Which dance is originated in Orissa during second century BC

Category: Odisha Gk

Hint: Consider the historical and cultural significance of traditional dances in Orissa.

Correct Answer: C) Odissi

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Odissi is a classical dance form that originated in the state of Orissa (now Odisha) in India. The dance form has a rich history and cultural significance, with its origins dating back to the second century BC. This makes Odissi one of the oldest classical dance forms in India. The dance form is characterized by its graceful movements, intricate footwork, and expressive gestures that convey various emotions and stories from Indian mythology and literature.

The history of Odissi can be traced back to ancient times, as evidenced by sculptures and inscriptions found in temples such as the Konark Sun Temple and the Jagannath Temple in Puri. These temples contain numerous sculptures depicting dancers in various poses, which are believed to be early representations of Odissi dance. The dance form was originally performed in temples by devadasis, who were dedicated to the service of the deities. Over time, Odissi evolved and became a more refined and codified art form, with a strong emphasis on the expression of emotions and the portrayal of mythological stories.

Odissi dance is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of Orissa. The dance form is closely associated with the worship of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, and is often performed during religious festivals and ceremonies. The dance form is also influenced by the rich literary traditions of Orissa, with many of the dance compositions based on ancient texts such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and various Puranas.

While other dance forms such as Chau are also traditional dance forms of Orissa, they do not have the same historical depth and cultural significance as Odissi. Chau, for example, is a martial dance form that originated in the eastern Indian states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha, but it is not as old as Odissi and does not have the same level of codification and refinement.

Therefore, the correct answer is Odissi, as it is the classical dance form that originated in Orissa during the second century BC and has a rich history and cultural significance in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lota is not a dance form; it is a traditional water vessel used in Indian households. It is incorrect as it does not pertain to the dance forms of Orissa.
Option B: Chau is a martial dance form that originated in the eastern Indian states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. While it is a traditional dance form, it is not the one that originated in Orissa during the second century BC.
Option C: Odissi is the correct answer. It is a classical dance form that originated in Orissa and has a rich history dating back to the second century BC. The dance form is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of the region.
Option D: Roof is not a dance form; it is a part of a building. It is incorrect as it does not relate to the traditional dance forms of Orissa.

Mnemonic: O for Odissi, O for Orissa

Back to Odisha Gk set 11 – Practice all questions