UGC NET Unit 5: Dance and Theatre Forms of East and South Asian Countries/MCQs

Section A: Overview of Asian Theatre and Dance Traditions

  1. The Chinese traditional opera known for its elaborate make-up and stylized acting is called:
    a) Noh
    b) Kabuki
    c) Peking Opera
    d) Bunraku
    Answer: c) Peking Opera

  2. Which Japanese theatre form uses masks and slow, symbolic movement?
    a) Noh
    b) Kabuki
    c) Bunraku
    d) Kyogen
    Answer: a) Noh

  3. The Indonesian dance-drama depicting the Ramayana is known as:
    a) Barong
    b) Wayang Wong
    c) Topeng
    d) Kecak
    Answer: b) Wayang Wong

  4. The Thai dance-drama based on the Ramayana is called:
    a) Khon
    b) Lakhon
    c) Likay
    d) Manora
    Answer: a) Khon

  5. “Kabuki” originated during the:
    a) Nara Period
    b) Heian Period
    c) Edo Period
    d) Meiji Period
    Answer: c) Edo Period

  6. Which Korean masked dance-drama is noted for satire and humor?
    a) Pansori
    b) Talchum
    c) Namsadang Nori
    d) Nongak
    Answer: b) Talchum

  7. “Wayang Kulit” of Indonesia is primarily a form of:
    a) Masked dance
    b) Puppet theatre
    c) Ritual folk song
    d) Acrobatics
    Answer: b) Puppet theatre

  8. Which form of Japanese theatre uses puppets?
    a) Kabuki
    b) Bunraku
    c) Noh
    d) Kyogen
    Answer: b) Bunraku

  9. The Chinese “Zaju” is historically associated with:
    a) Yuan Dynasty
    b) Tang Dynasty
    c) Ming Dynasty
    d) Qing Dynasty
    Answer: a) Yuan Dynasty

  10. The dance-drama “Barong” is a traditional art form of:
    a) Thailand
    b) Indonesia (Bali)
    c) Philippines
    d) Cambodia
    Answer: b) Indonesia (Bali)


Section B: South Asian Theatre and Dance

  1. The “Jatra” folk theatre is found in:
    a) Sri Lanka
    b) Bangladesh
    c) Nepal
    d) Pakistan
    Answer: b) Bangladesh

  2. “Baul songs” are associated with:
    a) Bangladesh
    b) Thailand
    c) Cambodia
    d) Japan
    Answer: a) Bangladesh

  3. The popular theatre form “Tamasha” belongs to:
    a) India
    b) Pakistan
    c) Sri Lanka
    d) Myanmar
    Answer: b) Pakistan

  4. The “Noor Jehan style” of musical performance is a heritage of which country’s theatre tradition?
    a) Bangladesh
    b) Pakistan
    c) Sri Lanka
    d) Thailand
    Answer: b) Pakistan

  5. “Kolam” dance is a traditional ritual theatre of:
    a) Sri Lanka
    b) Cambodia
    c) Laos
    d) Vietnam
    Answer: a) Sri Lanka

  6. The folk dance “Kandyan” is native to:
    a) Sri Lanka
    b) Myanmar
    c) Laos
    d) Philippines
    Answer: a) Sri Lanka

  7. “Puppetry and folk theatre of Bangladesh” derive largely from:
    a) Persian influences
    b) Hindu-Buddhist traditions
    c) Western realism
    d) Urban satire
    Answer: b) Hindu-Buddhist traditions

  8. “Sindhi Bhagat” is a performance genre that includes:
    a) Mimicry
    b) Folk dance and song
    c) Acrobatics
    d) Shadow play
    Answer: b) Folk dance and song

  9. The “Rasa Natya” of Sri Lanka evolved under the influence of:
    a) Sanskrit drama
    b) Persian theatre
    c) European plays
    d) Japanese Noh
    Answer: a) Sanskrit drama

  10. The Pakistani folk form that dramatizes epic love stories like “Heer Ranjha” is:
    a) Nautanki
    b) Bhand Pather
    c) Qissa Khwani
    d) Tamasha
    Answer: d) Tamasha


