Indian Classical Dancers| Indian GK | School GK | GK Olympiad | General Knowledge MCQs with Answer

India is a country with a rich culture and long history. One of the most beautiful parts of Indian culture is its classical dance. Dance in India is not just for entertainment; it is also a way to express devotion, emotions, and stories from mythology. Over the centuries, Indian dancers have created special styles of dance that are now known as classical dance forms.

Each classical dance form has its own history, costumes, music, and steps. The people who perform these dances are called classical dancers. They are highly respected because it takes years of practice, discipline, and dedication to become a master in these dances.

In this article, we will learn about the major classical dance forms of India and some of the famous Indian classical dancers.

Major Classical Dance Forms of India

1. Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)

• State of Origin: Tamil Nadu
• Theme: Stories of gods and goddesses, mostly about Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
• Special Features: Hand gestures (mudras), strong footwork, and expressive eyes.
• Costume: Traditional silk sari with jewelry and flowers in hair.

Bharatanatyam is considered the oldest classical dance of India. It was first performed in temples to worship gods. Today, Bharatanatyam is performed all over the world.

2. Kathakali (Kerala)

• State of Origin: Kerala
• Theme: Stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
• Special Features: Colorful makeup, big costumes, and dramatic expressions.
• Costume: Heavy dress with painted faces and big headgear.

Kathakali looks like a painting coming to life. The dancers use their eyes, face, and hands to tell stories, while the music is played with drums and cymbals.

3. Mohiniyattam (Kerala)

• State of Origin: Kerala
• Theme: Stories of love and devotion.
• Special Features: Gentle, graceful movements.
• Costume: White and golden sari with simple jewelry.

Mohiniyattam means “dance of the enchantress.” It is soft, graceful, and full of feminine beauty.

4. Kathak (Uttar Pradesh)

• State of Origin: Uttar Pradesh
• Theme: Stories from mythology, Mughal courts, and devotional songs.
• Special Features: Fast spins, rhythmic footwork, and storytelling through expressions.
• Costume: Anarkali-style dresses for women and kurta-churidar for men.

Kathak is a very popular dance form. The word “Kathak” comes from “Katha,” meaning story. Dancers tell stories through dance, expressions, and hand movements.

5. Odissi (Odisha)

• State of Origin: Odisha
• Theme: Devotional themes, mostly dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
• Special Features: Graceful poses, sculpturesque movements.
• Costume: Bright saris with silver jewelry.

Odissi is one of the oldest dances, often called a dance of devotion. It is inspired by the carvings of temples in Odisha.

6. Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)

• State of Origin: Andhra Pradesh
• Theme: Stories from Hindu epics.
• Special Features: A Combination of dance and drama, often performed in groups.
• Costume: Similar to Bharatanatyam, with bright silk and jewelry.

Kuchipudi dancers sometimes perform on the edge of a brass plate, which shows their balance and skill.

7. Manipuri (Manipur)

• State of Origin: Manipur
• Theme: Stories of Radha and Krishna.
• Special Features: Graceful hand movements, devotional singing, and delicate steps.
• Costume: Colorful dresses with long skirts and veils.

Manipuri is known for its gentle and devotional style. It looks like a prayer in motion.

Famous Indian Classical Dancers

1. Rukmini Devi Arundale (Bharatanatyam)

She is considered the most important person in reviving Bharatanatyam. She brought this temple dance onto the stage and made it popular worldwide.

2. Kelucharan Mohapatra (Odissi)

A great master of Odissi dance, he made Odissi world-famous. His style is still taught to students.

3. Pandit Birju Maharaj (Kathak)

He was the most famous Kathak dancer in India. His graceful spins and storytelling won hearts all over the world.

4. Sonal Mansingh (Odissi and Bharatanatyam)

She is a well-known dancer who performed both Bharatanatyam and Odissi and received many awards for her contribution to classical dance.

5. Shovana Narayan (Kathak)

A famous Kathak dancer, she has performed in India and abroad, making classical dance popular among young learners.

6. Padma Subrahmanyam (Bharatanatyam)

She is known for her innovative style of Bharatanatyam and her research on dance traditions.

7. Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam (Kuchipudi)

He was a great teacher and choreographer of Kuchipudi dance, who trained many students.

8. Guru Bipin Singh (Manipuri)

He was a master of Manipuri dance and trained many famous dancers in India.

9. Uday Shankar (Creative Classical Dance)

Though not a performer of one style, Uday Shankar mixed Indian classical dance with modern movements and created a new style.

Why are Indian Classical Dancers Important?

