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

In his treatise Nritta Ratnavali, Jayasenapati (13th century, Kakatiya dynasty) discusses both Marga and Deshi traditions. While Marga Lasyangas were already described in the Natyashastra, he uniquely lists 46 Deshi Lasyangas, representing regional variations of feminine dance movements.

Yvonne Rainer's "No Manifesto" (1965) rejected spectacle, glamour, and traditional virtuosity in favor of simplicity, natural movement, and inclusivity. In India, Chandralekha (1928- 2006) reflected similar ideas. She rejected ornamentalism and narrative-heavy presentations in classical dance, blending yoga, martial arts, and minimalist aesthetics. Her work, both choreographic and written, parallels Rainer's revolutionary approach.

"Panorama of Dance Ethnology" (1960) is an important publication that studied dance in relation to its cultural and social background. The author was Gertrude Kurath, a pioneering dance ethnologist and anthropologist, who contributed significantly to documenting world dance traditions.

A unique feature of post-modern dance (1960s onwards) was the kinesthetic emphasis on contact improvisation. Developed in the U.S., it involves dancers sharing weight, counterbalances, and spontaneous movements through touch. Unlike classical or modern dance, it emphasizes physical connection, unpredictability, and exploration of gravity and momentum.

This is a matching question about prominent dancers and their gurus:
• Mrinalini Sarabhai (Bharatanatyam/Kathakali) trained in Bharatanatyam under Minakshi Sundaram Pillai.
• Kumudini Lakhia (Kathak) trained under Sohan Lal.
• Chandralekha (Bharatanatyam/Contemporary) trained in Bharatanatyam by Ellappa Pillai.
• Rani Karna (Kathak) received initial training from Sundar Prasad.
Thus, the correct matching is: A-IV, B-I, С-II, D-III

Correct matching is:-

• Kathak Kendra (1964): Established in New Delhi as a constituent unit of Sangeet Natak Akademi to promote Kathak dance.
• Kalakshetra Foundation (1936): Founded in Chennai by Rukmini Devi Arundale to preserve and promote Bharatanatyam and allied arts.
• Kerala Kalamandalam (1930): Founded by Vallathol Narayana Menon and Mukunda Raja in Kerala for Kathakali and other performing arts.
• Koodiyattam Kendra (2007): Established as a specialized centre under Sangeet Natak Akademi to promote Koodiyattam (Sanskrit theatre tradition).

So the correct match is: A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

Correct matching is:

• A. Mottitam → Mandala (III): Mottita Mandala is one of the basic standing positions in Natyashastra, classified under Mandala Sthanas.
• B. Avalokita → Drishti (IV): Avalokita means "looking downwards" and is one of the eight types of Drishti (eye movements).
• C. Utpluta → Bhramari (I): Utpluta is a leaping or jumping type of movement, listed under Bhramari (turns and jumps).
• D. Kuttanam → Chari (II): Kuttanam refers to a stamping movement, belonging to the Chari (leg movements) category.

So the correct matching is: A-III, B-IV, C-І, D-II.

Correct matching is:

• A. Nishagandi Dance Festival → Trivandrum (III): Held annually in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) at Nishagandhi open-air theatre, showcasing classical dances.
• B. Nrityanjali Utsav → Chidambaram (I): Conducted during Mahashivratri at the famous Nataraja temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu.
• C. Mukteswara Dance Festival → Odisha (IV): Organized at the Mukteswara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, highlighting Odissi dance.
• D. Mamallapuram Utsav → Tamil Nadu (II): Held at the rock-cut shore temples of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), Tamil Nadu.

So the correct match is: A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

Correct matching is:
• A. Sama → Equal throughout (IV): In Sama Yati, the distribution of syllables or beats is uniform in every part.
B. Gopuccha → Tapering bottom (I): Literally "cow's tail" - starts broad and gradually tapers at the end.
C. Srotovaha → Increases in counts towards end (III): Like a "stream"- starts narrow and gradually broadens towards the end.
• D. Mridanga → Broad at both ends (II): Shaped like a drum - symmetrical, wider at both ends and narrower in the middle.
So the correct match is: A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II

Correct matching is:

• A. Utpatti → III. Kathak: In Kathak, Utpatti refers to the initial or originating position of the body and hands, marking the base of movement.

• B. Ora → II. Chhau: Ora is the characteristic basic stance (sthanaka) of Chhau dance, emphasizing martial vigor and balance.

• C. Khel → IV. Sattriya: In Sattriya, Khel denotes the fundamental categories of movement, such as Purush Khel and Prakriti Khel, used to structure performance.

• D. Aramandi → I. Bharatanatyam: The iconic half-sitting posture (also called Araimandi or Ardhamandala), central to Bharatanatyam technique.

So the correct sequence is: A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I