Question

Q. Consider the following features of an Indian classical dance:

Which one among the following dances has the above features?

• A. Mohiniattam
• B. Odissi
• C. Kathakali
• D. Kathak

Answer 1

The correct option is C Kathakali

Explanation:

• Kathakali is one of the Indian classical dances. It Was revived in the 1930s – after the decline in the post-feudal era – by the famous Malayali poet V.N. Menon under the patronage of Mukunda Raja.
• It is closely related to Koodiyattam (Sanskrit drama tradition) and other ancient martial-arts performances.

Important features:

• An all-male troupe performance
• Minimal use of props in the Kathakali recital
• Elaborate facial makeup; headgear used for different characters
• Themes – epics and the Puranas ‘ballad of the east
• Language in Kathakali songs – Manipravalam – a mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit.
• Different rasas through the movement of eye and eyebrows – through which the story is conveyed.
• ‘Navarasas’ – taught to convey the different emotions.
• ‘Usage of hand gestures’ – calls for strenuous training.
• Performed in the open-air theatre.
• Nilavilakku - Brass lamp is used for lighting