UPSC Prelims 2013 Q79: Art & Culture – Classical Dance Forms
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?
- (a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
- (b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make - up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters
- (c) Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story
- (d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism
Answer: (a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
Explanation
Tribhanga
Tribhanga means 'three bends' (tri = three, bhanga = bend).
The body curves at the neck, the waist and the knee, giving a gentle S-shape.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stance | One leg bent; the body curved one way at the waist and the other way at the neck |
| Dance | A basic posture of Odissi |
| Sculpture | Krishna playing the flute; yakshis at Sanchi; Chola bronzes |
| Oldest example | The bronze Dancing Girl of Mohenjodaro |
Related postures:
| Posture | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Samabhanga | Body straight and balanced |
| Abhanga | One slight bend |
| Tribhanga | Three bends |
| Atibhanga | Extreme bend, as in Nataraja |
The other options describe abhinaya (expression) and mudras (hand gestures), not a body pose.
Answer: (a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. In Tribhanga, one leg is bent and the body curves oppositely at waist and neck.
- (b) Incorrect. Facial expressions and make-up describe Kathakali-style acting.
- (c) Incorrect. Using body, face and hands to tell a story is abhinaya.
- (d) Incorrect. This describes the mood of shringara (love), not the pose itself.
Key point
Tribhanga: three bends at neck, waist and knee; S-shaped stance of Odissi, Krishna images and the Mohenjodaro Dancing Girl.
Remember
Tribhanga = three-bend pose of Krishna and Odissi.
Common mistakes
- Confusing a pose with expression (abhinaya).
- Not breaking the word into tri + bhanga.
- Linking it only to dance and not to sculpture.
Exam tip
Tri = three, bhanga = bend. Look for the option about body curves.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — An Introduction to Indian Art (Indian Bronze Sculpture)
- Centre for Cultural Resources and Training — Odissi dance