Section C: Southeast Asian Traditions

  1. The Cambodian classical dance form associated with Angkor Wat is:
    a) Apsara dance
    b) Kecak
    c) Barong
    d) Morlam
    Answer: a) Apsara dance

  2. The “Lakhon” theatre form belongs to:
    a) Thailand
    b) Vietnam
    c) Indonesia
    d) Laos
    Answer: a) Thailand

  3. “Kecak” is known as the monkey chant dance from:
    a) Vietnam
    b) Indonesia (Bali)
    c) Philippines
    d) Cambodia
    Answer: b) Indonesia (Bali)

  4. “Morlam” is the folk singing-drama tradition of:
    a) Laos and Thailand
    b) Myanmar
    c) Cambodia
    d) Philippines
    Answer: a) Laos and Thailand

  5. “Likay” is a popular theatre form of:
    a) Japan
    b) Thailand
    c) Vietnam
    d) Korea
    Answer: b) Thailand

  6. The Vietnamese water puppet theatre is called:
    a) Mua Roi Nuoc
    b) Likay
    c) Kecak
    d) Ramayana Ballet
    Answer: a) Mua Roi Nuoc

  7. “Lakhon Nok” and “Lakhon Nai” are subdivisions of:
    a) Thai theatre
    b) Cambodian theatre
    c) Indonesian theatre
    d) Vietnamese theatre
    Answer: a) Thai theatre

  8. The dance-drama depicting the Ramayana in Laos is:
    a) Phra Lak Phra Lam
    b) Kecak
    c) Barong
    d) Wayang Wong
    Answer: a) Phra Lak Phra Lam

  9. “Yama Zatdaw” is known as the Burmese version of:
    a) Mahabharata
    b) Ramayana
    c) Jataka Tales
    d) Bhagavata Purana
    Answer: b) Ramayana

  10. The Burmese classical court dance is known as:
    a) Zat Pwe
    b) Anyeint
    c) Myay Wine
    d) Yama Nat Pwe
    Answer: b) Anyeint


Section D: East Asian Theatre

  1. The origin of Noh theatre can be traced to which century?
    a) 6th
    b) 10th
    c) 14th
    d) 18th
    Answer: c) 14th

  2. The founder of modern Noh tradition is:
    a) Zeami Motokiyo
    b) Chikamatsu Monzaemon
    c) Ichikawa Danjuro I
    d) Okuni
    Answer: a) Zeami Motokiyo

  3. Kabuki theatre was founded by:
    a) Zeami
    b) Okuni
    c) Murasaki
    d) Basho
    Answer: b) Okuni

  4. The Japanese comic interlude performed between Noh plays is:
    a) Kyogen
    b) Bunraku
    c) Kabuki
    d) Gagaku
    Answer: a) Kyogen

  5. “Hanamichi” is a feature of:
    a) Kabuki theatre
    b) Bunraku theatre
    c) Noh theatre
    d) Chinese Opera
    Answer: a) Kabuki theatre

  6. The Korean narrative singing form “Pansori” uses how many performers?
    a) One
    b) Two
    c) Three
    d) Five
    Answer: b) Two

  7. “Ch’unhyangga” is a classic example of:
    a) Korean Pansori
    b) Japanese Kabuki
    c) Chinese Zaju
    d) Thai Khon
    Answer: a) Korean Pansori

  8. “Kunqu” opera is regarded as the oldest form of:
    a) Chinese musical drama
    b) Japanese folk opera
    c) Thai epic dance
    d) Korean puppet theatre
    Answer: a) Chinese musical drama

  9. The Beijing Opera traditionally featured which role type for female parts?
    a) Sheng
    b) Dan
    c) Jing
    d) Chou
    Answer: b) Dan

  10. The four role types of Peking Opera are Sheng, Dan, Jing, and:
    a) Chou
    b) Han
    c) Fan
    d) Tan
    Answer: a) Chou

