Q350. Vazhuvoor is a recognised style within which Indian classical dance?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Kathak
(B) Bharatanatyam
(C) Kathakali
(D) Mohiniyattam
Answer: (B) Bharatanatyam
Explanation: Vazhuvoor is a bani or stylistic lineage of Bharatanatyam associated with Tamil Nadu. Known for fluid grace and expressive interpretation, it is one of several schools distinguished by teaching method, movement quality and approach to abhinaya.
Q349. The theoretical basis of Bharatanatyam is associated with which ancient treatise?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Arthashastra
(B) Vaimanika Shastra
(C) Dharmashastra
(D) Natyashastra
Answer: (D) Natyashastra
Explanation: The Natyashastra, attributed to Bharata Muni, lays out fundamental principles of Indian dramaturgy, gesture, expression, movement and music. It provides a conceptual framework for several classical performing arts, including Bharatanatyam, rather than being an economic or legal text.
Q348. Which state is traditionally associated with Sattriya, the dance for which Ramkrishna Talukdar was honoured?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) West Bengal
(B) Assam
(C) Meghalaya
(D) Jharkhand
Answer: (B) Assam
Explanation: Sattriya arose in Assam’s Vaishnavite sattras and is closely associated with Srimanta Sankardeva’s devotional movement. Dancer Ramkrishna Talukdar is an exponent of this tradition, which combines rhythmic technique with narrative and spiritual expression.
Q347. Which listed musician is best known for playing a percussion instrument?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Ravi Shankar
(B) Vishwa Mohan Bhatt
(C) Pandit Ayodhya Prasad
(D) Bismillah Khan
Answer: (C) Pandit Ayodhya Prasad
Explanation: Pandit Ayodhya Prasad was associated with the tabla tradition. Ravi Shankar played sitar, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt is known for the Mohan veena, and Bismillah Khan for the shehnai. The options distinguish percussion from strings and wind instruments.
Q346. Ishwari Prasad is traditionally linked with the development of which dance form?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Manipuri
(B) Kathak
(C) Kathakali
(D) Bharatanatyam
Answer: (B) Kathak
Explanation: Ishwari Prasad is remembered in Kathak tradition as an early figure associated with the Lucknow lineage. Kathak combines intricate footwork, spins and expressive storytelling, and later developed several important gharanas under court patronage.
Q345. Who is traditionally named as a founder of the Lucknow gharana of Kathak?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Sitara Devi
(B) Ishwari Prasad
(C) Birju Maharaj
(D) Rukmini Devi
Answer: (B) Ishwari Prasad
Explanation: Kathak accounts trace the Lucknow gharana’s early history to Ishwari Prasad. Later renowned figures such as Bindadin Maharaj and Birju Maharaj developed its expressive abhinaya and sophisticated rhythm, establishing Lucknow as a principal Kathak school.
Q344. Hassu Khan is associated with the foundation of which Hindustani music gharana?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Rampur
(B) Agra
(C) Gwalior
(D) Patiala
Answer: (C) Gwalior
Explanation: Hassu Khan was an influential exponent of the Gwalior gharana, considered one of the oldest khayal singing traditions. The gharana stresses clarity of composition, measured raga development and balanced use of taans.
Q343. Who is commonly described as the father of modern dance in India?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Uday Shankar
(B) Birju Maharaj
(C) Gopi Krishna
(D) Guru Bipin Singh
Answer: (A) Uday Shankar
Explanation: Uday Shankar pioneered a modern Indian dance idiom by drawing inspiration from classical, folk and theatrical movement without confining himself to a single inherited tradition. His choreography influenced twentieth-century dance theatre and international recognition of Indian performance.
Q342. The folk dance Kud, associated with awardee Khemraj, is traditional to which region?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Haryana
(B) Jammu and Kashmir
(C) Himachal Pradesh
(D) Punjab
Answer: (B) Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation: Kud is a community folk dance associated with the Jammu region, especially hill communities. Participants dance collectively to traditional music, often in celebration of local festivals. Its geographical association is Jammu and Kashmir rather than the neighbouring states listed.
Q341. Nati is a well-known group folk dance from which state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Nagaland
(B) Kerala
(C) Andhra Pradesh
(D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer: (D) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation: Nati is performed in the Himalayan valleys of Himachal Pradesh, often in circular or serpentine formations. The Kullu Nati is especially well known. Its coordinated movements, regional costumes and songs form a visible part of community festivals.
