UGC-NET (NTA) Exam, Performing Arts, JUNE-2025

Total Questions: 100

1. What is meant by Mukharaga according to Nartana Nirnaya?

1. Expression of Rasa
2. Make-up
3. A composition of Rasa
4. Colour of the face

Correct Answer: 4. Colour of the face

Solution:

According to Nartana Nirnaya, the term Mukharaga refers to the colour of the face. It is connected to how the face reflects expression and aesthetics in performance.
While it might seem related to Rasa expression, the specific definition in this text highlights the literal meaning of face colour rather than generalised rasa.

2. What is the value of Dhruva Tala in Sankirna Jati?

1. Thirty Five Akshara
2. Seventy Four Akshara
3. Thirty Six Akshara
4. Twenty Nine Akshara

Correct Answer: 4. Twenty Nine Akshara

Solution:

Dhruva Tala has the structure laghu + drutam + laghu + laghu.
• In Sankirna Jati, 1 laghu = 9 aksharas.
So, calculation: Laghu (9) + Drutam (2) + Laghu (9) + Laghu (9) = 29 aksharas.

3. Which work of Rabindranath Tagore was influenced by Gita Govinda?

1. Bhanusinger Padavali
2. Shyama
3. Chitrangada
4. Raktakarbi

Correct Answer: 1. Bhanusinger Padavali

Solution:

Rabindranath Tagore's early work Bhanusingher Padavali (1877) was deeply influenced by Jayadeva's Gita Govinda. It reflects RadhaKrishna devotion, lyrical poetry, and Vaishnava bhakti themes, closely imitating the structure and mood of Jayadeva's verses.

4. Satyajit Ray's movie 'Bala' on the famed dancer Balasaraswati shows her as dancing to which composition of Vyasaraya?

1. "Jaganmohanane..."
2. "Natanam adinar..."
3. "Krishna nee begane..."
4. "Muddugare Yashoda."

Correct Answer: 3. "Krishna nee begane..."

Solution:

In Satyajit Ray's documentary Bala (1976) on Balasaraswati, she is shown performing to Vyasaraya's famous kriti "Krishna nee begane baro" (set in raga Yamuna Kalyani). This composition is a celebrated devotional song dedicated to Krishna.

5. Which iconic dance composition amongst the following consisted of a female dancer seated in a horizontal split for more than twelve minutes and symbolically depicting the presence of the human body in three realms through yoga mudras?

1. Asana
2. Manushya
3. Raga
4. Sharira

Correct Answer: 4. Sharira

Solution:

The iconic modern dance composition Sharira (2001) by Chandralekha is known for its powerful imagery. In this, a female dancer sits in a horizontal split for more than 12 minutes, using yoga mudras to symbolically depict the body's existence across three realms - physical, spiritual, and cosmic.

6. A mix of Sanskrit and Malayalam used by Maharaja Swati Tirunal in his musical compositions for dance was called:

1. Sangeeta misra
2. Manipravalam
3. Prakrit
4. Samyojasvara

Correct Answer: 2. Manipravalam

Solution:

Maharaja Swati Tirunal, the royal composer of Travancore, often used a literary blend of Sanskrit and Malayalam in his musical compositions, especially suited for dance. This style of linguistic mixture is traditionally known as Manipravalam (literally "ruby and coral"), a blend of Sanskrit (mani) and Dravidian language (pravalam).

7. Which term in the Sangam literature referred to dancers?

1. Paaner
2. Viraliyars
3. Mahari
4. Silambar

Correct Answer: 2. Viraliyars

Solution:

In Sangam literature, the women dancers were referred to as Viraliyars. They were known for performing music, dance, and poetic recitations. Other terms like Panar referred to bards/ musicians, Mahari refers to temple dancers in Odisha tradition, and Silambar means anklet, not a class of dancer.

8. Which Vritti is related to the Thumri of Kathak Dance?

1. Satwati
2. Arbhati
3. Bharti
4. Kaishiki

Correct Answer: 4. Kaishiki

Solution:

In the Natyashastra, Vrittis are styles of expression.

Kaishiki Vritti is associated with grace, delicacy, and Shringara rasa.
Thumri, a lyrical, romantic and expressive musical form in Kathak, aligns with Kaishiki Vritti because of its soft, delicate, and emotive nature.

9. The number of bells to be tied to each feet according to Kinkini Lakshana is:

1. 102
2. 101
3. 100
4. 150

Correct Answer: 3. 100

Solution:

Kinkini Lakshana is a classical text that prescribes the qualities of the anklet-bells (ghungroos) worn by dancers. These bells are not just ornaments but essential rhythmic instruments that enhance the sound of the dancer's footwork.
According to the text, each foot should have 100 bells tied, symbolizing both discipline and auspiciousness in performance. This standardization ensured uniformity of sound and rhythm in traditional dance.

10. How many Deshi Talas are there according to Sarangadeva?

1. Five
2. One hundred ten
3. One hundred twenty
4. Seventy five

Correct Answer: 3. One hundred twenty

Solution:

Sarangadeva, in his Sangita Ratnakara (13th century), compiled both Margi (classical) and Deshi (regional/folk) traditions of music. Hе classified rhythmic cycles into two broad categories: Marga Talas (ancient, classical) and Deshi Talas (regional). In his work, he enumerates 120 Deshi Talas, each with variations in beats and structures.
This shows the immense diversity of rhythm in Indian music and dance traditions during his period.