Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 371

Which among the following is NOT a classical dance of India?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Classical dances are traditionally recognized and have a long history.

Correct Answer: B) GARBA

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Classical dances of India are traditional dance forms that have been recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the national academy of music, dance, and drama. These dance forms have a rich history and are characterized by their unique styles, techniques, and cultural significance. The classical dances of India are Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Odissi.

Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form from Tamil Nadu, known for its grace, purity, tenderness, and sculpturesque poses. It is one of the oldest classical dance forms in India and has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The dance form is characterized by its intricate footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions that convey various emotions and stories.

Kathakali is a classical dance form from Kerala, known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and storytelling through dance and drama. The dance form is characterized by its exaggerated facial expressions, intricate hand gestures, and dynamic movements. Kathakali performances often depict stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Manipuri is a classical dance form from Manipur, known for its graceful movements and storytelling through dance. The dance form is characterized by its soft and fluid movements, as well as its use of hand gestures and facial expressions to convey emotions and stories. Manipuri dance is often performed to the accompaniment of traditional Manipuri music and is an integral part of the cultural heritage of Manipur.

Garba, on the other hand, is a folk dance from Gujarat and is not considered a classical dance form. It is performed during the Navratri festival and is characterized by its circular movements and rhythmic clapping. Garba is a social dance that is performed by both men and women and is an important part of the cultural heritage of Gujarat.

Therefore, among the given options, Garba is the only one that is not a classical dance of India. It is a folk dance form that is distinct from the classical dance forms recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form from Tamil Nadu, known for its grace, purity, tenderness, and sculpturesque poses. It is one of the eight classical dance forms recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
  • Option B: Garba is a folk dance from Gujarat and is not considered a classical dance form. It is performed during the Navratri festival and is characterized by its circular movements and rhythmic clapping.
  • Option C: Kathakali is a classical dance form from Kerala, known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and storytelling through dance and drama. It is recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi as one of the classical dance forms of India.
  • Option D: Manipuri is a classical dance form from Manipur, known for its graceful movements and storytelling through dance. It is recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi as one of the classical dance forms of India.

Mnemonic: BKM for Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and Manipuri

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