UPSC Prelims 2012 Q68: Art & Culture – Classical Dance Forms
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?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam | Correct | Kuchipudi began as a dance-drama; dancers use speech (vachika abhinaya) |
| 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 | Incorrect | Dancing on the brass plate (Tarangam) is a feature of Kuchipudi, not Bharatanatyam |
The two dances compared:
| Point | Kuchipudi | Bharatanatyam |
|---|---|---|
| State | Andhra Pradesh | Tamil Nadu |
| Origin | Dance-drama by Brahmin men (Bhagavatulu); Siddhendra Yogi | Temple dance of the devadasis (Sadir) |
| Special item | Tarangam on a brass plate, often with a pot on the head | Varnam, the main piece |
| Speech | Used at times | Not used |
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi and not in Bharatanatyam.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is reversed; the brass plate dance belongs to Kuchipudi.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; Bharatanatyam has no brass plate dance.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is true; Kuchipudi dancers do speak dialogues at times.
Key point
Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh): dance-drama, spoken dialogue, Tarangam on a brass plate. Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu): devadasi tradition, Varnam, no speech.
Remember
Kuchipudi = dialogue + brass plate (Tarangam).
Common mistakes
- Giving the brass plate dance to Bharatanatyam.
- Forgetting that Kuchipudi started as drama, so speech is natural to it.
- Mixing up the home States: Kuchipudi is from Andhra Pradesh.
Exam tip
Watch for swapped features. UPSC often gives a true fact but attaches it to the wrong dance.
Sources
- Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) — Classical Dances of India: Kuchipudi; Bharatanatyam
- Sangeet Natak Akademi — Classical dance forms