Art and Culture Practice Question›› Art and Culture ››
Indian Classical Dance Forms
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Bharatnatyam
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Question 1
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Consider the following statements with respect to Bharatnatyam:
1. The origin of this dance form can be traced back to the ‘devadasis system’.
2. It is also known as ‘fire dance’.
3. Lord Nataraja is the prime inspiration behind this dance.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation Statement 1 is correct: The origins of Bharatanatyam can be traced back to ‘Sadir’ – the solo dance performance of the temple dancers or ‘devadasis’ in Tamil Nadu. Hence, it was also referred to as ‘Dasiattam’. With the decline of the Devadasi system, the art form also faced near extinction. However, E. Krishna Iyer, a prominent freedom fighter, played a crucial role in reviving this dance form in the 20th century.
Statement 2 is correct: Bharatanatyam is often referred to as a "fire dance" because its movements resemble the flickering of a flame. The dance form represents fire in the Pancha Mahabhuta (five elements) theory.
Statement 3 is correct: It is a devotional dance and it is the only classical dance which is primarily Shaivite, the rest are Vaishnavite. Shiva as lord Nataraja is the prime inspiration behind this dance and it draws heavily from Chola temples of Tanjore. Its prime focus is on abhinay part.
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