General Knowledge
MediumQ. No. birju-maharaj-is-a-well-known-exponent-of-which-dance
Birju Maharaj is a well-known exponent of which dance?
Last Updated:
ABharatanatyam
BKathak
CManipuri
DSattriya
Correct Answer: Kathak
✅ Why B (Kathak) is Correct: Birju Maharaj (real name: Brij Mohan Nath Mishra) is the most celebrated Kathak dancer of India. He was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1986 and Kalidas Samman. Kathak is a classical North Indian dance form.
❌ Why Other Options are Wrong:
A. Bharatanatyam – This is a classical South Indian dance from Tamil Nadu. Birju Maharaj is not its exponent.
C. Manipuri – Manipuri is the classical dance of Manipur state. Birju Maharaj is not known for it.
D. Sattriya – Sattriya is a classical dance of Assam. Birju Maharaj is not associated with it.
FAQ
Common questions and clear answers for this topic.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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