1. What does the word Kathak originate from?
A) A Persian term for dance
B) A Sanskrit word meaning story
C) A Mughal royal title
D) A Buddhist chant
2. Who were the original performers of Kathak?
A) Buddhist monks
B) Persian dancers
C) Temple story-tellers of North India
D) South Indian temple priests
3. Which religious movement contributed to the evolution of Kathak as a dance form?
A) Jainism
B) Bhakti Movement
C) Sufi Movement
D) Sikh Movement
4. What is the term for folk plays that combined folk dance with Kathak gestures and were based on Radha-Krishna legends?
A) Kathakali
B) Ras Lila
C) Bharatanatyam
D) Manipuri
5. Under which dynasty did Kathak transition from temple performances to court performances?
A) Cholas
B) Guptas
C) Mughals
D) Rajputs
6. During the Mughal period, how did Kathak change?
A) It became strictly religious
B) It was banned across North India
C) It incorporated Persian and Central Asian elements, emphasizing intricate footwork and expressions
D) It became a folk dance of South India
7. Which two major traditions (gharanas) of Kathak developed under royal patronage?
A) Jaipur and Lucknow
B) Delhi and Madurai
C) Amritsar and Hyderabad
D) Banaras and Tanjore
8. Who was the last Nawab of Awadh who significantly patronized Kathak?
A) Tipu Sultan
B) Wajid Ali Shah
C) Sher Shah Suri
D) Ranjit Singh
9. Why did the British administrators view Kathak with disfavor in the 19th and 20th centuries?
A) They considered it a threat to their rule
B) It was associated with courtesans and royal courts
C) It was too difficult to understand
D) They wanted to promote only Western dances
10. What happened to Kathak after India’s independence?
A) It disappeared completely
B) It continued to be performed only in temples
C) It was recognized as one of the six classical dance forms of India
D) It became a part of military training
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Answers and Explanations
1. B) A Sanskrit word meaning story
The word Kathak is derived from the Sanskrit word Katha, meaning story.
2. C) Temple story-tellers of North India
Kathaks were originally temple story-tellers who narrated tales through gestures and expressions.
3. B) Bhakti Movement
The Bhakti movement played a crucial role in the evolution of Kathak, as it spread devotional themes, particularly related to Radha-Krishna.
4. B) Ras Lila
Ras Lila was a form of folk play that combined dance and storytelling, depicting the love of Radha and Krishna.
5. C) Mughals
Under the Mughals, Kathak transitioned from temple-based storytelling to a refined court dance form.
6. C) It incorporated Persian and Central Asian elements, emphasizing intricate footwork and expressions
The Mughal influence introduced Persian and Central Asian styles, leading to more intricate and graceful movements.
7. A) Jaipur and Lucknow
Kathak developed into two major traditions: Jaipur Gharana, known for strong footwork, and Lucknow Gharana, known for grace and expressiveness.
8. B) Wajid Ali Shah
Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh, was a major patron of Kathak and helped develop its artistic form.
9. B) It was associated with courtesans and royal courts
During British rule, Kathak was looked down upon because it was performed in royal courts and by courtesans.
10. C) It was recognized as one of the six classical dance forms of India
After independence, Kathak was officially recognized as one of India’s six classical dance forms.
