Explanation: Other folk dances : Ottam Thulal, Kaikottikali, Tappatikali, Kali Auttam. Andhra Pradesh – Ottam Thedal, Kummi, Siddhi, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Butta Bommalu.

Explanation: It is known by several names like Baggawala, Zahir Pir, and Guru Gugga. Gugga is worshipped all over Haryana and neighbouring states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh. Folk Dances of Haryana: Khoria, Daph, Loor, Phag.

Explanation: (Classical dance form of Kerala in South India).

Explanation: Sarhul – The festival of the Oraon tribe. It is the festival of the New Year and celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra, three days after the appearance of the new moon. It is also a celebration of the beginning of spring

Explanation: Ghurehi Dance – Performed by Ladies of Chamba Region, during the annual fairs. It is a devotional dance form, dedicated to Lord Shiva and performed during Shivratri festival.

Explanation: Kamsale dance (Beesu Kamsale) – A unique folk art performed by the devotees of God Mahadeshwara. It also refers to a brass made musical instrument. It is a group dance form performed by the menfolk in villages in the Mysore, Nanjangud, Kollegala and Bangalore areas. Other folk dances – Dollu Kunitha, Bolak-aat (Bolak Dance), Bhootha Aradhane, Nagamandala Dance, Veeragase, Yakshagana.

Explanation: Kathak (Uttar Pradesh) – It was performed under the Mughal emperors. Exponents – Pandit Birju Maharaj, Shovna Narayan, Shambhu Maharaj, Lachhu Maharaj. Other dances of Uttar Pradesh: Charkula, Khyal, Raslila, Nautanki Dance, Kajri. Tripura – Hojagiri, Garia, Jhum, Bijhu, Sangrai, Lebang boomani.

Explanation: The “Mangalacharan,” a concluding prayer or benediction, often recited using Pakhawaj bols, creating a powerful and symbolic ending. is

Explanation: A Hindu tradition (which worships Shiva) that most accepts ascetic life and emphasises yoga. The followers of Shaivism are called Shaivas or Shaivites. Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu) : It traces its origins back to the Natyashastra, an ancient treatise on theatre written by the mythic priest Bharata.

Explanation: Daskathia (Folk theatre form, associated with the worship of Lord Shiva). Some Folk theatre form:- Bhavai (Rajasthan), Garodas (Gujarat), Jatra (Odisha), Kariyila (Himachal Pradesh), Maach (Madhya Pradesh), Swang (Haryana), Ojapali (Assam), Powada (Maharashtra), Tamasha (Maharashtra), Bhand Pather (Jammu and Kashmir), Bhaona (Assam), Dashavatar (Konkan area), Naqal (Punjab).

Explanation: It is performed a few days before Dussehra. Folk dance – Jharkhand : Alkap, Karma, Agni, Jhumar, Paika, Phagua.

Explanation: Changai Dance: Performed by the Chang tribe during the Naknyulum festival, which lasts for three days. Folk Dances of Nagaland: Aaluyattu (Konyak tribe), Agurshikukula (war dance), Butterfly Dance (Zeliang tribe), Khamba Lim, Kuki Dance, Leshalaptu, Mayur Dance (Animal dance). Modse (Ao tribe), Monyu Asho, Sadal Kekai (Kuki tribe), Seecha & Kukui Kucho (Angami tribe), Rengma.

Explanation: The word Alarippu means “a flowering bud.” It is an invocatory piece meaning it is performed before a dancer begins a whole performance.

Explanation: Folk dances : Manipur – Rasa lila, Gaura Lila, Pung Cholom. Goa – Ghode Modni, Dhangar Dance, Goff Talgadi, Shigmo and Mussel khel.

Explanation: Raigarh Gharana – Developed under the patronage of Raja Chakradhar Singh.

Explanation: (Kerala). The text of Kathakali songs known as Attakkatha. Major instruments used in Kathakali music – Chenda, Maddalam, Chengila and Elathalam.

Explanation: Chhau – A classical Indian dance with martial, tribal and folk traditions, with origins in eastern India. Types of Chhau dance forms – Saraikela (Jharkhand), Mayurbhanj (Orissa) and Purulia (West Bengal). The dance was inscribed in the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

Explanation: This style was developed by Rukmini Devi Arundale, the founder of Kalakshetra, and is known for its emphasis on pure lines, precise geometry, and emotive storytelling.

