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Dance Music

Asked 26 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1997 · last asked 2025

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The first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, a music training school, was set up in 1901 by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in

2025Art & Culture
ADelhi
BGwalior
CUjjain
DLahore

Explanation

Vishnu Digambar Paluskar established the first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Lahore in 1901. This music training school played a significant role in promoting Indian classical music and training musicians in the traditional Gurukul system.

With reference to India, the terms 'Halbi, Ho and Kui' pertain to

2021Art & Culture
Adance forms of Northwest India
Bmusical instruments
Cpre-historic cave paintings
Dtribal languages

Explanation

Halbi, Ho, and Kui are tribal languages spoken in different regions of India. These languages are associated with tribal communities and are an integral part of their cultural heritage.

With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna. 2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas. 3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries. 4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara. Which of the statements given above are correct?

2018Art & Culture
A1 and 3 only
B2 and 4 only
C1, 2 and 3
D2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Annamacharya lived in the 15th century, while Tyagaraja was born in 1767, making it impossible for them to be contemporaries.

With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: 1. It is a song and dance performance 2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance 3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2017Art & Culture
A1, 2 and 3
B1 and 3 only
C2 and 3 only
D1 only

Explanation

In Manipuri Sankirtana, a song and dance performance, typically involves two drummers and ten singer-dancers. The statement that only cymbals are used as musical instruments is incorrect, as drums are also utilized in the performance.

With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: 1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama 2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam 3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2014Art & Culture
A1 only
B1 and 2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The Sattriya dance form, originating in the 15th century by Mahapurusha Sankaradeva, is a unique blend of music, dance, and drama. This traditional art form, deeply rooted in the Vaishnavite culture of Assam, draws inspiration from classical Ragas and Talas. Devotional songs by renowned poets like Tulsidas, Kabir, and Mirabai form the essence of Sattriya performances.

Consider the following pairs: 1. Garba - Gujarat 2. Mohiniattam - Odisha 3. Yakshagana - Karnataka Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

2014Art & Culture
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation

In the given pairs, Garba is correctly matched with Gujarat, Mohiniattam with Kerala, and Yakshagana with Karnataka. Therefore, the correct pairing is 1 and 3 only.

A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their

2014Art & Culture
Amartial arts in North-East India
Bmusical tradition in North-West India
Cclassical vocal music in South India
Dpietra dura tradition in Central India

Explanation

The Manganiyar community, hailing from Rajasthan in the North-West region of India, is renowned for their rich musical heritage.

In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called 'Tribhanga' has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

2013Art & Culture
AOne leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
BFacial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters
CMovements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story
DA little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism.

Explanation

In the cultural history of India, the pose known as 'Tribhanga' has been popular among Indian artists since ancient times. This pose involves bending one leg and curving the body in opposite directions at the waist and neck. This posture is often associated with Lord Krishna, who is frequently depicted standing in the Tribhanga pose, especially when interacting with his cow 'Kamdhenu' or playing the flute. He is sometimes referred to as Tribhana Murari.

How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances? 1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam 2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2012Art & Culture
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

In Kuchipudi dance, it is common for dancers to speak dialogues during their performance, whereas this is not a feature of Bharatanatyam. On the other hand, Bharatanatyam includes a movement where dancers dance on the edges of a brass plate, a characteristic not found in Kuchipudi. Therefore, only the first statement is accurate in distinguishing between these two dance forms.

With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct? 1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period. 2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music. 3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

2012Art & Culture
A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1, 2 and 3
DNone of the above is correct

Explanation

Dhrupad is a significant musical tradition in India that has been preserved for many years. It did not originate and flourish in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal era. Dhrupad is known for its spiritual and devotional nature, and it incorporates Sanskrit syllables from Mantras in its Alap. The correct statements about Dhrupad are that it is primarily devotional and spiritual music, and it uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.

The brothers Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha are

2009Art & Culture
ADhrupad vocalists
BKathak dancers
CSarod maestros
DTabla players

Explanation

Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha, known as the Gundecha Brothers, are prominent singers of the Dagarvani style of dhrupad music.

