Tag: UGC NET Performing Arts Notes and MCQs NTA

  • UGC NET UNIT 10 — THEATRE EDUCATION, PEDAGOGY & RESEARCH – MCQs – Performing Arts

     100 MCQs (UGC-NET level)

    1. Theatre in Education (TIE) primarily aims to:
      a) Produce commercially successful plays
      b) Use drama techniques to achieve defined educational objectives
      c) Replace the school curriculum entirely
      d) Create theatrical spectacles for festivals
      Ans: b

    2. Practice-as-Research (PaR) in theatre signifies:
      a) Archival research only
      b) Creative practice as an investigatory method that generates knowledge
      c) Survey research among audiences
      d) Textual editing of plays
      Ans: b

    3. The classical Indian treatise that forms the foundation for traditional actor training is:
      a) Abhinaya Darpana
      b) Natyashastra
      c) Sangeet Ratnakara
      d) Natya Manjusha
      Ans: b

    4. Which institution is the principal national agency for recognition and support to Indian performing arts including theatre?
      a) National School of Drama (NSD)
      b) Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA)
      c) Lalit Kala Akademi
      d) Directorate of Film Festivals
      Ans: b

    5. Nepathya vidhi in classical Indian theatre refers to:
      a) Onstage costume and make-up conventions
      b) Backstage procedures, preparations and rituals
      c) Audience seating plan
      d) Types of stage machines
      Ans: b

    6. A pedagogical method that uses short improvisational exercises to develop listening, spontaneity and status awareness is attributed to:
      a) Konstantin Stanislavsky
      b) Keith Johnstone and Viola Spolin
      c) Vsevolod Meyerhold
      d) Bharata Muni
      Ans: b

    7. Which movement discipline is most directly associated with breath control and centring practices used in actor training?
      a) Kalaripayattu
      b) Yoga (pranayama)
      c) Laban movement analysis
      d) Peking opera singing
      Ans: b

    8. A researcher using participant observation, field notes and interviews to study a living folk theatre tradition is employing:
      a) Experimental method
      b) Ethnography
      c) Bibliographic method
      d) Content analysis
      Ans: b

    9. The National School of Drama (NSD) in India is best described as:
      a) A grant-giving body only
      b) A professional training, repertory and research institution for theatre
      c) A film institute
      d) A private theatre company
      Ans: b

    10. Which of the following best exemplifies applied theatre?
      a) A commercial West End musical
      b) A prison drama workshop facilitating rehabilitation and reintegration
      c) A festival premiere of a classical play
      d) A corporate gala performance
      Ans: b

    11. Abhinaya in Indian performance theory includes all EXCEPT:
      a) Angika (physical expression)
      b) Vachika (speech)
      c) Nepathya (backstage ritual)
      d) Sattvika (psychic-emotional expression)
      Ans: c

    12. In theatre pedagogy, “devising” refers to:
      a) A director staging a canonical script unchanged
      b) Collaborative creation of performance often through improvisation and workshop practice
      c) Only costume design process
      d) Teaching acting by lecturing only
      Ans: b

    13. Which scholar authored Theatres of Independence: Drama, Theory and Urban Performance in India since 1947?
      a) Rustom Bharucha
      b) Aparna Bhargava Dharwadker
      c) Kapila Vatsyayan
      d) Ebrahim Alkazi
      Ans: b

    14. A “production thesis” in a theatre MA/MFA programme typically involves:
      a) Only a written literature review
      b) Mounting a staged production accompanied by a written critical reflection or documentation
      c) Only coursework exams
      d) A business plan for a theatre company
      Ans: b

    15. Which of the following accurately describes “Theatre of the Oppressed”?
      a) A form of classical Indian ritual theatre
      b) Augusto Boal’s set of interactive techniques that empower audiences to rehearse social change
      c) A style of musical theatre
      d) A 19th century melodrama genre
      Ans: b

    16. Kinesthetic awareness in movement training refers to:
      a) Knowledge about lighting instruments
      b) Sensitivity to body position, movement dynamics and internal sensation
      c) Skill in sewing costumes
      d) The study of dramatic texts only
      Ans: b

    17. Which method is most appropriate to evaluate learning outcomes in school theatre programmes?
      a) Only multiple-choice tests
      b) Portfolios, performance assessment rubrics and reflective journals
      c) Box office revenue analysis
      d) Costume checklists only
      Ans: b

