UPSC Prelims 2013 · Question 29 of 99

UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Tribhanga Pose

In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

  1. One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
  2. Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters
  3. Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story
  4. A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism
Show answer

Answer: A. One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck

Verdict

Correct Answer: One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck

Analysis

According to the official UPSC Answer Key for Prelims 2013, the correct option is one leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck.

Tribhanga means “three bends”. It is a graceful S-shaped posture commonly seen in Indian sculpture and classical dance.

1. One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck — Correct

In Tribhanga, the body is bent at three points: leg or knee, waist and neck.

One leg is usually bent, the waist curves in one direction, and the neck or head bends in the opposite direction.

This creates a graceful S-shaped posture.

2. Straight and symmetrical posture — Incorrect

A straight and balanced posture is called Samabhanga.

It represents symmetry and stillness, not the three-fold bend of Tribhanga.

3. Slight bend with weight on one leg — Incorrect

A mild shift of body weight with a slight bend is closer to Abhanga.

It is not the full three-bend posture of Tribhanga.

4. Extreme bending posture — Incorrect

An exaggerated or highly dynamic bending posture is called Atibhanga.

This is different from the graceful three-fold curve of Tribhanga.

Extra UPSC info

* Tribhanga is a hallmark posture of Odissi dance.

* Lord Krishna is often depicted in Tribhanga while playing the flute.

* Tribhanga is common in Indian temple sculpture and classical iconography.

* Samabhanga means a straight and symmetrical posture.

* Abhanga means a slight bend or relaxed posture.

* Atibhanga means an extreme bend, often used to show dynamic movement.

How to crack it

Tribhanga is the three-fold graceful bend of the body at the leg, waist and neck, creating an S-shaped posture.

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