• They preserve Indian culture and traditions.
• They tell stories of gods, goddesses, kings, and heroes.
• They keep alive the art of expression, music, and rhythm.
• They inspire the younger generation to respect India’s heritage.
• They make India proud all over the world.

Conclusion

The Indian Classical Dancers are like jewels of India’s culture. From Bharatanatyam of Tamil Nadu to Manipuri of Manipur, from Kathakali of Kerala to Kathak of Uttar Pradesh, each dance form shows India’s diversity. The famous dancers like Rukmini Devi, Birju Maharaj, Kelucharan Mohapatra, and Sonal Mansingh dedicated their lives to keeping these dance forms alive.

For students, learning about classical dancers is important because it helps us understand the value of discipline, devotion, and tradition. These dances are not only performances but also lessons of life, faith, and beauty.

India truly shines in the world because of its classical dancers.

MCQs: Indian Classical Dancers

1. Which of the following is a classical dance form of Tamil Nadu?
   a) Kathakali
   b) Bharatanatyam
   c) Odissi
   d) Manipuri
2. Kathakali and Mohiniyattam belong to which state?
   a) Odisha
   b) Kerala
   c) Tamil Nadu
   d) Uttar Pradesh
3. Odissi is a classical dance form of:
   a) Odisha
   b) Kerala
   c) Tamil Nadu
   d) Manipur
4. The dance form Kathak comes from:
   a) Tamil Nadu
   b) Uttar Pradesh
   c) Manipur
   d) Andhra Pradesh
5. The dance form Kuchipudi belongs to:
   a) Kerala
   b) Manipur
   c) Andhra Pradesh
   d) Odisha
6. The dance form Manipuri belongs to:
   a) Tamil Nadu
   b) Manipur
   c) Odisha
   d) Kerala
7. Sonal Mansingh is a famous:
   a) Classical dancer
   b) Singer
   c) Actor
   d) Poet
8. Shovana Narayan is associated with which field?
   a) Classical dance
   b) Painting
   c) Music
   d) Writing
9. Kelucharan Mohapatra is known for which dance form?
   a) Kathakali
   b) Odissi
   c) Manipuri
   d) Bharatanatyam
10. Uday Shankar was a famous:
    a) Classical dancer
    b) Instrumentalist
    c) Poet
    d) Singer
11. Pandit Birju Maharaj was a legend in which dance form?
    a) Kathak
    b) Odissi
    c) Kuchipudi
    d) Manipuri
12. Padma Subrahmanyam is associated with which dance form?
    a) Bharatanatyam
    b) Odissi
    c) Kathakali
    d) Manipuri
13. Guru Bipin Singh was a famous:
    a) Kathak dancer
    b) Manipuri dancer
    c) Bharatanatyam dancer
    d) Kuchipudi dancer
14. Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam is known for:
    a) Kuchipudi
    b) Odissi
    c) Kathakali
    d) Manipuri
15. The chapter says Indian classical dance is one of the most:
    a) Modern dance forms
    b) Oldest dance forms
    c) Foreign dance forms
    d) Western dance forms
16. Indian classical dance is famous for its:
    a) Grace and style of performing
    b) Quick moves only
    c) Bollywood style
    d) Gymnastics
17. The number of classical dance forms mentioned in this page is:
    a) Four
    b) Six
    c) Seven
    d) Eight
18. Which dancer shown in the book is connected with Odissi?
    a) Kelucharan Mohapatra
    b) Pandit Birju Maharaj
    c) Uday Shankar
    d) Sonal Mansingh
19. Which dancer shown in the book is connected with Kathak?
    a) Pandit Birju Maharaj
    b) Guru Bipin Singh
    c) Kelucharan Mohapatra
    d) Padma Subrahmanyam
20. Which dancer shown in the book is connected with Kuchipudi?
    a) Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam
    b) Sonal Mansingh
    c) Uday Shankar
    d) Shovana Narayan

Answers

1. b) Bharatanatyam
2. b) Kerala
3. a) Odisha
4. b) Uttar Pradesh
5. c) Andhra Pradesh
6. b) Manipur
7. a) Classical dancer
8. a) Classical dance
9. b) Odissi
10. a) Classical dancer
11. a) Kathak
12. a) Bharatanatyam
13. b) Manipuri dancer
14. a) Kuchipudi
15. b) Oldest dance forms
16. a) Grace and style of performing
17. c) Seven
18. a) Kelucharan Mohapatra
19. a) Pandit Birju Maharaj
20. a) Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam

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