Painting, performing arts, crafts, literature, philosophy and festivals: previous-year questions
41 real UPSC Prelims questions (2011–2026) with the official answer and a clear explanation. 9 of them came in the last five papers.
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How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?
- 1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
- 2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer (a) & explanation
Statement 1 only is correct (a). Kuchipudi, from Andhra Pradesh, grew from dance-drama (yakshagana-style), so dancers occasionally speak or sing dialogue, which is not found in Bharatanatyam (1). Statement 2 is reversed: the Tarangam, dancing on the rim of a brass plate with a water pot on the head, is a Kuchipudi feature, not Bharatanatyam. So (b), (c) and (d) fail.
Notice the other features: Kuchipudi was once performed by Brahmin men of Kuchipudi village, and Siddhendra Yogi shaped it; Bharatanatyam, from Tamil Nadu, was codified by the Thanjavur Quartet and revived by Rukmini Devi Arundale. India recognises eight classical dances (Sangeet Natak Akademi), and the Ministry of Culture counts Chhau too. Trap: the brass plate feature is swapped.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.