Indian Dance Forms: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Art and Culture)

Explanation

Sankirtana is a Meitei cultural performance art which includes a wide range of artistic expressions carried out to commemorate special religious occasions and different phases in the lives of the Vaishnava people of the Manipur plains. Sankirtana rituals are centered around temples and domestic spaces, where dancers and singers narrate stories of Lord Krishna’s life and actions through dance and song. In 2013, UNESCO added Manipur’s distinctive cultural legacy to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Statement 1 is correct: Manipuri Sankirtana is a vibrant combination of song and dance. It is a form of devotional performance that involves singing, drumming, and dancing, often performed in a circular formation. The performers sing hymns and devotional songs, accompanied by rhythmic movements and drumming.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While cymbals (kartal) are an essential part of Manipuri Sankirtana but they are not the only instruments used. The primary instrument in Sankirtana is the Pung, a traditional Manipuri drum. Other instruments such as the harmonium and flute may also be used in some performances.

Statement 3 is correct: Manipuri Sankirtana is deeply connected to the Vaishnavite tradition and its themes often revolve around the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. The lyrics of the songs are usually devotional praising Krishna and recounting episodes from his life such as his childhood exploits (Bal Leela) and his divine love for Radha.

Explanation

Sattriya is a classical dance form from Assam which was developed in the 15th-16th century by Srimanta Sankardev as part of the Vaishnavite movement. The dance follows a codified sequence, beginning with Ramdani (pure dance), followed by Gayan Bayan (percussive music and dance), and includes Krishna Nritya and Gopi Nritya, depicting Krishna’s tales. It is accompanied by Borgeet (devotional songs) composed by Sankardev and Madhavdev and often features Ankia Naat (one-act plays).

Statement 1 is correct: Sattriya was traditionally performed in sattras (Vaishnavite monasteries) and combined dance, music, and drama. Sattriya dance tradition is governed by strictly laid down principles in respect of hasta mudras, footwork, aharyas, music etc.

Statement 2 is correct: The Sattriya dance form was introduced in the 15th century A.D by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer of Assam, Mahapurusha Sankaradeva as a powerful medium for the propagation of the Vaishnava faith.

Statement 3 is incorrect: It is based on the songs composed by Sankaradeva and Madhvadeva not Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.

Explanation

India’s rich cultural heritage boasts a variety of folk dance forms, each reflecting regional traditions. Garba from Gujarat is performed during Navratri with rhythmic clapping and circular movements. Mohiniattam, though a classical dance from Kerala, often incorporated folk elements. Yakshagana from Karnataka combines dance, music, and theatrical storytelling. Other notable folk dances include Bhangra from Punjab, Kathakali from Kerala, Lavani from Maharashtra, and Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh. These dances, often performed during festivals, celebrate local folklore, deities, and seasonal transitions, blending music, drama, and vibrant costumes.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Garba is a famous dance form of Gujarat, performed to honor the Hindu Deity, Goddess Durga. It is a sacred practice in Gujarat to perform this joyful folk dance on practically all important occasions.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Mohiniattam is a classical dance form from Kerala, characterized by its graceful, soft, and feminine style. It is classified under the Lasya category, which emphasizes elegance and gentle movements. Although Mohiniattam has evolved over time, its foundations are rooted in the ancient Sanskrit text Natya Shastra, which outlines the principles of classical Indian dance.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Yakshagana is a musical dance theater form of Karnataka. The dance form includes players dressed in costumes with vivid colors and shapes, singing, drumming, and dancing, as well as players who interpret words with gestures.

Explanation

Tribhanga, literally meaning three parts break, where the body bends in one direction at the knees, the other direction at the hips and then the other again at the shoulders and neck. This pose goes back at least 2000 years. Tribhanga based sculptures can be seen in the temples of Khajuraho where it represents the harmony of the human form and spiritual ideals.

Option (a) is correct: The Tri-bent pose, also known as Tribhanga, is a standing position where the body is bent in three parts, creating three curves at the neck, waist, and knee. This results in a gentle "S" shape, with the body oppositely curved at the waist and neck. The Tribhanga pose is a hallmark of Odissi, one of the eight classical dance forms of India. Odissi dancers use this pose to convey various emotions and stories which is often inspired by the sculptures of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Kuchipudi dance form originates from Andhra Pradesh and is known for its dramatic elements. Dancers often incorporate spoken dialogues (Vachika Abhinaya) as part of the performance, especially in dance-dramas like Bhama Kalapam. The traditional Sutradhara (narrator) or lead performer in Kuchipudi often delivers dialogues. Bharatanatyam originates from Tamil Nadu and is primarily a silent dance form where expressions are conveyed through gestures (Mudras), facial expressions (Abhinaya), and body movements. Spoken dialogues are not part of traditional Bharatanatyam performances.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Dancing on a brass plate (Tarangam) is a signature feature of Kuchipudi, not Bharatanatyam. In Kuchipudi the dancer balances on the edges of a brass plate while moving gracefully and often with a pot of water on the head (symbolizing control and balance). Bharatanatyam focuses more on structured footwork, linear movements and geometric postures.