    18. Which one is an example of practice-as-research output?
      a) An annotated bibliography only
      b) A documented performance (video) with reflective exegesis linking practice and research questions
      c) A press release for a play
      d) A ticketing report
      Ans: b

    19. Which institution organises Bharat Rang Mahotsav?
      a) Sangeet Natak Akademi
      b) National School of Drama (NSD)
      c) Prithvi Theatre
      d) Ministry of Sports
      Ans: b

    20. Which of the following is NOT a primary aim of community theatre?
      a) Engaging local participants in performance making
      b) Addressing local social concerns and fostering dialogue
      c) Maximising commercial profit for producers
      d) Preserving local performance traditions and knowledge
      Ans: c

    21. Which training system emphasises codified hand gestures (mudras), facial micro-expressions and rasa aesthetic?
      a) Stanislavskian method
      b) Indian classical abhinaya tradition
      c) Meyerhold’s biomechanics
      d) Spolin improvisation games
      Ans: b

    22. Which movement analysis framework is commonly used in actor movement studies to annotate and analyse movement quality (weight, space, time, flow)?
      a) Stanislavsky’s given circumstances
      b) Laban Movement Analysis (LMA)
      c) Brechtian gestus
      d) Boal’s forum techniques
      Ans: b

    23. Which is a core difference between Theatre in Education (TIE) and Applied Theatre?
      a) TIE is always commercial while Applied Theatre is not
      b) TIE is typically curriculum-linked educational practice in schools; Applied Theatre has broader social/therapeutic/community aims beyond formal schooling
      c) TIE uses only puppets; Applied Theatre uses only song
      d) There is no difference; they are identical terms
      Ans: b

    24. Which Indian scholar is known for influential work on intercultural performance and postcolonial critique?
      a) Aparna Dharwadker
      b) Rustom Bharucha
      c) Kapila Vatsyayan
      d) Bharata Muni
      Ans: b

    25. Which of these is a typical research method in theatre studies?
      a) Randomised controlled trials only
      b) Archival research, ethnography, practice-as-research, discourse analysis
      c) Only laboratory chemical tests
      d) Only financial audits
      Ans: b

    26. Which practice is most directly useful for training stage combat and safe falling?
      a) Laban notation
      b) Martial arts (e.g., Kalaripayattu, Aikido) and stage combat techniques
      c) Script analysis only
      d) Costume fitting workshops
      Ans: b

    27. Which major Indian award is conferred for lifetime contribution in performing arts by the Government of India?
      a) Oscar Award
      b) Padma Awards (Padma Shri / Padma Bhushan) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship/awards
      c) Booker Prize
      d) Turner Prize
      Ans: b

    28. Which of the following best defines “ensemble devising” in theatre pedagogy?
      a) Theatre made by a single playwright with no performer input
      b) Collective creation where performers co-create material often through improvisation and workshops
      c) A standard proscenium rehearsal process only
      d) Only choreography for musicals
      Ans: b

    29. Which practice emphasizes reduction of spectacle to concentrate on actor–audience encounter and rigorous actor training?
      a) Broadway musical production
      b) Jerzy Grotowski’s Poor Theatre
      c) Kabuki theatre
      d) Peking Opera spectacle
      Ans: b

    30. Which of the following is NOT generally part of a university theatre curriculum?
      a) Theatre history and criticism
      b) Practical workshops in acting / direction / design
      c) Research methodology and dissertation work
      d) Exclusively commercial film production internships (unless elective)
      Ans: d

    31. Which of these is the most suitable method for documenting oral histories of theatre practitioners?
      a) Participant observation and recorded interviews with consent, cataloguing and archiving materials
      b) Only reading published plays
      c) Only scanning ticket stubs
      d) Only filming stage fight sequences without permission
      Ans: a

    32. Which of the following best describes a performance portfolio used in theatre education?
      a) A list of only monetary transactions
      b) An organised collection of evidence — videos, photographs, scripts, reflective notes — demonstrating a student’s learning and creative development
      c) A program brochure only
      d) Only costume receipts
      Ans: b

    33. Which training approach integrates Stanislavskian psychological techniques with traditional Indian abhinaya practices to create hybrid actor training?
      a) Exclusive method acting only
      b) Integrative or hybrid curricula offered in many contemporary conservatories and NSD modules
      c) Only biomechanics training
      d) Only Grotowski’s poor theatre training
      Ans: b

