INDIAN DANCE FORMS Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

Natya Veda was created by?

A

Lord Brahma created the fifth Veda known as Natya Veda.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

The first formal mention of dance is found in?

A

Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Define Lasya and Tandava?

A
  1. Lasya– denotes grace, bhava, rasa and abhinaya. It is symbolic to the feminine features of dance as an art form.
  2. Tandava– symbolic to male aspects of dance and has more emphasis on rhythm and movement.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Abhinaya Darpan (famous treatise on dance) was written by?

A

Nandikeshwara.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Three basic elements of an act as per Abhinaya Darpan?

A
  1. Nritta– It refers to the basic dance steps, performed rhythmically but devoid of any expression or mood
  2. Natya– It means dramatic representations and refers to the story that is elaborated through the dance recital.
  3. Nritya - Nritya refers to the sentiment and the emotions evoked through dance. It includes the mime and the different methods of expression including mudras in the dance.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Nayaka-Nayika Bhav (Nine rasas or emotions) as per Nandikeshwara?

A
  1. Shringara for love
  2. Roudra for anger
  3. Bibhatsa for disgust
  4. Veera for heroism
  5. Shaant for peace and tranquility
  6. Haasya for laughter and comedy
  7. Karuna for tragedy
  8. Bhayanak for horror
  9. Adbhuta for wonder.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How many classical dance are there in India?

A
  • As per Sangeet Natak Akademi, there exists 8 classical dance forms in India.
  • As per Ministry of culture there are 9 classical dances. They also include Chhau.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Which dance is also called Dashiattam and why?

A

Bharatnatyam. The origin of this dance can be traced back to ‘Sadir’- the solo dance performance of the temple dancers or devadasis in Tamil Nadu, hence it is also referred to as Dashiattam.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Rukmini Devi Arundale is associated with which classical dance?

A

Bharatnatyam.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Features of Bharatnatyam?

A
  1. Alarippu– includes basic dance postures.
  2. Jatiswaram– Nritta component and devoid of expressions.
  3. Shabdam– dramatic element.
  4. Varnam– Nritya component, most important part of the whole performance.
  5. Padam– mastery over abhinaya (expression).
  6. Jawali– short love lyrics at fast tempo.
  7. Thillana– concluding stage.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is Tanjore Quartet?

A

Four Thanjavur teachers, known as the ‘Tanjore quartet’, are:–
1. Chiniah
2. Ponniah
3. Vadivelu
4. Shivanandam
Under them, Bharatnatyam also came to be known as Tanjore natyam.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Which dance is also known as the fire dance?

A

Bharatnatyam, most of the movements resemble to that of a dancing flame.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Kataka Mukha Hasta is one of the principal mudra of which dance?

A

Bharatnatyam, in this mudra three fingers are joined to symbolise ‘Om’.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q
  1. In this dance equal emphasis is given on both the Tandava and Lasya aspects of dance.
  2. Knees are mostly bent and the weight is equally distributed across both the feet.
  3. It is also characterised by the ‘Ekcharya lasyam’ style in which one dancer plays many different roles.
    Which dance is this?
A

Bharatnatyam.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Bharatanatyam is a classical dance of which state?

A

Tamil Nadu.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Kuchipudi is a classical dance of which state?

A

Andhra Pradesh.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Who were kusselavas?

A

Originally Kuchipudi was performed by a group of actors going from village to village, known as Kusselavas.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Bhama Kalapam was authored by?

A

Siddhendra Yogi. He formalized and systematized the tradition of Kuchipudi.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Central theme of the recitals in Kuchipudi?

A

Bhagavat Purana.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Kuchipudi dancers are known as?

A

Bhagavathalus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Kuchipudi gained prominence under the patronage of?

A

Vijayanagara and Golconda rulers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Who revived Kuchipudi?

A

Balasaraswati and Ragini Devi.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Features of Kuchipudi?

A
  1. Difficult foot movement.
  2. Recitals based on Bhagawata Purana but have secular theme. There is predominance of Shringaara ras.
  3. Each principal character introduces itself on the stage with a “daaru”, which is a small composition of dance and song.
  4. All three components Nritta, Natya and Nritya present. It is similar to Bharatnatyam but has its own features.
  5. Dancer may combine the role of singer into himself/herself as well.
  6. Both Lasya and Tandava elements present.
  7. The performance has:–
    - Sollakath or Patakshara: the Nritta part.
    - Kavutvams: Nritya part.
  8. Has solo elements also.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Solo elements in Kuchipudi?

