India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, and this diversity is vividly reflected in its dance forms. Indian dances are broadly classified into classical and folk, each with its unique history, style, and significance. For competitive exams like OSSSC RI, ARI, Amin, SFS, and ICDS Supervisor, knowledge of these dance forms is essential. Here are some multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to help you prepare:
Top 30 Indian Dance Forms(GK) MCQs For OSSSC RI, ARI, Amin, SFS, ICDS Supervisor
- What is the principal text governing the rules and guidelines of Indian classical dance forms?
A) Mahabharata
B) Natya Shastra
C) Vedas
D) Ramayana
Answer: B) Natya Shastra - Which classical dance form is known as the ‘fire dance’?
A) Kathakali
B) Odissi
C) Bharatnatyam
D) Mohiniattam
Answer: C) Bharatnatyam - Which of the following elements is part of a Bharatnatyam recital?
A) Manduk Shabdam
B) Tarangam
C) Alarippu
D) Jala Chitra Nrityam
Answer: C) Alarippu - What is the origin of the name ‘Kuchipudi’?
A) A famous dancer’s name
B) A village in Andhra Pradesh
C) A deity worshipped in South India
D) An ancient Sanskrit text
Answer: B) A village in Andhra Pradesh - Which classical dance form is performed in Manipravalam language?
A) Bharatnatyam
B) Kuchipudi
C) Kathakali
D) Mohiniattam
Answer: C) Kathakali - Who revived Bharatnatyam in the early 20th century and gave it global recognition?
A) E. Krishna Iyer
B) Rukmini Devi Arundale
C) Lakshminarayan Sastri
D) Yamini Krishnamurthy
Answer: B) Rukmini Devi Arundale - Which dance form is known for involving difficult foot movements and is often performed as a team?
A) Bharatnatyam
B) Kathak
C) Kuchipudi
D) Manipuri
Answer: C) Kuchipudi - In Kathakali, what does the color green on the face indicate?
A) Nobility and divinity
B) Evil and wickedness
C) Royalty
D) Saints and women
Answer: A) Nobility and divinity - Which dance form is characterized by gentle footwork and a predominance of Lasya (beauty and grace)?
A) Odissi
B) Kathakali
C) Mohiniattam
D) Bharatnatyam
Answer: C) Mohiniattam - Which instrument is commonly used to accompany a Kuchipudi performance?
A) Mridangam
B) Tabla
C) Sitar
D) Pakhawaj
Answer: A) Mridangam - Which cave complex provides some of the earliest examples of Odissi dance?
a) Ajanta Caves
b) Ellora Caves
c) Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves
d) Elephanta Caves
Answer: c) Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves - What is the primary source of the term “Odissi”?
a) The Rigveda
b) The Natya Shastra
c) The Arthashastra
d) The Mahabharata
Answer: b) The Natya Shastra - Who were the ‘Gotipuas’?
a) Female dancers in the Mahari tradition
b) Male dancers dressed as females
c) Royal court dancers
d) Temple priests
Answer: b) Male dancers dressed as females - Which dance posture is innate to Odissi dance form and signifies masculinity?
a) Tribhanga
b) Chowk
c) Tandava
d) Lasya
Answer: b) Chowk - Who was instrumental in reviving and popularizing Odissi on the international stage in the mid-20th century?
a) Rabindranath Tagore
b) Charles Fabri and Indrani Rahman
c) Birju Maharaj
d) Jhaveri Sisters
Answer: b) Charles Fabri and Indrani Rahman - Which musical instrument is not typically used to accompany Odissi dance?
a) Manjira
b) Pakhawaj
c) Sitar
d) Mridangam
Answer: d) Mridangam - Which dance form is associated with the celestial dance of Shiva and Parvati in Manipur?
a) Kathak
b) Bharatanatyam
c) Manipuri
d) Sattriya
Answer: c) Manipuri - In Kathak, what is the term for the competitive play between the dancer and the tabla player?
a) Jugalbandi
b) Thaat
c) Toda
d) Gat bhaav
Answer: a) Jugalbandi - Which dance form was introduced by Vaishnava Saint Sankaradeva in Assam?
a) Bharatanatyam
b) Kuchipudi
c) Sattriya
d) Kathakali
Answer: c) Sattriya - Which of the following is a significant theme in Manipuri dance recitals?
a) Ramayana
b) Mahabharata
c) Ras Leela
d) Panchatantra
Answer: c) Ras Leela - Which of the following states is associated with the Chhau dance?
A. Rajasthan
B. Gujarat
C. Jharkhand
D. Kerala
Answer: C. Jharkhand - Garba is a traditional folk dance primarily performed during which festival in Gujarat?
A. Holi
B. Diwali
C. Navratra
D. Pongal
Answer: C. Navratra - What is the main theme of the Dandiya Raas dance?
A. Celebration of harvest
B. Mock fight between Durga and Mahishasura
C. Performance of mythological stories
D. Worship of Lord Shiva
Answer: B. Mock fight between Durga and Mahishasura - Which dance form is known for its performers balancing multiple pots on their heads, typically seen in the Malwa region?
A. Jawara
B. Matki
C. Ghoomar
D. Kalbelia
Answer: B. Matki - In which state is the Kalbelia dance, known for its resemblance to serpent movements, performed?
A. Punjab
B. Odisha
C. Rajasthan
D. Assam
Answer: C. Rajasthan - Bhangra, a lively and energetic dance, is a folk tradition of which Indian state?
A. Punjab
B. Haryana
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Himachal Pradesh
Answer: A. Punjab - Which dance from Assam is performed to celebrate the festival of Bihu?
A. Gaur Muria
B. Bagurumba
C. Jhumair
D. Thang Ta
Answer: B. Bagurumba - Singhi Chham is a mask dance that symbolizes the snow lion. In which state is this dance performed?
A. Sikkim
B. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Nagaland
D. Manipur
Answer: A. Sikkim - The dance form ‘Butta Bommalu’ involves dancers wearing masks and is native to which state?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Karnataka
D. Telangana
Answer: B. Andhra Pradesh - Which dance form, characterized by martial movements and the use of bamboo sticks, is associated with Mizoram?
A. Kummi
B. Cheraw
C. Padayani
D. Hulivesha
Answer: B. Cheraw
