UGC-NET (NTA) Exam, Performing Arts, December – 2023

Total Questions: 100

41. Which is the correct sequence of the 'Anga-s according to the Shloka of the Natyashastra?

(a) Kati
(b) Parsha
(c) Vaksha
(d) Hasta
(e) Shira
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: D. (e), (d), (c), (b), (a)
Solution:

According to the Natyashastra, the 'Anga'-s, or major limbs, are listed in a specific order: (e) Shira (head), (d) Hasta (hands), (c) Vaksha (chest), (b) Parsha (sides), and (a) Kati (waist). This sequence reflects the top-to-bottom approach to describing the human body's major parts in classical dance and theatrical practices.
Each of these Anga-s plays a crucial role in the execution of dance movements and expressions, forming the foundational elements of classical Indian dance.

42. Which is the correct chronological sequence of the maiden performance years of the Tagore's dance dramas?

(a) Shyama
(b) Tasher Desh
(c) Chandalika
(d) Shapmochan
(e) Chitrangada
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: A. (d), (b), (e), (c), (a)
Solution:

The chronological sequence of the maiden performances of Tagore's dance dramas is as follows: 'Shapmochan' (1931), 'Tasher Desh' (1933), 'Chitrangada' (1936), 'Chandalika' (1938), and 'Shyama' (1939). Each of these works reflects Tagore's innovative approach to integrating dance, drama, and music, contributing significantly to Indian cultural heritage. 'Shapmochan' was his earliest dance drama, followed by 'Tasher Desh,' a satirical play.
'Chitrangada' and 'Chandalika' explored themes of identity and social justice, while 'Shyama' is known for its dramatic narrative and emotional depth.

43. Which is the correct sequence of the dance festivals from West to East of India?

(a) Rajgir Mahotsava
(b) Pragjyoti Dance Festival
(c) Kala Ghora Arts Festival
(d) Chakradhar Samaroh
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: D. (c), (d), (a), (b)
Solution:

The correct sequence of the dance festivals from West to East of India is: Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (Mumbai, Maharashtra), Chakradhar Samaroh (Raigarh, Chhattisgarh), Rajgir Mahotsava (Rajgir, Bihar), and Pragjyoti Dance Festival (Assam).
This order follows the geographical locations from the western part of India to the eastern regions, highlighting the diversity and cultural richness across the country. Each festival showcases regional and classical dance forms, celebrating India's artistic traditions.

44. Given below are two statements:

Statement I: The Vedic literature reveals much scanty knowledge of drama, dance, music and musical instruments.
Statement II: Scholars opine that the art of dancing was present prior to the art of dramatics as we have reference to the work 'nrtt' in the Vedas, but the word 'nata' was first located in Panini's work.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.
Solution:

Statement I claims that Vedic literature reveals much scanty knowledge of drama, dance, music, and musical instruments. However, this is not entirely accurate, as Vedic texts do contain references to music and instruments, and ritualistic performances which include elements of dance and drama. Statement II, on the other hand, is correct.
It indicates that the art of dancing was present prior to the art of dramatics, as the term 'nrtt' is found in the Vedas, whereas the word 'nata' appears later in Panini's work.
This suggests that dance was an established art form before formalized drama and theatrical practices were recognized and codified. Thus, while the Vedas do provide some knowledge of the performing arts, the assertion that they contain scanty information is not fully accurate, leading to the conclusion that only Statement II is correct.

45. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Sacred geometry finds symbolic meanings within nature's harmonic shapes; you can also find those in examples from ballet.
Reason (R): Movement speaks its own language through form and pattern. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Solution:

Assertion (A) states that sacred geometry finds symbolic meanings within nature's harmonic shapes and that these can be seen in examples from ballet. Reason (R) explains that movement speaks its own language through form and pattern, which supports the assertion.
Ballet, like many forms of art, often incorporates principles of sacred geometry, using harmonious shapes and patterns to convey beauty and meaning.
The reason provided elaborates on how movement in ballet can embody these geometric principles, making (R) the correct explanation for (A).

46. Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:

Dance has occupied a central place in educational theory since the times of the ancient philosophers Plato and Aristotle, who believed that dance contributes to aesthetic, moral, and intellectual values as well as to enhancing physical adeptness and over-all well-being.
Plato asserted, for example, that dance trains the mind and soul to differentiate among those forms of actions, feelings, and ideas capable of producing nobility of character and refinement of the mind. Aristotle ranked dance among the educational activities qualifying as ends or things of value for themselves.
As such, these activities help cultivate the mind. Subsequent philosophers including Lucian (100-200 A.D.), Castiglione (1478-1529), and John Locke (1632-1704), representing Hellenic, Renaissance, and modern empiricist cultures, all affirmed the importance of dance as a primary element in the development of an educated person.
In America, dance has been a part of education since Colonial times when dance masters provided the more prosperous families with training in graceful bodily movement and social skills. The immediate precursors of our modern approaches to educational dance were those educators who incorporated German theories of gymnastic dancing into programs for physical education.
The teaching of dance in the schools evolved as visionary educators like Dudley Sargent of Boston and others introduced "aesthetic dancing" as a part of physical education.
The main substance of these programs consisted of gymnastic type movements, but some also included ballet. The growing importance of dance at the beginning of the present century was recognized significantly when, in 1905, the American Physical Education Association chose dance for the theme of its national convention.
Given below are two statements: 
Statement I: In America, modern approaches to dance education provided training in graceful bodily movements.
Statement II: Since colonial times, German theories of Gymnastic dancing was integrated in physical education.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
Solution:

Statement I is incorrect because the passage states that in Colonial America, dance masters provided training in graceful bodily movements, but this is not specifically attributed to modern approaches to dance education. Statement II is also incorrect because German theories of gymnastic dancing were incorporated into physical education programs by educators like Dudley Sargent, but this integration occurred in the development of modern physical education, not specifically during Colonial times.
Therefore, neither statement accurately reflects the information provided in the passage about the historical context and evolution of dance education in America.

47. Match List-I with List-II.

List-I List-II 
(a) Lucien(i) Modern empiricist cultures
(b) Castiglione(ii) Hellenic
(c) Locke(iii) Poetics
(d) Aristotle(iv) Renaissance

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

A.

(i)

(ii)

(iv)

(iii)

B.

(i)

(iv)

(ii)

(iii)

C.

(ii)

(iv)

(i)

(iii)

D.

(iii)

(ii)

(iv)

(i)

Correct Answer: (C)
Solution:

(a) Lucien (100-200 AD) represents Hellenic culture, known for its classical traditions and contributions to various arts and philosophies.
(b) Castiglione (1478-1529) was a Renaissance humanist who emphasized the importance of dance and refined manners in his famous work "The Book of the Courtier."
(c) John Locke (1632-1704) is a key figure in modern empiricist cultures, contributing significantly to educational theory and philosophy.
(d) Aristotle (384-322 BC) wrote "Poetics," a seminal work in the field of literary theory and aesthetics, including discussions on drama and dance.

48. Which is the correct chronological sequence of philosophers according to their age?

(a) Castiglione
(b) Aristotle
(c) Lucien
(d) Plato
(e) John Locke
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: D. (d), (b), (c), (a), (e)
Solution:

Plato (427-347 BC), Aristotle (384-322 BC), Lucien (100-200 AD), Castiglione (1478-1529), John Locke (1632-1704). The correct chronological sequence of philosophers according to their age starts with Plato, who was a teacher of Aristotle. Lucien came much later during the Roman period.
Castiglione, a Renaissance philosopher, followed, and finally, John Locke, who was a prominent figure in modern empiricist thought.
This sequence accurately reflects the historical progression of these philosophers and their contributions to educational theory and dance.

49. Which is not a quality of dance?

Correct Answer: B. Dispiritedness
Solution:

The passage discusses the qualities of dance, emphasizing its contributions to intellectual value, physical well-being, and aesthetics.
Dance is highlighted for its role in training the mind, body, and soul, fostering nobility of character, refinement of the mind, and overall well-being. Dispiritedness, or a lack of spirit and enthusiasm, is not mentioned as a quality of dance.
Instead, dance is portrayed as an activity that enhances both mental and physical health, contributing positively to an individual's development.

50. According to the paragraph, which among these are primary substance of 'aesthetic dancing' as a part of physical education?

(a) Modern Dance
(b) Ballet
(c) Contemporary Dance
(d) Gymnastic Type Movements
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: C. (b) & (d) only
Solution:

Ballet and Gymnastic Type Movements. According to the passage, the primary substance of 'aesthetic dancing' as a part of physical education included gymnastic type movements and ballet. Visionary educators incorporated these elements into their programs to promote physical education and overall well-being.
Modern Dance and Contemporary Dance are not mentioned in the passage as part of the early 20th-century educational dance programs.
Therefore, the correct elements that constituted 'aesthetic dancing' in the context of physical education during that period were ballet and gymnastic type movements, which were essential in cultivating grace and physical adeptness.