A
  1. Manduk Shabdam– Tells the story of a frog.
  2. Tarangam– feets on edges of a brass plate and balancing a pot of water on the head or set of diyas.
  3. Jala Chitra Nrityam– dancer draws pictures on the floor with his or her toes while dancing.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Kuchipudi is accompanied with which music and what are the principal instruments?

A

Carnatic Music, Violin and Mridgangam.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Famous proponents of Kuchipudi?

A

Radha Reddy and Raja Reddy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Kathakali is classical dance form of which state?

A

Kerala.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What was the source of kathakali?

A

In temples of Kerala, Ramanattam and Krishnattam, evolved under the patronage of feudal lords, narrating episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. These folk drama traditions latter became the source of Kathakali.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Which dance is closely related to Koodiyattam?

A

Kathakali.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Kathakali was revived by?

A

Revived in 1930s by famous Malayali poet V.N. Menon under the patronage of Mukunda Raja.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Features of Kathakali?

A
  1. All male troupe performance.
  2. Minimal use of props. Elaborate facial makeup along with a headgear.
  3. Has both dance and drama.
  4. Most Kathakali recitals are a grand representation of the eternal conflict between good and evil. It is also called the ballad of the east.
  5. Language used is Manipravalam, i.e. a mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit.
  6. Gestures are perhaps the crown jewel of the entire dance drama. Nine important facial expressions called Navarasas are taught to convey the different emotions.
  7. Performed in open air theatres.
  8. The arrival of the dawn, accompanied with a continuous sound of drums, Chhenda and maddala marks the beginning and end of a Kathakali recital.
  9. Kathakali symbolizes the element of sky or ether.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Mohiniattam is the classical dance form from which state?

A

Kerala.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Which classical dance is called the Dance of the Enchantress?

A

Mohiniattam (‘Mohini’ meaning beautiful women and ‘attam’ means dance) is a solo dance performed by women.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Mohiniattam gained prominence under the rulers of?

A

Travancore in present state of Kerala.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Who revived Mohiniattam?

A

Malayali poet V.N. Menon along with Kalyani Amma.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Features of Mohiniattam?

A
  1. Combines the grace and elegance of Bharatnatyam with the vigour of kathakali.
  2. Marked absence of thumping of footsteps and the footwork is gentle.
  3. It generally narrates the story of the feminine dance of Vishnu.
  4. Has its own Nritta and Nritya aspects.
  5. Lasya aspect (beauty, grace) of dance is dominant in a Mohiniattam recital.
  6. Costume– white and off-white principal colours. No elaborate facial make-up. Ghungroo on ankles.
  7. Element of air is symbolised.
  8. Atavakul or Atavus is the collection of fourty basic dance movements.
  9. Musical instruments used are: cymbals, veena, drums, flute etc.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Atavakul or Atavus is the collection of fourty basic dance movements in which classical dance form?

A

Mohiniattam.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Identify the dance form?
1. The caves of Udayagiri Khandagiri provides some of the earliest examples of this dance.
2. This dance was practiced by the maharis and patronised by the Jain King Kharvela.

A

Odissi.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Odissi derives its name from?

A

‘Odra nritya’ mentioned in Natya Shastra.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Who are Gotipuas and what is Nartala?

A
  • With the advent of Vaishnavism in the region, the Mahari system became defunct. Instead, young boys were recruited and dressed as females to continue the art form of Odissi. They came to be known as Gotipuas.
  • Another variant of this art, ‘Nartala’ continued to be practiced at the royal courts.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Odissi classical dance gained international acclaim due to the efforts of?

A

Charles Fabri and Indrani Rehman.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Features of Odissi classical dance?

A
  1. Same mudras and postures as Bharatnatyam.
  2. Tribhanga posture
  3. During dance, lower body remains largely static and there is movement of the torso.
  4. Unique in its representation of gracefulness, sensuality and beauty. Dancers create intricate geometrical shapes and patterns with her body. Hence it is known as mobile sculptures.
  5. Accompanied by Hindustani classical music and instruments generally used are Manjira (Cymbals), Pakhawaj (Drums), Sitar, Flute, etc.
  6. Dance form symbolises the element of water.
  7. Lyrics of Gita Govinda written by Jayadeva is used along with compositions of some local poets.
  8. The women dancer wears an elaborate hair style, silver Jewellry, long necklace, etc.
43
Q

Elements of Odissi classical dance?

