General Knowledge
mediumQ. No. 11713-mohiniyattam-is-the-classical-dance-of-which-state
Mohiniyattam is the classical dance of which state?
Last Updated:
AManipur
BKerala
COdisha
DKarnataka
Correct Answer: KeralaYour Answer: B
Explanation
Why B — Kerala is the correct answer Kerala precisely matches the cultural association asked in the question. Mohiniyattam originated from Kerala. The name Mohiniyattam is derived from 'Mohini' – divine form of Lord Vishnu. 'Mohini' means beautiful woman and 'Attam' means dance. Mohiniyattam expresses 'Vayu' (air) element. Gopika Varma completed graduation in Mohiniyattam. The decisive clue is the exact pairing between the prompt and Kerala, not merely a broad connection with Indian dance. Manipur: This is incorrect here because it does not match the specific association in the question. It belongs to a different dance tradition, performer, place, year, or cultural context and therefore acts as a distractor. Odisha: This is incorrect here because it does not match the specific association in the question. Karnataka: This is incorrect here because it does not match the specific association in the question. The verified match is Kerala. Eliminate alternatives by checking whether each belongs to another geographical region, classical school, folk tradition, performer, or historical setting. This works well in SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, banking, railway, defence, and state examinations. Final answer: B — Kerala.
Important Notes
- Important keyword — Kerala: The correct answer to “Mohiniyattam is the classical dance of which state?” is Kerala. Revise it as a complete question-and-answer pair because competitive examinations often repeat the same association with slightly changed wording.
- This fact belongs to Indian folk and classical dance General Knowledge. Identify whether the prompt asks about a dancer, state, region, community, festival, year, musical form, institution, award, official recognition, or classical-dance classification.
- Build a two-column revision chart containing dance forms and artists on one side and their states, styles, institutions, festivals, communities, awards, or recognitions on the other. Add Kerala prominently and review the complete pair aloud.
- During the exam, eliminate choices in layers: separate classical from folk traditions, compare geography and performer associations, and finally recheck the precise wording. Practise this pair in direct-MCQ and match-the-following formats for accurate, durable recall.
Related Questions
View All11726-which-type-of-dance-is-related-to-north-indiaWhich type of dance is related to North India?11725-which-folk-dance-depicts-the-fictitious-war-between-goddess-durga-and-mahishasuraWhich folk dance depicts the fictitious war between Goddess Durga...11724-which-of-the-following-is-not-a-folk-dance-of-mizoramWhich of the following is NOT a folk dance of Mizoram?
Test your Indian Folk Dance and Classical Dance knowledge
Start Topic TestFAQ
Indian Folk Dance and Classical Dance FAQs
Common questions and clear answers for this topic.
What are the classical dance forms of India recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi?
India has 8 classical dance forms: Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (Uttar Pradesh), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Kathakali (Kerala), Manipuri (Manipur), Mohiniyattam (Kerala), and Sattriya (Assam). These are based on Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni and are asked in UPSC and SSC exams.
What is Bharatanatyam and which state does it belong to?
Bharatanatyam originates from Tamil Nadu and is one of India's oldest classical dance forms. It was traditionally performed in Hindu temples by devadasis and later popularized by Rukmini Devi Arundale. It expresses devotion through nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressive dance), and natya (dramatic elements).
What is Kathak and what are its main gharanas?
Kathak is a classical dance form of North India characterized by fast footwork, spins (chakkar), and expressive storytelling. The word Kathak comes from Katha meaning story. It has three main gharanas: Lucknow Gharana (grace), Jaipur Gharana (vigorous footwork), and Banaras Gharana. Famous dancer: Birju Maharaj.
What are the important folk dances of India by state?
Important folk dances: Bhangra and Giddha (Punjab), Garba and Dandiya (Gujarat), Lavani (Maharashtra), Bihu (Assam), Chhau (Jharkhand/Odisha/West Bengal), Kalbelia and Ghoomar (Rajasthan), Yakshagana (Karnataka), Cheraw Bamboo Dance (Mizoram), Mohiniyattam (Kerala).
What is Kathakali and what are its distinctive features?
Kathakali is a classical dance-drama from Kerala known for its elaborate makeup, colorful costumes, and headdresses. It depicts stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The elaborate facial makeup uses natural colors: green for noble heroes, red and white for evil characters. The training starts in childhood and takes many years to master.