    34. Which festival is primarily associated with contemporary and experimental theatre in Mumbai?
      a) Prithvi Theatre Festival
      b) Bharat Rang Mahotsav
      c) Jaipur Literature Festival
      d) Edinburgh Fringe
      Ans: a

    35. Which of these is a common outcome measure for applied theatre interventions (e.g., health education, social awareness)?
      a) Ticket sales only
      b) Behavioural change indicators, community engagement metrics, qualitative testimonies, pre/post knowledge assessments
      c) Number of costumes used
      d) Only production length
      Ans: b

    36. Which scholar is most associated with the theoretical concept of “performance studies” in global scholarship?
      a) Erika Fischer-Lichte / Richard Schechner (both influential in performance studies)
      b) Only Bharata Muni
      c) Only Keith Johnstone
      d) Only Ebrahim Alkazi
      Ans: a

    37. Which of the following is a key advantage of incorporating puppetry exercises in early theatre pedagogy?
      a) Encourages object work, focus, precision, and non-verbal storytelling skills in learners
      b) Teaches only advanced vocal technique for opera
      c) Replaces theatre games entirely
      d) Is only relevant for film acting
      Ans: a

    38. Which body typically provides fellowships and financial support for theatre research in India?
      a) Sangeet Natak Akademi and University Grants Commission (UGC) / Ministry of Culture schemes
      b) Only commercial film studios
      c) Automobile corporations exclusively
      d) Only fashion houses
      Ans: a

    39. Which movement notation system is used to record and analyse movement in theatre and dance pedagogy?
      a) Morse code
      b) Labanotation (Laban Movement Analysis notation)
      c) Musical notation only
      d) Binary code
      Ans: b

    40. Which pedagogical resource is most useful to assess process-oriented learning in children’s theatre?
      a) End-of-term written exams only
      b) Observational checklists, portfolios, video reflections and peer/self assessment
      c) Solely box office income
      d) Costume invoices
      Ans: b

    41. Which research approach most directly foregrounds the researcher’s creative practice as the method of enquiry and the artistic product as a form of knowledge claim?
      a) Archival cataloguing
      b) Practice-as-Research (PaR) or Practice-led research
      c) Purely bibliographic study
      d) Secondary data analysis
      Ans: b

    42. Which of the following is a central concern of feminist theatre pedagogy?
      a) Reproducing male-centric canonical texts without critique
      b) Addressing gender inequalities, foregrounding women’s narratives and promoting inclusive participatory methodologies
      c) Only commercial success metrics
      d) Excluding women from performance
      Ans: b

    43. Which of the following is most characteristic of community theatre practice?
      a) Exclusive reliance on professional actors and high production budgets
      b) Participation of local community members, use of vernacular forms, focus on social issues and local relevance
      c) Only historical reconstructions by scholars
      d) Corporate entertainment only
      Ans: b

    44. Which method is commonly taught in actor training to develop dynamic use of space, weight and timing?
      a) Only textual analysis
      b) Laban movement techniques and Bartenieff fundamentals
      c) Only costume drawing exercises
      d) Only sound design
      Ans: b

    45. Which of the following accurately describes the role of a dramaturge in a university production?
      a) Only buying tickets
      b) Providing script research, contextual analysis, adaptation guidance and working with director and students on textual coherence and research content
      c) Making coffee backstage only
      d) Controlling house lights only
      Ans: b

    46. Which of these best illustrates a practice-based doctoral research question in theatre education?
      a) “What is the GDP growth of the theatre industry?”
      b) “How does devising theatre with adolescent participants influence civic engagement? — A practice-as-research study combining workshops, performances and reflective analysis.”
      c) “How many seats are in all Indian theatres?”
      d) “What are the colours of costumes used in film?”
      Ans: b

    47. Which of the following is an internationally recognised model of participatory theatre used for social change and empowerment?
      a) Kabuki theatre
      b) Theatre of the Oppressed (Augusto Boal)
      c) Stanislavsky’s ensemble method only
      d) Peking Opera
      Ans: b

    48. Which research output is typically peer-reviewed and considered academically rigorous in theatre studies?
      a) A blog post with no references
      b) Article in a peer-reviewed journal, monograph or peer-reviewed conference proceedings
      c) A press release for a performance
      d) A tweet thread
      Ans: b

    49. Which is a core component of an undergraduate theatre programme aimed at professional training?
      a) Only three months of study
      b) Theory modules (history/criticism), practical labs (acting/directing/design), production participation, internships and assessment via performance portfolios
      c) Only watching recorded films
      d) Only marketing classes
      Ans: b