    Section E: East Asian Performance Techniques and History

    1. In Peking Opera, the clown role is known as:
      a) Sheng
      b) Dan
      c) Jing
      d) Chou
      Answer: d) Chou

    2. The face painting in Chinese Opera is called:
      a) Kumadori
      b) Lianpu
      c) Kabeshita
      d) Nohmen
      Answer: b) Lianpu

    3. The Japanese “Bunraku” theatre primarily uses:
      a) String puppets
      b) Wooden puppets operated by humans
      c) Shadow puppets
      d) Masked dancers
      Answer: b) Wooden puppets operated by humans

    4. The traditional Japanese court music that influenced Noh theatre is:
      a) Gagaku
      b) Kodo
      c) Taiko
      d) Biwa
      Answer: a) Gagaku

    5. The male actors who perform female roles in Kabuki are known as:
      a) Onnagata
      b) Mie
      c) Danjuro
      d) Benshi
      Answer: a) Onnagata

    6. The stylized movement in Kabuki is called:
      a) Mie
      b) Kata
      c) Waza
      d) Kakegoe
      Answer: b) Kata

    7. The musical instrument that provides rhythm in Noh theatre is the:
      a) Shamisen
      b) O-tsuzumi
      c) Biwa
      d) Taiko
      Answer: b) O-tsuzumi

    8. The dance-drama that emerged as Japan’s popular culture theatre is:
      a) Kabuki
      b) Noh
      c) Kyogen
      d) Bunraku
      Answer: a) Kabuki

    9. The main difference between Noh and Kabuki theatre is:
      a) Kabuki is performed by women
      b) Noh is musical, Kabuki is silent
      c) Noh is refined and spiritual, Kabuki is popular and flamboyant
      d) Both are identical
      Answer: c) Noh is refined and spiritual, Kabuki is popular and flamboyant

    10. The principal Chinese instrument used in Peking Opera for melody is the:
      a) Pipa
      b) Erhu
      c) Sheng
      d) Guqin
      Answer: b) Erhu


    Section F: Southeast Asian Theatre and Dance – Performance Styles

    1. The Cambodian Apsara dance primarily symbolizes:
      a) Warrior strength
      b) Devotion and grace
      c) Satire and humor
      d) Political commentary
      Answer: b) Devotion and grace

    2. The Ramayana dance-drama performed in Bali using vocal chanting is:
      a) Wayang Wong
      b) Barong
      c) Kecak
      d) Topeng
      Answer: c) Kecak

    3. The “Topeng” dance of Indonesia uses:
      a) Masks
      b) Puppets
      c) Paintings
      d) Shadow projections
      Answer: a) Masks

    4. The Thai dance form “Khon” traditionally features:
      a) Female soloists
      b) Masked male dancers
      c) Puppeteers
      d) Acrobatics
      Answer: b) Masked male dancers

    5. The “Yama Zatdaw” of Myanmar is influenced by:
      a) The Buddhist Jataka tales
      b) The Ramayana
      c) Persian epics
      d) Greek drama
      Answer: b) The Ramayana

    6. The “Phra Lak Phra Lam” in Laos is derived from:
      a) Mahabharata
      b) Ramayana
      c) Silappadikaram
      d) Jataka tales
      Answer: b) Ramayana

    7. “Morlam” of Laos involves:
      a) Masked acting
      b) Narrative singing and storytelling
      c) Shadow puppetry
      d) Martial arts
      Answer: b) Narrative singing and storytelling

    8. The “Likay” theatre of Thailand is characterized by:
      a) Religious purity
      b) Improvisation and humor
      c) Silence and mime
      d) Classical dance gestures
      Answer: b) Improvisation and humor

    9. The “Barong” dance from Bali symbolizes the struggle between:
      a) Gods and mortals
      b) Good and evil
      c) Humans and spirits
      d) Kings and peasants
      Answer: b) Good and evil

    10. The Cambodian Apsara dancers usually depict:
      a) Episodes from Mahabharata
      b) Celestial nymphs
      c) Folk heroes
      d) Farmers and merchants
      Answer: b) Celestial nymphs