Explanation: Other dance forms of Bharatanatyam: Melattur and Pandanallur. Kuchipudi – Pure dance (Nritta) and Expressive dance (Nritya), Storytelling through dance (Natya).

Explanation: Lucknow Gharana (Founded by Ishwari Prasad). Jaipur Gharana (founded by Bhanu Ji Maharaj). Banaras Gharana (Founded by Janakiprasad).

Explanation: Lai Haraoba – It is performed by the Meitei tribe of Manipur. Types of Haroba dances : Kanglei Haraoba, Chakpa Haraoba, Moirang Haraoba, Kakching Haraoba.

Explanation: Other Dances of Bhutan – Drametse NgaCham Dance, Pa Cham Dance, Zhungdra Dance, Boedra Dance. Dance forms of other countries : Afghanistan – Atan, Ishala and Natsa. Sri Lanka – Kandyan dance.

Explanation: (Assam). Mati-Akhora means exercise done on the ground. Sattriya’s one-act plays are called Ankiya Nat. It had its influences from folk dance forms like Ojapali, Devadasi, Bihu and Bodos etc. It is performed only by Bhokots (male monks) in monasteries and on stage by men and women, Mati Akhara (basic dance unit and exercise).

Explanation: (Kerala). The story Nalacharitham is written by “Unnai Warrier”. It is the romantic story of unlimited love between Nala and Damayanthi. There are 24 Basic Mudras (hand gestures) and a total of 470 different symbols used in this dance. Characters in this dance are broadly divided into satvika (noble characters like Krishna and Rama), rajasika (evil characters) and tamasika (beard characters). In Kathakali emphasis is given more on “Aharya Abhinaya”, the use of costumes, ornaments and facial make-up

Explanation: A small group of women dance together and start their performance by sitting on the ground. Other dances of Madhya Pradesh – Chatkora Dance (Korku Tribe), Bhagoria Dance – (Bhils), Bar Dance – (Kanwar tribe), Pardhoni Dance (Baiga tribe), Bardi Dance – (Gwal tribe), Goncho Dance – (Gond tribe). Tribes of Madhya Pradesh – Gond, Bhil, Baiga, Korku, Bhariya, Halba, Kol, Mariya and Sahariya.

Explanation: A classical Odissi performance consists of five different types of items: “Mangalacharan”, a praise to a particular Divinity, to the stage and to the audience; “Sthayee” or “Batu” that introduces the techniques of Odissi Dance; “Pallavi” that creates a particular sentiment through abstract forms; “Abhinaya” that enacts a traditional story about the deeds of a specific God/ Goddess; “Mokshya” that transcends all the participants to a higher spiritual level.

Explanation: (Gujarat). Other Navratri dances: Dandiya (Rajasthan and Gujarat). Gujarat :- Siddi Dhamal (hunting dance), Padhar Dance (rituals dance). Rajasthan : Ghoomar (weddings and Festivals dance), Kalbeliya Dance, Chari Dance. Nati (Himachal Pradesh), Dumhal (Jammu and Kashmir).

Explanation: Kathak : North Indian dance. Worship of Hindu god Krishna (or Shiva or Devi in some cases). Sattriya : Assam. Worship of Lord : Shiva Nataraja. Bharatanatyam (Oldest classical dances) : Tamil Nadu. Worship : Lord Shiva

Explanation: (Kerala, classical dance). The instruments used are – Chenda (Cylindrical drum), Madhalam (a long cylindrical drum), Chengila, Ilathalam (Resembles miniature pair of cymbals), Idakka (drum) and Sankhu (conch). Kathakali music follows the traditional Sopana sangeet of Kerala.

Explanation: Karagam dance – It is a folk dance with musical accompaniment, performed balancing a pot on the head. Dances of Tamil Nadu – Bharatanatyam, Kolattam, Karakattam, Kazhai Kothu, Devaraattam, Mayil Attam, Kummi, Oyilattam, Karagam.