    50. Which of the following actions best exemplifies ethical research practice when documenting community theatre traditions?
      a) Recording performers without consent and publishing raw footage
      b) Obtaining informed consent, acknowledging contributors, sharing outcomes with community, and respectful contextualisation
      c) Selling materials without attribution
      d) Presenting undocumented material as your own creation
      Ans: b

    51. Which practical training element is most likely to be emphasised in a children’s theatre workshop?
      a) Advanced stage lighting programming
      b) Playful storytelling, puppetry, role-play, simple devising and movement games
      c) Detailed costume manufacturing techniques for adults
      d) Complex scenic construction methods
      Ans: b

    52. Which institution is commonly cited as instrumental in professionalising theatre practice and pedagogy in post-Independence India?
      a) National Film and Television School only
      b) National School of Drama (NSD)
      c) Only private theatre groups
      d) Comics publishers
      Ans: b

    53. Which of the following is a typical indicator of successful theatre outreach in an educational setting?
      a) Increase in spectator ticket prices only
      b) Improvement in student participation, communication skills, curricular learning outcomes and wider community involvement
      c) Only more elaborate costumes
      d) Fewer school plays produced
      Ans: b

    54. Which one is NOT a sound research method in theatre education?
      a) Ethnography
      b) Controlled laboratory chemical experiments unrelated to theatre
      c) Practice-as-research (PaR)
      d) Archival research
      Ans: b

    55. Which of the following is most relevant when preparing a production for a multi-lingual school setting?
      a) Ignoring language and only using complex dialogue
      b) Use of translation, simple language, non-verbal storytelling, and inclusive participatory exercises
      c) Only using original language irrespective of comprehension
      d) Only imported texts with no adaptation
      Ans: b

    56. Which of the following best describes “forum theatre”?
      a) A classical Sanskrit performance ritual
      b) An interactive form in Theatre of the Oppressed where audience members intervene and propose/act alternatives to a staged problem
      c) A musical theatre format for kids
      d) A proscenium production with no audience involvement
      Ans: b

    57. Which of the following is primarily responsible for higher education accreditation and oversight related to university theatre programmes in India?
      a) National School of Drama (NSD) only
      b) University Grants Commission (UGC) and relevant universities/colleges under regulatory frameworks
      c) Film studios
      d) Theatre companies only
      Ans: b

    58. Which of the following is an appropriate qualitative indicator to measure impact of a theatre outreach project?
      a) Profit margins only
      b) Participant narratives, observed behavioural change, community testimonials and follow-up interviews
      c) Number of seats in the theatre only
      d) Number of costume pieces used
      Ans: b

    59. Which movement training approach emphasises economy of movement, precision, and codified physical actions often used in non-realistic performance?
      a) Biomechanics (Meyerhold)
      b) Pure Stanislavskian emotional recall only
      c) Only vocal training
      d) None of the above
      Ans: a

    60. Which of these is a valid reason to include theatre in the primary school curriculum?
      a) Only to train future actors
      b) To develop language, social skills, confidence, creativity and critical thinking across subjects
      c) Only to sell theatre tickets
      d) Only to prepare students for commercial films
      Ans: b

    61. Which organisation maintains lists of national awardees (Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards) and supports documentation?
      a) An ad-hoc private group only
      b) Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) under Ministry of Culture
      c) Only foreign NGOs
      d) Commercial social media influencers
      Ans: b

    62. Which of the following best exemplifies an ethical community theatre project?
      a) Using community stories without permissions for profit
      b) Co-producing a show with community members, shared decision-making, capacity building and attribution
      c) Outsourcing all creative decisions to an external director with no local input
      d) Using community only as background extras
      Ans: b

    63. Which of these is a primary consideration in designing a research proposal for PhD in theatre education?
      a) The shopping list for props
      b) Clear research question, literature review, methodology (fieldwork/PaR), ethical considerations and expected contribution to knowledge
      c) Only the number of performances planned
      d) Only the costume budget
      Ans: b

    64. Which technique is particularly useful in TIE for rehearsing real-life decision making and civic behaviour?
      a) Passive listening to lectures only
      b) Role-play, simulations, and problem-based scenario enactments
      c) Only costume painting
      d) Only scenery painting
      Ans: b

    65. Which term best describes the practice of documenting, archiving and digitising theatre performances and oral histories?
      a) Production only
      b) Performance documentation and digital archiving
      c) Only costume storage
      d) Only ticket copying
      Ans: b

