Question and Answers
1.Who created the Natyaveda?
Lord Brahma
2.Who wrote the NatyaSastra?
Sage Bharatha
3.What was Shiva’s form of dance called?
Thandava
4.What does Shiva’s dance consist of?
Nritta comprising of Karanas, Angaharas and Rechakas
5.How are the Thandavas are classified?
The Thandavas are classified into seven[SapthaThandavas].They are: AnandhaThandavam, SandhyaThandavam, KaligaThandavam, VijayaThandavam, OordhavaThandavam, Uma Thandavam, SamharaThandavam.
6.What is the origin of the term Bharathanatyam?
The term is said to have originated due to the following reasons:
1.SageBharata created it
2.BHAva-Raga-TAla-NATYAM
3.It is the dance of India
4.That which vanishes distress- BharamThirayathiithiBharatham.
7.What does Angahara mean?
Angahara is a technical word given in NatyaSastra to mean a group of Karanas.
8.What is the significance of Ganges and Moon?
The Ganges and Moon represent prosperity and benevolence respectively.
9.What does Lord Shiva’s three eyes represent?
Sun(right eye), Moon (left eye) and Agni( in between two eyebrows) representing knowledge.
10.What does the snake around Lord shiva’s neck represent?
KundaliniShakth
11. What are the popularly known classical dance forms?
Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, Odissi, Kathak,Manipuri.
12.What is Rasleela?
‘Ras’ means adorned with the ornaments and costumes of Radha Krishna. The Gopis have almost become the trademark of Manipuri dance. It forms the core of the classical tradition.
13. What is Rasa?
It is a feeling or an emotion which can be felt and enjoyed
14.What are the two styles of Presentation od Bharathanatyam?
Natyadharmi(stylistic) and Lokadharmi (realistic)
15.What are the three aspects of dance?
a) Nritta (Pure dance)
b)Nrthya (Combination of expression and foot work)
c) Natya (Pure expression or drama)
15.Explain four fold Abhinaya.
Angika (Physical), Vachika( verbal), Abharya (external) and satvika( internal)
16.How are the Abhinayahasthas further classified?
Asamyutahasthas (single hand gestures) Samyutahasthas (double hand gestures)
17.Give the Sanskrit roots of the following words.
Word-Natya, Root-Nat, Meaning-to encircle or to spread.
Word-Nritya, Root-Nrt, Meaning- Rhythmic movements of the limbs of the body.
Word-Abhinaya, Root- (Abhi+)ni, Meaning-To convey or lead towards.
18.What are the items that form part of a traditional Bharathanatyam repertoire?
Pushpanjali, Mallari, Kauthuvam, Thodayamangalam, Alarippu, Jathiswaram, Varnam, Kirthanam, Javali, Padam, Ashtapadi, Thillana.
19.What is an Adavu?
The Angra, Pratyanga, and Upangamovements with rhythem, following the rules and regulations of various Bhedas is called an Adavu.
20.Explain the terms which related to Adavu.
a) jathi – groups of steps
b) Thirmanam- a whole sequence of Jathis
c) Arudi – endings of rhythmic phrases
d) Sollukattu- phrases or syllables recited by the Nattuvannars.
21.Into how many portions is the theatre split into?
Three 1.Auditorium 2.Stage 3.Green room.
22.What is a Karana? How many Karanasa are Known?
A combination of different movements is called Karanas, 108.
23.Where is the famous temple of Natataja in Tamil Nadu situated?
Chidambaram
24.Explain the constitution of the Chidambaram Temple?
There are five Sakhas (halls) which are Chit, Kanaka, Ritta, Deva and Raja.
25.By which name is the demon under the feet of Nataraja called as?
Apasmara( representing ignorance)
26.Name the famous historic temples in which karana sculptures can be identified in Tamil Nadu?
Chidambaram Natarajar temple, TiruvannamalaiArunachaleswarar temple, Kailasanatha temple at Kancheepuram and Brihadeeswar temple at Tanjore.
30.Mention some of the rock cut temples found in South India.
Mamallapuram, Kanchipuram, Panamalai, Tiruttani
31.What was the dancers in the temples called?
Devadasis
32.How are the Devadasis classified?
a) Rajadasis( who danced before the Dhwajastambham)
b) Alankaradasis (who performed at social functions)
c) Devdasis (who dance regularly in the temples)
d) Swadasis (who only performed on special religious occasions like the kumbhabhishekam.
33. Who is the God of dance?
Lord Nataraja
34.Name the Vahanas of the following?
a) Lord Bramha : Swan
b) Lord Vishnu : Garuda
c) Lord Shiva : Nandi
d) Lord Muruga : Pea cock
e) Lord Ganesha :Mooshika ( mouse )
f) Yama : Buffalo
g) Goddess Saraswathi : Swan
h) Goddess Sakyhi :Simha.
35. Name the instruments of the following:
a) Goddess Saraswathi :Veena, Vipanchee
B) Nandhi :Mridangam
c) Lord Krishna : Flute
d) Sage Narada :Veena
36. What is the veena of the Narada called?
Mahathi
37. Name the Dikpalas.
a) East : Indra
b) South-east : Agni
c) South : Yama
d) South-west : Nirrti
e) West : Varuna
f) North-west : Vayu
g) North : Kubera
h) North-east : Esana
38.Name the Dasavatharas.
Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Sri Rama, Balarama, Sri Krishna and Kalki.
39.What are the Navagrahas? Name them
The Navagrahas are nine heavenly bodies. They are: Surya, Chandra, Angaraka, Brihaspathi, Guru, Sukra, Ragu, Ketu.
40. Who is the deity of education and arts?
Goddess Saraswathi.