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer: List-I (Famous Person): A. Amrita Sher-Gil B. Bhimsen Joshi C. Rukmini Devi D. Suryakant Tripathi Nirala List-II (Well-known as): 1. Dancer 2. Painter 3. Poet Arundale 4. Singer

2009Art & Culture
AA-2; B-1; C-4; D-3
BA-2; B-4; C-1; D-3
CA-3; B-1; C-4; D-2
DA-3; B-4; C-1; D-2

Explanation

In this question, you were asked to match the famous person in List I with their well-known field in List II. The correct matching is as follows: Amrita Sher-Gil was a painter, Bhimsen Joshi was a singer, Rukmini Devi Arundale was a dancer, and Suryakant Tripathi Nirala was a poet. The correct answer option is (b) A-2; B-4; C-1; D-3.

Bimbavati Devi is a well-known dancer of which type of dance?

2008Art & Culture
AManipuri
BBharat Natyam
CKuchipudi
DOdissi

Explanation

Bimbavati Devi is recognized as a Manipuri dancer in the realm of Indian dance.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer: List-I (Person): A. Bhajan Sopori B. Birju Maharaj C. Priyadarsini D. TV Gopalakrishnan List-II (Known As): l. Bharatnatyam dancer 2. Exponent of Santoor 3. Mridangam maestro 4. Kathak dancer

2007Art & Culture
AA-2; B-1; C-4; D-3
BA-3; B-1; C-4; D-2
CA-2; B-4; C-1; D-3
DA-3; B-4; C-1; D-2

Explanation

In this question, you had to match the names with the correct titles. Bhajan Sopori is known for playing the Santoor, Birju Maharaj is a Kathak dancer, Priyadarsini is a Bharatnatyam dancer, and TV Gopalakrishnan is a Mridangam maestro. The correct match is A-2; B-4; C-1; D-3.

Who among the following is a Hindustani classical singer?

2006Art & Culture
AGeeta Chandran
BLeela Samson
CGangubai Hangal
DSwapnasundari

Explanation

Gangubai Hangal, known for her strong and resonant voice, was a renowned Hindustani classical singer specializing in the khyal genre.

Who among the following was presented with the Sangeet Natak Academic Ratna Award, 2005 for her lifetime achievement in dance?

2006Art & Culture
AChandralekha
BTanjavur Balasaraswati
CUma Sharma
DYamini Krishnamurthy

Explanation

The recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna Award in 2005 for her lifetime achievement in dance was Yamini Krishnamurthy, not Chandralekha, Tanjavur Balasaraswati, or Uma Sharma.

Whose autobiography is the book 'My Music, My Life'?

2005Art & Culture
APandit Shiv Kumar Sharma
BUstad Amjad Ali Khan
CPandit Ravi Shankar
DUstad Zakir Hussain

Explanation

The book 'My Music, My Life' is an autobiography written by Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Who among the following is well known as an exponent of flute?

2004Art & Culture
ADebu Chaudhuri
BMadhup Mudgal
CRonu Mazumdar
DSahafaat Ahmad

Explanation

Ronu Mazumdar is a renowned flute player, while Debu Chaudhuri is known for playing the sitar and Sahafaat Ahmad is skilled in playing the tabla.

Match List-I (Artist) with List-II (Art) and select the correct answer: List-I: A. Hira Battacharya B. Malini Rajurkar C. Pratiba Prahlad D. Vampati Chinna Satyam List-II: 1. Bharatanatyam dance 2. Hindustani vocal music 3. Kuchipudi dance 4. Pupperty

2002Art & Culture
AA-4; B-2; C-1; D-3
BA-3; B-1; C-2; D-4
CA-4; B-1; C-2; D-3
DA-3; B-2; C-1; D-4

Explanation

In the Indian Panorama, Hira Bhattacharya is linked to Puppetry, Malini Rajurkar to Hindustani vocal music, Pratiba Prahlad to Bharatanatyam dance, and Vempati Chinna Satyam to Kuchipudi dance.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer: List-I (Dancer): A. Kalamandalam Kshemavaty B. Kottakkal Sivaraman C. Lakshmi Viswanathan D. N. Madhabi Devi List-II (Dance): 1. Kathakali 2. Manipuri 3. Mohiniattam 4. Bharatanatyam