    Section G: South Asian Neighbourhood Theatre and Dance

    1. The Sri Lankan “Kolam” theatre is known for:
      a) Masked ritual performances
      b) Epic poetry recitations
      c) Shadow plays
      d) Folk storytelling
      Answer: a) Masked ritual performances

    2. The “Kandyan” dance originated in:
      a) Anuradhapura temples
      b) Buddhist rituals of Kandy
      c) Hindu temples
      d) Folk fairs
      Answer: b) Buddhist rituals of Kandy

    3. The musical form “Baila” is native to:
      a) Sri Lanka
      b) Pakistan
      c) Bangladesh
      d) Myanmar
      Answer: a) Sri Lanka

    4. The “Jatra Pala” performances in Bangladesh often depict:
      a) Myths and religious tales
      b) Urban life
      c) Political drama
      d) Domestic satire
      Answer: a) Myths and religious tales

    5. “Bangladeshi puppet theatre” is known as:
      a) Putul Nach
      b) Kecak
      c) Kolam
      d) Khon
      Answer: a) Putul Nach

    6. The Pakistani regional theatre form that combines music and improvisation is:
      a) Bhand
      b) Tamasha
      c) Nautanki
      d) Qawwali
      Answer: b) Tamasha

    7. The Pakistani folk theatre with moral tales and humor is called:
      a) Bhand Pather
      b) Tamasha
      c) Dastaangoi
      d) Nautanki
      Answer: b) Tamasha

    8. “Heer Ranjha” and “Sassi Punnu” are commonly staged themes in:
      a) Punjabi theatre
      b) Thai Khon
      c) Balinese theatre
      d) Korean Talchum
      Answer: a) Punjabi theatre

    9. The “Baul” tradition emphasizes:
      a) Spiritual freedom and devotion
      b) Dance technique
      c) Martial discipline
      d) Mimicry and parody
      Answer: a) Spiritual freedom and devotion

    10. Sri Lankan “Nadagam” was influenced by:
      a) South Indian musical drama
      b) British pantomime
      c) Japanese Kabuki
      d) Balinese dance
      Answer: a) South Indian musical drama


    Section H: Comparative and Cross-Cultural Studies

    1. The concept of “Total Theatre” in Asia combines:
      a) Music, dance, mime, and drama
      b) Visual art and dance
      c) Literature and painting
      d) Only ritual elements
      Answer: a) Music, dance, mime, and drama

    2. The “Hanamichi” in Kabuki theatre refers to:
      a) A special stage walkway
      b) The musical orchestra
      c) The audience gallery
      d) The makeup room
      Answer: a) A special stage walkway

    3. In East Asian theatre, colors of masks and make-up primarily denote:
      a) Musical tones
      b) Moral and psychological traits
      c) Gender
      d) Age only
      Answer: b) Moral and psychological traits

    4. The symbol of white face in Chinese Opera often signifies:
      a) Heroism
      b) Evil or cunning
      c) Divinity
      d) Youth
      Answer: b) Evil or cunning

    5. The “Dan” role type in Peking Opera represents:
      a) Male character
      b) Female character
      c) Comic role
      d) Villain
      Answer: b) Female character

    6. The “Sheng” role in Peking Opera generally represents:
      a) Old men
      b) Young male protagonists
      c) Comic servants
      d) Warriors only
      Answer: b) Young male protagonists

    7. In Noh theatre, the chorus is called:
      a) Jiutai
      b) Waki
      c) Shite
      d) Kyogen
      Answer: a) Jiutai

    8. The lead actor in Noh play is known as:
      a) Shite
      b) Waki
      c) Jiutai
      d) Kyogen
      Answer: a) Shite

    9. The supporting actor in Noh is called:
      a) Waki
      b) Shite
      c) Kyogen
      d) Chou
      Answer: a) Waki

    10. The “Mai” in Noh refers to:
      a) Stylized dance movement
      b) Musical interval
      c) Stage lighting
      d) Script recitation
      Answer: a) Stylized dance movement