    66. Which pedagogy explicitly integrates local folk idioms with contemporary theatre practice for cultural relevance and pedagogy?
      a) Exclusive Western conservatory training only
      b) Theatre of Roots / folk-informed pedagogy used in many regional training programmes
      c) Only film school curricula
      d) Only corporate training modules
      Ans: b

    67. Which of the following is the best indicator of a robust theatre research culture in a country?
      a) Only high box office returns
      b) Active peer-reviewed journals, research theses, conferences, funded projects and archival repositories
      c) Only celebrity interviews on TV
      d) Only fashion shows
      Ans: b

    68. Which of the following research outputs would most likely be called practice-led scholarship?
      a) A performance accompanied by a reflective critical exegesis submitted as a doctoral thesis
      b) A one-line theatre review in a blog with no evidence
      c) Only a costume drawing with no context
      d) A private rehearsal diary not shared academically
      Ans: a

    69. Which of the following is a common challenge in implementing theatre programmes in primary schools?
      a) Lack of any educational benefit
      b) Limited curricular time, insufficient teacher training in drama pedagogy, resource constraints and assessment pressures
      c) Too many trained theatre teachers available
      d) Abundance of rehearsal space
      Ans: b

    70. Which of the following pairing is correct?
      a) Augusto Boal — Biomechanics
      b) Keith Johnstone — Improvisation and status work
      c) Vsevolod Meyerhold — Theatre of the Oppressed
      d) Bharata Muni — Poor Theatre
      Ans: b

    71. Which of the following best describes a reflexive journal used in PaR?
      a) A ledger of ticket sales only
      b) A research tool where practitioner-researchers record observations, decisions, feelings and analytical reflections during creative practice
      c) A certification of costume authenticity
      d) A list of theatre donors
      Ans: b

    72. Which Indian organisation is most associated with the promotion of regional theatre and festivals at state level?
      a) Ministry of Finance only
      b) State Sangeet Natak Akademis and State Cultural Departments
      c) Only private film producers
      d) Only sports federations
      Ans: b

    73. Which of the following is the most appropriate research ethics consideration in theatre fieldwork?
      a) Using hidden cameras without consent
      b) Obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality where required, and being culturally sensitive to participants
      c) Publishing participants’ private data without permission
      d) Falsifying interviews to enhance findings
      Ans: b

    74. Which of the following teaching resources is most useful when introducing primary school children to theatre?
      a) Dense theoretical monographs only
      b) Storybooks, puppets, simple scripts, theatre games and play-based activities
      c) Only academic journal articles
      d) Expensive large scale sets
      Ans: b

    75. Which approach would you use to study the impact of a theatre project on community health awareness?
      a) Only secondary data from unrelated industries
      b) Mixed methods — pre-/post surveys, focus groups, qualitative interviews, participant observation and process documentation
      c) Only ticket revenue measurement
      d) Only costume sales tracking
      Ans: b

    76. Which theatre practitioner is credited with professionalising theatre training at NSD and bringing modern production standards to Indian theatre?
      a) Ebrahim Alkazi
      b) Rustom Bharucha
      c) Bharata Muni
      d) Keith Johnstone
      Ans: a

    77. Which of the following is a central feature of feminist theatre practice used in pedagogy?
      a) Reproducing patriarchal narratives without critique
      b) Autobiographical testimony, collective devising, critique of gender hierarchies and embodied methodologies
      c) Only male ensemble training
      d) Only rigid classical replication
      Ans: b

    78. Which of the following funding sources is increasingly important for sustaining theatre projects in India post-1990s?
      a) Only state grants
      b) Corporate CSR funding and private foundations alongside government grants
      c) Only box office income
      d) Only ticket resales
      Ans: b

    79. Which is an example of ethical community engagement in theatre pedagogy?
      a) Extracting stories and leaving without feedback or benefit to participants
      b) Engaging communities as co-creators, capacity building, crediting sources, and sharing project benefits
      c) Using participants only as unpaid extras for profit
      d) Only staging performances for external VIPs
      Ans: b

    80. Which of the following best captures a core objective of research in theatre education?
      a) Only making commercial productions
      b) Advancing understanding of learning processes, methods of pedagogy, and evidencing impact of drama in educational/social contexts
      c) Only copying foreign curricula
      d) Only marketing theatre shows
      Ans: b

