dance, related to which state?
A. Himachal Pradesh
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Karnataka
Yakshagana is a traditional dance-drama form from the state of Karnataka, particularly popular in the coastal regions. It combines dance, music, dialogue, and elaborate costumes to tell stories from Hindu epics and mythology. Yakshagana is known for its vibrant performances and is an important part of Karnataka's cultural heritage.
Q19: Paika is a dance form of which state?
A. Kerala
B. Jharkhand
C. Assam
D. Uttar Pradesh
Paika is a traditional martial dance form from the state of Jharkhand, particularly popular among the Munda tribe. It is typically performed during festivals and celebrations and is known for its energetic and acrobatic movements. The dance often involves the use of traditional weapons like swords and shields, and it is an important part of the cultural heritage of Jharkhand.
Q20: Name the dance which was revived by Vallathol?
A. Odissi
B. Kathakali
C. Manipuri
D. Bharatnatyam
Vallathol Narayana Menon was a renowned Malayalam poet and social reformer from Kerala who played a significant role in reviving the classical dance form of Kathakali. He established the Kerala Kalamandalam, an institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Kathakali, which had declined during the colonial period. His efforts helped in reconstructing and popularizing Kathakali, ensuring its continuity as a major classical dance form of India.
Q21: Bharatnatyam is the dance form of which state?
A. Kerala
B. Karnataka
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Andhra Pradesh
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originates from the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is known for its intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and detailed storytelling, often based on Hindu mythology and religious themes. Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most revered classical dance forms in India, with a rich history and cultural significance.
Q22: In which state of India Luddi Dance is performed?
A. Punjab
B. Rajasthan
C. West Bengal
D. Madhya Pradesh
Luddi is a traditional folk dance from the state of Punjab, typically performed during weddings and festive occasions. It is known for its lively and energetic movements and is an important part of Punjabi culture. Luddi is often accompanied by traditional Punjabi music and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Q23: In which state of India Rouf Dance is performed?
A. Punjab
B. Rajasthan
C. Jammu and Kashmir
D. Madhya Pradesh
Rouf is a folk dance which is found in Kashmir region. One of the most known
dances of Jammu and Kashmir, Rouf is pronounced as ‘ruf’ in villages and as
‘row’ in cities. It is a dance performed during the onset of spring season and has
always been an integral part of Kashmiri people since time immemoria.
Q24: Ottan Thullal and Koodiyattam is related to which state?
A. Kerala
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Karnataka
Ottan Thullal and Koodiyattam are traditional dance-drama forms from the state of Kerala. Ottan Thullal is a solo performance that combines dance, mime, and storytelling, often with a satirical or humorous theme. Koodiyattam is a more elaborate and ancient form of Sanskrit theater that combines dance, music, and drama to tell stories from Hindu epics and mythology.
Report Card
Total Questions Attempted: 0
Correct Answers: 0
Wrong Answers: 0
Keep Practicing!
Tips for Preparing MCQs on Indian Dance Forms
Understand the Basics: Start with the history, region of origin, and key characteristics of each dance form.
Learn Prominent Dancers and Choreographers: Familiarize yourself with renowned personalities associated with each dance form.
Identify Unique Features: Focus on what makes each dance form distinct, such as costumes, music, and performance styles.
Use Visual Aids: Watching performances or videos can help reinforce your understanding and memory of different dance styles.
Practice Regularly: Use flashcards or quizzes to test your knowledge and improve retention.
Utilize the resources and tips provided in this guide to streamline your study process and approach your exams with confidence.