    Section I: Musical and Costume Traditions

    1. In Balinese Kecak, the rhythm is maintained by:
      a) Cymbals
      b) Human vocal chanting
      c) Drums
      d) Flute
      Answer: b) Human vocal chanting

    2. In Thai “Khon” performance, masks are made primarily from:
      a) Gold foil
      b) Papier-mâché
      c) Bronze
      d) Clay
      Answer: b) Papier-mâché

    3. The Japanese instrument commonly used in Kabuki music is:
      a) Shamisen
      b) Erhu
      c) Pipa
      d) Taiko
      Answer: a) Shamisen

    4. The Burmese Anyeint performance involves:
      a) Solo female dancer and a clown troupe
      b) Masked male dancers
      c) Shadow puppets
      d) Warriors in costume
      Answer: a) Solo female dancer and a clown troupe

    5. The Korean “Buk” drum is mainly used in:
      a) Talchum
      b) Pansori
      c) Namsadang Nori
      d) All of these
      Answer: d) All of these

    6. The Apsara dancers wear:
      a) Metal crowns and silk skirts
      b) Leather armor
      c) Wooden masks
      d) White robes
      Answer: a) Metal crowns and silk skirts

    7. In Peking Opera, the “Dan” used to be played by:
      a) Women
      b) Men
      c) Monks
      d) Children
      Answer: b) Men

    8. The “Lakon Jatri” in Cambodia is a:
      a) Folk theatre
      b) Classical masked performance
      c) Puppet show
      d) Narrative poetry
      Answer: a) Folk theatre

    9. The Cambodian “Pinpeat” orchestra accompanies:
      a) Classical dance
      b) Folk songs
      c) Court rituals only
      d) Modern theatre
      Answer: a) Classical dance

    10. The “Erhu” instrument in Chinese Opera is a:
      a) String instrument
      b) Wind instrument
      c) Percussion
      d) Keyboard
      Answer: a) String instrument


    Section J: Contemporary Influences and Global Reach

    1. “Kabuki” was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in:
      a) 2002
      b) 2005
      c) 2008
      d) 2011
      Answer: b) 2005

    2. The “Ramayana Ballet” performed at Prambanan temple belongs to:
      a) Indonesia
      b) Thailand
      c) Cambodia
      d) Myanmar
      Answer: a) Indonesia

    3. “Wayang” theatre of Indonesia includes both:
      a) Shadow and puppet theatre
      b) Mask and dance
      c) Music and mime
      d) Epic and satire
      Answer: a) Shadow and puppet theatre

    4. “Kecak” evolved in the 1930s as a form of:
      a) Tourist performance
      b) Ritual purification
      c) Classical ballet
      d) Martial display
      Answer: a) Tourist performance

    5. “Yamato-e” aesthetics influenced:
      a) Noh drama stage design
      b) Peking Opera masks
      c) Thai Khon movements
      d) Sri Lankan Kolam songs
      Answer: a) Noh drama stage design

    6. “Likay” theatre of Thailand is comparable to Indian:
      a) Nautanki
      b) Kathakali
      c) Bharatanatyam
      d) Yakshagana
      Answer: a) Nautanki

    7. The “Pinpeat” orchestra resembles the Indian:
      a) Nadaswaram ensemble
      b) Panchavadyam
      c) Temple orchestra
      d) Both b and c
      Answer: d) Both b and c

    8. The “Yue Opera” from China is known for:
      a) All-female troupes
      b) All-male troupes
      c) Puppet usage
      d) Martial themes only
      Answer: a) All-female troupes

    9. The “Talchum” dances were originally performed during:
      a) Harvest festivals
      b) New Year celebrations
      c) Royal coronations
      d) Buddhist Lent
      Answer: a) Harvest festivals

    10. The interrelationship of Asian theatre forms shows that:
      a) They share ritual, dance, and storytelling origins
      b) Each is purely isolated
      c) They are only Western influenced
      d) They have no common heritage
      Answer: a) They share ritual, dance, and storytelling origins

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