A
  1. Mangalacharan– flower is offered to mother earth.
  2. Batu nritya– it has Tribhanga and Chowk postures.
  3. Pallavi– facial expressions and representation of the song.
  4. Tharijham– pure dance before the conclusion.
  5. Concluding item is of two types– Moksha includes joyous movements signifying liberation. Trikhanda majura is another way of concluding, in which the performer takes leave from the gods, audience and the stage.
44
Q

Origin of Manipuri dance?

A
  • Mythological origin to the celestial dance of Shiva and Parvati in the valleys of Manipur along with the local ‘Gandharvas’.
  • It also traces its origin to the festival of Lai Haroba.
45
Q

Central theme of Manipuri classical dance?

A

The dance gained prominence with the advent of Vaishnavism in the 15th century. Then, Krishna became the central theme of this dance form.
It is performed generally by females.

46
Q

Revival of Manipuri classical dance?

A
  • Raja Bhag Chandra tried to revive it in 18th century.
  • Rabindranath Tagore brought back the dance form into limelight when he introduced it in Shantiniketan.
47
Q

Features of Manipuri classical dance?

A
  1. Emphasis on devotion and not sensuality.
  2. The faces are covered with a thin veil and facial expression is of lesser importance.
  3. Dance form incorporates both Tandava and Lasya, emphasis is laid on the latter.
  4. Females wear unique long skirts.
  5. Naga Bandha Mudra is important posture.
  6. Ras Leela (Radha Krishna love story) is the recurring theme.
  7. The drum–pung– is an intricate element of the recital.
  8. Thang Ta and Sankirtana are also influenced by Manipuri dance.
48
Q

What is Naga Bandha Mudra and it is associated with which dance?

A

Naga Bandha Mudra, in which body is connected through curves in the shape of 8. Manipuri dance.

49
Q

Drum– Pung is used in which classical dance form of India?

A

Manipuri.

50
Q

Thang Ta and sankirtana are influenced by which classical dance form?

A

Manipuri.

51
Q

Famous proponents of Manipur classical dance?

A

Jhaveri sisters.

52
Q

Origin of Kathak classical dance?

A

Ras Leela of Brajbhoomi.

53
Q

Kathak is a classical dance form of which state?

A

Uttar Pradesh.

54
Q

Kathak classical dance derives its name from?

A

Kathika or story tellers.

55
Q

The classical style of Kathak was revived by?

A

Lady Leela Sokhey.

56
Q

Features of Kathak classical dance form?

A
  1. Use of intricate footworks and pirouettes.
  2. Development of Gharanas as it is based on Hindustani style of music.
  3. Kathak is usually accompanied with dhrupad music. Taranas, thumris and ghazals were also introduced during the Mughal period.
57
Q

Elements of Kathak recital?

A
  1. Ananda or the introductory item.
  2. Thaat comprising soft and varied movements.
  3. Todas and Tukdas are small pieces of fast rhythm.
  4. Jugalbandi is the main attraction.
  5. Padhant– in which the dancer recites complicated bols and demonstrates them.
  6. Tarana is similar to Thillana, which comprises of pure rhythmic movements before the end.
  7. Kramalaya is the concluding piece comprising of intricate and fast footwork.
  8. Gat Bhaav is dance without any music or chanting.
58
Q

Sattriya classical dance was introduced by?

A

Vaishnava Saint Shankaradeva in the 15th century A.D in Assam.
The art form derives its name from the Vaishnava monasteries known as Sattras.

59
Q

Which classical dance form finds its mention in the ancient text ‘Natya Shastra’ of sage Bharat Muni and is inspired from Bhakti movement?

A

Sattriya.

60
Q

Features of Sattriya classical dance form?