    81. Which of the following is a key advantage of using theatre games in classroom pedagogy?
      a) Encouraging passive listening
      b) Fostering spontaneity, cooperation, creativity and communication skills among learners
      c) Reducing student participation
      d) Replacing literacy learning entirely
      Ans: b

    82. Which of the following would be the best empirical indicator for success of a TIE programme on environmental awareness?
      a) Number of costumes used in the production
      b) Pre/post knowledge test scores, observed behavioural changes, and follow-up community actions related to environmental practices
      c) Number of social media followers for the school only
      d) Box office revenue alone
      Ans: b

    83. Which of the following research outputs would most likely require ethics committee clearance?
      a) Analysis of publicly available archived texts only
      b) Research involving minors as participants in theatre workshops and collecting personal data
      c) Only reading classical plays alone
      d) Only scanning public posters without interaction
      Ans: b

    84. Which actor-training method emphasises “given circumstances”, objectives and the actor’s truthful inner life?
      a) Meyerhold’s biomechanics
      b) Stanislavsky system / Method foundations
      c) Grotowski’s poor theatre only
      d) Kabuki stylisation only
      Ans: b

    85. Which of the following best describes a “performance ethnography”?
      a) A purely quantitative study using only structured surveys
      b) An approach where ethnographic methods are used to study performance contexts and where the research may itself be performative or reflexive
      c) Only costume inventories
      d) Only ticket sales analysis
      Ans: b

    86. Which of the following is a recommended way to sustain theatre education programmes in schools?
      a) Rely solely on single-event funding
      b) Integrate drama into the curriculum, build teacher capacity through continuous professional development and secure multi-year funding partnerships
      c) Only permit external companies to run one-off shows with no follow up
      d) Avoid parental engagement entirely
      Ans: b

    87. Which of the following is a common form of dissemination for theatre research?
      a) Peer-reviewed journals, edited volumes, conference presentations, performance presentations with exegesis and digital archives
      b) Only private diary entries not shared publicly
      c) Only gossip columns
      d) Only ticket stubs
      Ans: a

    88. Which of the following best characterises an action research cycle used in theatre pedagogy?
      a) Planning → Action → Observation → Reflection, repeated iteratively to refine practice
      b) Only final performance without iteration
      c) Only theoretical reading without practice
      d) Only administrative paperwork
      Ans: a

    89. Which of these statements is true about theatre pedagogy at tertiary level?
      a) It excludes research skills entirely
      b) It integrates practice, theory and research including methodology training and production projects
      c) It is identical to primary school drama activities
      d) It focuses exclusively on box office management
      Ans: b

    90. Which of the following is most likely to be funded by a cultural grant for theatre research?
      a) A documentation and digitisation project for endangered folk theatre forms
      b) Only a private wedding performance
      c) Only sports events
      d) Only private parties
      Ans: a

    91. Which of the following is a recognized challenge specific to PaR (practice-as-research) in theatre?
      a) Clear signposting of research questions and making practice legible as research, assessment criteria for creative outputs, and ethical concerns in documenting participants
      b) No need for methodology at all
      c) Only purely numerical data suffices
      d) No dissemination required
      Ans: a

    92. Which of the following is a common indicator of collaborative pedagogy in theatre schools?
      a) Solo lectures only with no practice
      b) Cross-disciplinary projects, ensemble devising, regular production cycles involving students as practitioners and researchers
      c) Only theoretical exams with no practical component
      d) No assessment of learning outcomes
      Ans: b

    93. Which of the following is most appropriate when designing a theatre workshop for illiterate adult learners?
      a) Rely primarily on text-heavy scripts
      b) Use image, movement, role-play, story circles and participatory methods that do not depend on literacy
      c) Only assign lengthy reading homework
      d) Only use written exams to assess learning
      Ans: b

    94. Which of the following indicates good practice in archiving performance materials?
      a) Storing materials haphazardly in any available location
      b) Systematic cataloguing, metadata creation, high-quality digitisation, backups and access policies respecting copyright and participant consent
      c) Only keeping ticket stubs in shoeboxes without records
      d) Posting raw materials online without permissions
      Ans: b

    95. Which of the following is a formative assessment tool in theatre education?
      a) Final exam only
      b) Continuous feedback, rehearsal notes, peer review, reflective journals and incremental performance tasks
      c) Only year-end public performance with no feedback
      d) Only attendance register
      Ans: b