2001Art & Culture
AA–2; B–3; C–1; D–4
BA–3; B–2; C–4; D–1
CA–3; B–1; C–4; D–2
DA–2; B–3; C–4; D–1

Explanation

In this question, you were asked to match the dancers from List-I with the dance forms from List-II. The correct match is Kalamandalam Kshemavaty with Mohiniattam, Kottakkal Sivaraman with Kathakali, Lakshmi Vishwanathan with Bharatanatyam, and N Madhabi Devi with Manipuri. So, the correct answer is option (c) A–3; B–1; C–4; D–2.

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List-I (Artist): A. Balamurali Krishna B. Mita Pandit C. Kanyakumari D. Nikhil Bannerjee List-II (Medium of music delivery): 1. Hindustani vocal 2. Ghatam 3. Sitar 4. Violin 5. Carnatic Vocal

2000Art & Culture
AA-5; B-1; C-2; D-3
BA-4; B-3; C-1; D-5
CA-3; B-1; C-5; D-2
DA-5; B-4; C-1; D-3

Explanation

In the Indian Panorama question, you were asked to match four artists with the medium of music delivery they are known for. The correct match is Balamurali Krishna with Carnatic Vocal, Mita Pandit with Hindustani vocal, Kanyakumari with Ghatam, and Nikhil Bannerjee with Sitar. The correct answer is option (a).

The Raga which is sung early in the morning is:

2000Art & Culture
ATodi
BDarbari
CBhopali
DBhimpalasi

Explanation

The correct Raga sung early in the morning is Todi, created by Mian Tansen.

Consider the following statements regarding the Chakiarkoothu form of dance: 1. It is performed by Chakiar caste 2. It cannot be traditionally witnessed by the higher caster Hindus 3. Mizhavu is the accompanying instrument 4. Its theatre form is called Koothambalam Which of these statements are correct?

2000Art & Culture
A1, 3 and 4
B1, 2 and 3
C2, 3 and 4
D1, 2 and 4

Explanation

The Chakiarkoothu dance form is a traditional art performed by the Chakiar caste in Kerala. It is accompanied by the Mizhavu instrument and is typically showcased in a theatre known as Koothambalam. The correct statements about Chakiarkoothu are 1, 3, and 4.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List-I: A. Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar B. Venkatamahi C. Shyama Shastri D. Amir Khusrau List-II: 1. Introduced the scheme of Raga classification of Indian music 2. Proponent of Carnatic music 3. Proponent of the Khayal form of Hindustani music 4. Wrote the music for the song 'Vande Mataram'

1999Art & Culture
AA-4; B-1; C-3; D-2
BA-4; B-1; C-2; D-3
CA-1; B-4; C-3; D-2
DA-1; B-4; C-2; D-3

Explanation

In the Indian Panorama, match the following names with their respective contributions: A. Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, B. Venkatamahi, C. Shyama Shastri, D. Amir Khusrau. Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar composed the music for 'Vande Mataram'. Venkatamahi introduced the system of Raga classification. Shyama Shastri promoted Carnatic music, while Amir Khusrau advocated for the Khayal form. The correct matching is option (b): A-4; B-1; C-2; D-3.

Which one of the following pairs of folk dance forms and states and correctly matched?

1999Art & Culture
AKorku : Maharashtra
BJhummar : Haryana
CThali : Himachal Pradesh
DMukna : Manipur

Explanation

The correct pair of folk dance form and state is Thali from Himachal Pradesh. It is important to note that Thali is not the folk dance of Rajasthan as some may mistakenly believe.

Which one of the following dances involves solo performance?

1997Art & Culture
ABharatanatyam
BKuchipudi
CMohiniattam
DOdissi

Explanation

Bharatanatyam is a traditional dance form originating from Tamil Nadu, known for its solo performances.