A
  1. It is an amalgamation of various dance forms prevalent in Assam, mainly Ojapali and Devdasi.
  2. Focus of the Satrriya recitals is on the devotional aspect of dance and narrates mythological stories of Vishnu.
  3. Includes Nritta, Nritya and Natya.
  4. Generally performed in group by male monks known as Bhokts.
  5. Khol (drum), Cymbals (Manjira) and flute is used. The songs are composition of Shankaradeva known as Borgeets.
  6. Great emphasis on rhythmic syllables and dance postures along with footwork. It combined both Lasya and Tandava elements.
  7. The Sattriya dance tradition has strictly laid down rules in respect of hand gestures and footwork, and it plays a very important role.
  8. Costumes by males– Dhoti and Paguri (turban), by females– Ghuri and Chador made in pat silk.
61
Q

In modern times the Sattriya dance has evolved into two separate items that are?

A
  1. The Gayan Bhayanar Nach
  2. The Kharmanar Nach.
62
Q

What is Ankia Naat?

A

It is a type of Sattriya. It is also called Bhaona and involves stories of Lord Krishna.

63
Q

Chhau dance is performed in which states?

A

Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal.
Some narrations also use natural themes such as Sarpa nritya (serpent dance) or Mayur Nritya (peacock dance).

64
Q

Three main styles of Chhau dance are?

A

The dance is performed by male dancers during night time at open space.
1. Saraikella Chhau– Jharkhand
2. Purulia Chhau– West Bengal
3. Mayurbhanj Chhau– Odisha, Mayurbhanj Chhau artists don’t wear masks. In 2010, UNESCO inscribed Chhau in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

65
Q

Garba is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Gujarat.

66
Q

Dandiya Raas is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Gujarat.

67
Q

Tarangamel is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Goa. Use of rainbow like costumes.

68
Q

Ghoomar or Gangore is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Bhil tribe in Rajasthan.

69
Q

Kalbelia is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Rajasthan. Costumes and dance movements are similar to that of serpents. Been wind instrument is used.

70
Q

Charba is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Himachal Pradesh.

71
Q

Raslila is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Braj Raslila of Uttar Pradesh.

72
Q

Dadra is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Uttar Pradesh.

73
Q

Jawara is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Madhya Pradesh.

74
Q

Matki is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Malwa region. Aada and Khada Nach are popular variants of Matki dance.

75
Q

Gaur Maria is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Chhattisgarh. The dance imitates the movements of a bison and is performed by both men and women.

76
Q

Alkap is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Jharkhand and West Bengal.

77
Q

Biraha is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Bihar. It is a portrayal of pain of the women, whose partners are away from home. Dance is practiced solely by males.

78
Q

Paika is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Odisha.

79
Q

Jat-Jatin is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Bihar.

80
Q

Jhumar is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Jharkhand and Odisha.

81
Q

Danda- Jatra is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Odisha.

82
Q

Bihu is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Assam.

83
Q

Thang Ta is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Manipur.

84
Q

Rangma/Bamboo is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

It is the war dance of Nagas.

85
Q

Singhi Chham is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Sikkim, dancers are dressed in furry costumes, symbolising the snow lion and pay tribute to Khang-Chen Dzong Pa (Kanchenjunga peak).

86
Q

Kummi is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A
  • Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
  • Performed by women in circulation formation without any accompanying music.
  • Beats are generated by rhythmic clapping. Performed during Pongal.
  • Kolattam and Pinnal Kolattam are close variants of this dance form.
87
Q

Mayilattam is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A
  • Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • Young girls are dressed as peacocks. Also known as peacock dance.
88
Q

Burrakatha is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Andhra Pradesh.

89
Q

Butta Bommalu is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Andhra Pradesh. Dancers wear masks and there is non verbal music.

90
Q

Kaikottikali is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Kerala.

91
Q

Padayani is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Martial dance of Kerala.

92
Q

Kolkai Parichakali is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Kerala and Lakshwadeep.

93
Q

Bhootha Aradhane is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Karnataka.

94
Q

Pata Kunitha is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Mysore region, use of long bamboo poles.

95
Q

Chakyar Koothu is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Kerala, performer dresses himself as a snake. Colourful headgear and a large black moustache.

96
Q

Jhoomar is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Tribal sikhs in Punjab.

97
Q

Karma Naach is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Chota Nagpur Plateau.

98
Q

Raut Naach is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Chhattisgarh.

99
Q

Dumhal is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Jammu and Kashmir by Wattal tribe.

100
Q

Fugdi is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Konkan region of Goa.

101
Q

Cheraw is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Mizoram.

102
Q

Dalkhai is a popular folk dance of which Indian state?

A

Odisha.

103
Q

Which dance is called the ballad of the east?

A

Kathakali.