    96. Which of the following is true of integrating folk forms into contemporary theatre pedagogy?
      a) It should be avoided entirely
      b) It provides cultural specificity, rhythmic and musical vocabularies, ensemble models and community engagement opportunities when practised respectfully and contextually
      c) It replaces all modern methods and is mandatory everywhere
      d) It is only for costume design classes
      Ans: b

    97. Which of the following best reflects an interdisciplinary research project in theatre?
      a) A project combining theatre practice with public health education to examine behaviour change using workshops, performances and evaluation metrics
      b) A project only about box office data
      c) A project only on painting unrelated to theatre
      d) A project selling theatre merchandise online
      Ans: a

    98. Which of the following is the best immediate first step when planning a community theatre project?
      a) Booking the largest theatre in a city before talking to community members
      b) Conducting initial consultations with community stakeholders to identify needs, interests and ethical considerations
      c) Only writing a press release first
      d) Immediately staging a large commercial show for profit
      Ans: b

    99. Which of the following best summarises the rationale for including theatre in school curricula according to education research?
      a) Theatre only trains future actors
      b) Theatre supports holistic development — language, social skills, empathy, creativity, critical thinking and emotional intelligence — and can be integrated across subjects
      c) Theatre is only a leisure activity with no educational value
      d) Theatre distracts from core subjects and should be excluded
      Ans: b

    100. Which of the following constitutes a rigorous final submission for a PhD in Theatre Education using PaR?
      a) A video of a devised production accompanied by a 60–100 page written exegesis that situates practice within scholarly literature, methodology, analysis and contribution to knowledge
      b) Only a short tweet about a rehearsal
      c) A private scrapbook not shared or assessed
      d) Only a poster with no theoretical underpinning
      Ans: a

  • UGC NET Unit 9: Theatre Design and Techniques – MCQs – Performing Arts

    Unit 9: Theatre Design and Techniques (UGC-NET Performing Arts – Drama & Theatre), modelled on previous year question styles (odd-one-out, matching, sequence, assertion-reason, direct MCQ).
    They cover architecture, stage-craft, Ahārya/Nepathya, management, and applied theatre forms.

    1. The “orchestra” in Greek theatre refers to the:
      a) actor’s dressing room
      b) circular performance space for chorus and actors
      c) scenery backdrop
      d) audience seating area
      Ans: b

    2. A freestanding semicircular theatre building with a scaenae frons is characteristic of:
      a) Greek theatre
      b) Roman theatre
      c) Elizabethan theatre
      d) Sanskrit Natyagruha
      Ans: b

    3. The “thrust stage” is best described as:
      a) audience on one side only
      b) audience on three sides with stage projecting into seating
      c) full arena with audience all around
      d) proscenium arch stage
      Ans: b

    4. In a proscenium theatre, the architectural feature that separates stage from audience is the:
      a) orchestra pit
      b) flying gallery
      c) proscenium arch
      d) thrust platform
      Ans: c

    5. The term Vikr̥ṣṭa Natyagruha in the Sanskrit tradition denotes:
      a) a small intimate theatre
      b) a large theatre house for major performances
      c) a mobile stage cart
      d) an open-air arena only
      Ans: b

    6. The hanamichi is a feature of which theatre tradition?
      a) Greek
      b) Chinese Opera
      c) Kabuki
      d) Noh
      Ans: c

    7. In stage-craft, “masking” primarily refers to:
      a) actor’s facial prosthetics
      b) blocking audience view of wings and offstage areas
      c) sound amplification
      d) lighting colour filters
      Ans: b

    8. Which of the following is not a key function of lighting in theatre?
      a) Mood and atmosphere
      b) Visibility of actors
      c) Costume change
      d) Indicating time/place
      Ans: c

    9. A “gobo” in lighting design is used to:
      a) change bulb colour
      b) project patterns or textures of light onto stage surfaces
      c) control sound cues
      d) mount stage props
      Ans: b

    10. The costume design element that conveys the period, class and occupation of a character is its:
      a) light plot
      b) silhouette and texture
      c) acoustic setting
      d) actor’s position on stage
      Ans: b

    11. Ahārya Vidhi in classical Indian theatre refers to:
      a) backstage rituals and management
      b) external stage adornments – costume, makeup, ornaments
      c) audience behaviour guidelines
      d) actor’s vocal training
      Ans: b

    12. Nepathya Vidhi refers to:
      a) the on-stage visual presentation
      b) the backstage arrangements and rituals
      c) audience seating plan
      d) proscenium arch construction
      Ans: b

