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Question 1

Who was Bhagye Chandra?

Answer 1

An 18th-century Meltel monarch illustrating the eternal love of Radha and Krishna.

Question 2

What are the three types of Rasak?

Answer 2

Tal Rasak (followed by a clap), Danda Rasak (drums pounded with two sticks), Mandal Rasak (Lord Krishna surrounded by Gopis).

Question 3

What does Pung Cholom mean?

Answer 3

It means ‘roar of the drums’ and is the soul of Manipuri Sankirtana music and classical Manipuri dance.

Question 4

Who can perform Pung Cholom?

Answer 4

It can be performed by men or women and is usually a prelude to the Ras Lila.

Question 5

What is Dhol Cholom?

Answer 5

Dhol Cholom (Drum Dance) is performed during the spring season known as Yaosang, the Spring festival of Holi.

Question 6

What is Kartal Cholam?

Answer 6

A Tandava dance of cymbals performed by male dancers imitating natural movements of various birds.

Question 7

What is Thang Ta Dance?

Answer 7

A traditional martial art of Manipur combining rhythm and vigor, derived from ‘sword’ and ‘spear’.

Question 8

What are the main components of Thang Ta?

Answer 8

Sarit Sarak (unarmed fighting) and Thang-Ta (armed combat).

Question 9

What are some variations of Thang Ta?

Answer 9

Thang-Chungoi Yannaba, Ta-Kousaba, Thang-Ta-Chaieraba, and others.

Question 10

Who are some famous dancers of Manipuri dance?

Answer 10

Hanjaba Guru Bipin Singha, Jhaveri Sisters, Nirmala Mehta, Savita Mehta.

Question 11

What is Odissi?

Answer 11

A classical Indian dance originating from the Hindu temples of Odisha, tracing back to Natya Shastra.

Question 12

What styles exist in traditional Odissi?

Answer 12

Maharas (women’s sacred dance) and Gotipuas (boys dressed as girls with athletic movements).

Question 13

What are the performance components of Odissi?

Answer 13

Invocation, nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressive dance), natya (dance drama), and moksha (dance climax).

Question 14

What are Nritya and Abhinaya in Odissi?

Answer 14

Nritya involves delicate physical movements, while Abhinaya involves facial expressions to convey stories.

Question 15

What music accompanies Odissi?

Answer 15

Hindustani classical music and traditional Odia music, featuring instruments like pakhawaj and flute.

Question 16

What are the three primary dance positions in Odissi?

Answer 16

Samabhanga, Abhyanga, and Tribhanga.

Question 17

What is the Chowk position in Odissi?

Answer 17

A masculine stance imitating a square, with balanced body weight.

Question 18

What is the Tribhanga position in Odissi?

Answer 18

A feminine stance with the body deflected at the neck, torso, and knees.

Question 19

What is the Mangalacharan in Odissi?

Answer 19

Marks the entrance of the dancer on stage, often offering a flower to the earth.

Question 20

What are the two commonly used sarees in Odissi?

Answer 20

Sambalpuri saree and Bomkai saree, adorned with elaborate silver jewelry.

Question 21

Who are some famous Odissi dancers?

Answer 21

Sonal Mansingh, Jhelum Paranjape, Mayadhar Rao, Gangadhar Pradhan.

Question 22

What is Sattriya dance?

Answer 22

The classical dance of Assam, originating in Sattra as part of the neo-Vaishnavite movement.

Question 23

What are the styles of Sattriya dance?

Answer 23

Paurashik Bhangi (male style) and Stri Bhangi (female style).

Question 24

Who performs Sattriya dance?

Answer 24

Performed by Bhokots (male monks) in monasteries and by men and women on stage.

Question 25

What is the most popular saree used in Sattriya dance?

Answer 25

Pat Silk saree, representing locality through colorful motifs.

Question 26

What instruments are used in Sattriya dance?

Answer 26

Khol (drum), Bahi (flute), Violin, Tanpura, Harmonium, and Shankha (Conch Shell).

Question 27

What are Borgeets in Sattriya dance?

Answer 27

Songs composed by Sankaradeva, integral to the dance.