Test: Dances - CUET MCQ

• Ghoomar dance is performed in Rajasthan but all the states perform it in their own distinct way
• This dance form was first started by the Bhil community and was performed for worshipping goddess Saraswati.It was later adopted by other royal communities of Rajasthan including the Rajput.
• This dance form is performed by all the locals of Rajasthan during auspicious festivals and gatherings like in marriages, during the festival of Teej, Holi and to celebrate the onset of monsoon.

Mohiniattam:

• It originated in the state of Kerala.
• The dance is performed by women in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu in his incarnation as the enchantress Mohini.
• Mohiniattam is exclusively danced by women. It is also softer than the very vigorous Kathakali.
• The dance projects the essence of feminine grace.
• It is also noted for the Shringara (erotic) depictions of divine love. Traditionally, the dance was performed solo, but in the 21st century it may also be performed in groups.
• Some scholars trace Mohiniattam to the second or third century A.D. (to the era of the great Tamil epic, Silappadikaaram), whereas others maintain that it was created in the middle of the eighteenth century in the court of Maharaja Svati Tirunal of Travancore.
• It is also believed that the dance form acquired its affinity with the Bharata Natyam technique and Karnatak Music and thereby its repertoire, in Swati Tirunal’s court.
• Mohiniyattam is characterized by graceful, swaying body movements with no abrupt jerks or sudden leaps.
• It belongs to the Lasya style which is feminine, tender and graceful.
• Instruments played during a Mohiniattam performance usually comprises of Kuzhitalam or cymbals; Veena; Idakka, an hourglass-shaped drum; Mridangam, a barrel-shaped drum with two heads; and flute.

• Kathakali is a classical Indian dance form which is a story play genre of art is the folk dance form of Kerala.
• It is distinguished by elaborately colourful makeup and unique face masks reflecting age-old martial arts.
• It is a combination of 5 forms of fine art which are –
  • Natyam (expressions)
  • Nritham (dance)
  • Nrithyam (enactment) 
  • Sangeetam (music)
  • Vadya (instruments)
• Various costumes of characters of Kathakali –
  • Sathwika (Hero)
  • Katti (Villain)
  • Minukku (females)
  • Thathi (other characters)
• Types of Drums used in Kathakali – Maddalam, Chenda, and Idakka
• Kathakali is the most difficult style of the traditional dance form in which actors speak ‘sign language’ where hand gestures are used to dictate word part of the character and facial and eye movements express emotions and mood.
• Kathakali is performed on themes based on the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

• Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904-1986) was a renowned Indian dancer, choreographer, and theosophist.
• Along with her husband, George Arundale, she co-founded the Kalakshetra Foundation in 1936.
• Kalakshetra is a cultural academy located in Chennai, India, dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Indian dance, music, and other performing arts.
• Rukmini Devi's vision for Kalakshetra was to create a center where students could receive comprehensive training in all aspects of the performing arts, combining traditional techniques with modern educational methods.
• She believed that the arts should not be confined to the stage but should permeate all aspects of life, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of India.
• Rukmini Devi played a pivotal role in reviving and popularizing classical Indian dance forms, particularly Bharatanatyam.
• She choreographed numerous dance productions, including "Labanga Latha" (1939) and "Gopura Sundari" (1942), which showcased the beauty and complexity of Indian classical dance.
• Rukmini Devi's dedication and tireless efforts to promote Indian culture and performing arts earned her international recognition and accolades.

The correct answer is Madhya Pradesh.

• The 'Matki' dance form has been developed by nomadic tribes in Madhya Pradesh.
• Performed using a “small pitcher” is a folk dance originating from central India known as the “Matki Dance”.
  • This “pitcher dance” belongs to the state of Madhya Pradesh, and is mainly performed in the Malwa region.

• Odissi is one of the 8 classical dances of India recognized by the Sangeet Natak Academy.
• Odissi is a major ancient classical dance that originated in the Indian state of Orissa.
• The famous dancers of Odissi are -
  • Sujata Mohapatra, Kelucharan Mohapatra, Ratikant Mohapatra, Gangadhar Pradhan, etc.
• Kelucharan Mohapatra is the first person to receive the Padma Vibhusan from Orissa.

• Tarangmel is the folk dance of Goa that celebrates the youthfulness of the region.
• It is performed during Dussehra and Holi.

• References to Mohiniyattam can be found in the texts Vyavaharamala written in 1709 by Mazhamagalam Narayanan Namputiri and in Ghoshayatra, written later by poet Kunjan Nambiar.
• It has elements of Bharatanatyam (grace & elegance) and Kathakali (vigor) but is more erotic, lyrical, and delicate.
• Mohiniyattam is characterized by graceful, swaying body movements with no abrupt jerks or sudden leaps.
• It belongs to the lasya style which is feminine, tender, and graceful.
• The movements are emphasized by the glides and the up and down movement on toes, like the waves of the sea and the swaying of the coconut, palm trees, and paddy fields.
• Realistic make-up and simple dressing (in Kasavu saree of Kerala) are used.

Laho Dance is a folk dance of Meghalaya.

• This northeastern state is famous for its festivities, jovial atmosphere, and music.
• The tribal communities gather in groups to celebrate these festivals.
• Laho dance form is very famous among the Pnar tribal community in Meghalaya.
• Pnar people are fond of colours, and music.
• This folk dance is the reflection of their rich taste and vibrant culture.
• It is also known as the Chipiah Dance.
• Laho is an important part of these festive gatherings.