Explanation: Andhra Pradesh – Kuchipudi (classical), Vilasini Natyam, Veera Natyam, Tappeta Gullu, Butta Bommalu. Kerala – Kathakali (classical), Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, Ottamthullal, Padayani.

Explanation: Suggi – A dance performed at the time of harvesting by the Halakki Vokkaliga tribe.

Explanation: Rukumini Devi was the first who raised the level of Dasi Attam from being just a mere dance practised by devadasis. Dasi Attam, just like other classical dance forms, has generated from Natya Shastra. Dasi Attam is mainly an ancient dance form developed by the Dravidians.

Explanation: dance (Snake Charmer Dance). It is mainly performed by the Kalbelia Community in Rajasthan. Chari dance is prominent in the Gujjar and Saini community in Rajasthan.

Explanation: Nati – It was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest folk dance in the world. It is known as Tandi in upper districts of Garhwal.

Explanation: Jhijhiya is a cultural folk dance of Mithila regions of Bihar and Madhesh province of Nepal. It is performed in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September/October). It has its own types of songs either in Maithili or Bhojpuri language.

Explanation: Varieties of Manipuri forms of dance: Raas, Sankirtan, Dhola Cholam, Kartal Cholam, Pung Cholam (Dancers playing pung /drum while dancing), and Thang ta (martial art form).

Explanation: Kathakali (Kerala) – A classical Indian dance that originated in Kerala. Most of the stories for the play are taken from Hindu epics like “Bhagavata Purana”, “Mahabharata” and “Ramayana’”. The term Kathakali is derived from Katha (conversation or traditional story) and Kali (performance).

Explanation: Popular folk dances: Arunachal Pradesh – Aji Lhamu, Roppi, Hurkani, Ponung, Lion and Peacock dance, Hurkani, Buiya, Chalo, Rekham Pada, Popir and Wancho.

Explanation: (Braj region). Uttar Pradesh – Raslila, Kathak, Ramlila, Khyal, Nautanki, Dadra, and Kajri Dance. Tripura – Hojagiri.

Explanation: (Burden Dance) – part of Thaipusam festival and is celebrated in Tamil Nadu. Yakshagana (song of the yaksha) – celebrated in Karnataka. It has originated as a product of the Vaishnava bhakti movement. Kummi – celebrated in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Mayilattam – performed in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu in reverence to Lord Subrahmanya.

Explanation: Manipuri dance is based on Vaishnavism and spectacular execution of Ras-Lila, dance dramas based on the love between Radha and Krishna.

Explanation: It is a classical dance of Tamil Nadu. Chidambaram temple (Tamil Nadu): Dedicated to the Nataraja form of lord Shiva. It was Built in the Dravidian style of temple architecture in the 10th century during Chola’s rule.

Explanation: It originated in South India. ‘Father of Carnatic Music’ – Saint Purandara Dasa. Three essential elements of Carnatic music are Shruti, Raga and Tala.

Explanation: (A) West Bengal

Explanation: Vedantam Lakshminarayana Sastri played a major role in reviving and reconstructing Kuchipudi.

Explanation: Other dances of Tripura – Garia, Hojagiri, Sangrai, Mamita, Lebang Boomani.

Explanation: This folk dance originated from Rajasthan and involves the use of pots and a sword. This folk dance is usually performed during festive and auspicious occasions such as a marriage. Dance and Community – Gair (Bhil), Valar (Garasiya), Chakri (Kanjar). Bhutia dance – Sikkim, Garai dance -Tripura.

Explanation: Zo Mal Lok dance (Sikkim) – It portrays the sowing, reaping and harvesting of paddy. Dances performed by the Lepcha community – Chu Faat, Damsang-Lyang, Kinchum-Chu-Bomsa. Jamatias are fond of their traditional folk culture like Drama, Garia festival and other common dances of Kok-Borok speaking tribes. Lushai community (Tripura) – Cheraw Dance or Bamboo dance.

Explanation: Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu) : An ekaharya dance genre in which a single dancer represents numerous roles in a single performance; Most crucial text – Nandikesvara’s Abhinaya Darpana. Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh) : Its general moniker was yakshagana developed in the 17th century by Siddhendra Yogi; Performed in groups because it is a dance play.