UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 68 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Kuchipudi vs Bharatanatyam
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2012
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectArt and Culture
- TopicIndian Dance Forms
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?
1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer: A. 1 only
Verdict
Correct Answer: 1 only
Analysis
Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam are both classical dance forms, but they differ in performance style and presentation.
Kuchipudi has stronger dance-drama elements, while Bharatanatyam is known for structured solo performance and geometric precision.
Statement by statement
1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam — Correct
Kuchipudi originated from the dance-drama tradition of Andhra Pradesh.
It includes Vachika Abhinaya, where dancers may occasionally speak dialogues or sing while performing. Bharatanatyam generally relies on gestures, expressions and rhythmic movements without spoken dialogues.
2. Dancing on the brass plate is a feature of Bharatanatyam — Incorrect
This is wrongly attributed to Bharatanatyam.
Dancing on the edges of a brass plate, often while balancing a pot, is a famous feature of Kuchipudi called Tarangam.
Extra UPSC info
* Bharatanatyam originated in Tamil Nadu.
* Kuchipudi originated in Andhra Pradesh.
* Bharatanatyam is known for sharp, linear and geometric movements.
* Kuchipudi is more fluid, dramatic and expressive.
* Tarangam is a distinctive Kuchipudi performance item.
* Bharatanatyam commonly uses the Aramandi or half-sitting posture.
* If a question mentions spoken dialogues, singing by dancer or brass plate dance, think of Kuchipudi.
How to crack it
Statement 1 is correct because spoken dialogues are associated with Kuchipudi, while brass plate dancing is also a Kuchipudi feature, not Bharatanatyam.