    13. Which of the following seating configurations gives actors the greatest immersive contact with audience (360°)?
      a) Proscenium
      b) Thrust Stage
      c) Arena/Theatre-in-the-Round
      d) Open Stage
      Ans: c

    14. The principle of “visual balance” in set design means:
      a) both sides of stage must be identical
      b) the visual weight of objects and actors is proportionally distributed for aesthetic harmony
      c) the lighting must be equal everywhere
      d) actors should not move too much
      Ans: b

    15. In theatre management, the person responsible for overall creative vision and season line-up is the:
      a) Box-office manager
      b) Artistic Director
      c) Stage-hand supervisor
      d) Costume cutter
      Ans: b

    16. Theatre in Education (TIE) primarily uses theatre for:
      a) commercial entertainment
      b) pedagogy and educational outcomes
      c) architectural design
      d) costume exhibitions
      Ans: b

    17. Theatre of the Oppressed was developed by:
      a) Bertolt Brecht
      b) Jerzy Grotowski
      c) Peter Brook
      d) Augusto Boal
      Ans: d

    18. In children’s theatre, a key design consideration is:
      a) ultra-luxury costumes
      b) interactive stage space and clear visual imagery
      c) adult language complexity
      d) proscenium grandiosity
      Ans: b

    19. A “unit set” in modern theatre refers to:
      a) a completely static single scenery piece
      b) modular set pieces that can represent multiple locations
      c) no scenery at all
      d) a classical temple façade only
      Ans: b

    20. The term fly loft refers to:
      a) the area above the stage where scenery can be hoisted and stored
      b) the audience balcony
      c) the backstage corridor
      d) the stage floor trapdoor section
      Ans: a

    21. Matching – Match List I (Stage Type) with List II (Characteristic):
      List I: a) Proscenium, b) Thrust, c) Arena, d) Open/Black Box
      List II: i) Audience on three sides, ii) One-side audience facing, iii) Flexible seating configuration, iv) Audience all around
      Select correct code:
      a b c d
      (A) ii i iv iii
      (B) ii iv i iii
      (C) iv ii i iii
      (D) ii i iii iv
      Ans: A

    22. Pick the odd one out (in terms of stage lighting instrument):
      a) Fresnel
      b) PAR Can
      c) Follow Spot
      d) Treadmill
      Ans: d

    23. Assertion (A): The costume designer must consider colour in relation to stage lighting.
      Reason (R): Some fabrics appear differently under coloured lighting and may clash or disappear.
      (A) Both A & R true and R explains A
      (B) Both A & R true but R does not explain A
      (C) A true, R false
      (D) A false, R true
      Ans: A

    24. Which seating form was used predominately in Elizabethan playhouses?
      a) Arena
      b) Proscenium
      c) Thrust
      d) Roman oval
      Ans: c

    25. Choose the matching pair:
      a) Sanskrit large theatre – Vikr̥ṣṭa Natyagruha
      b) Kabuki – Thrust stage
      c) Noh – Haeromium (??)
      d) Roman Theatre – Proscenium arch
      Ans: a

    26. In lighting design, cross-lighting assists primarily in:
      a) making scenery look flat
      b) reducing actor’s visibility
      c) modelling actor’s body and giving depth
      d) silencing sound cues
      Ans: c

    27. The term masking in set design is used for:
      a) audience participation
      b) hiding off-stage areas from audience’s view
      c) painting of actor’s face
      d) costuming
      Ans: b

    28. Which theatre form emphasised minimal scenery and the “actor-spectator” direct encounter?
      a) Kabuki
      b) Noh
      c) Poor Theatre
      d) Chinese Opera
      Ans: c

    29. Pick the odd one out in terms of backstage design function:
      a) Fly rail
      b) Green room
      c) Hanamichi
      d) Trapdoor
      Ans: c (Hanamichi is onstage runway not purely backstage)

    30. Which function is not central to theatre management?
      a) Budgeting
      b) Script analysis
      c) Audience development
      d) Safety compliance
      Ans: b (Script analysis is artistic rather than administrative)

    31. In children’s theatre design, the emphasis is least on:
      a) high adult-language dialogue
      b) visual clarity
      c) mobility and interaction
      d) bright colours
      Ans: a

    32. A major feature of Kabuki stage design is:
      a) Raised circular orchestra pit
      b) Hanamichi (runway)
      c) Open hillside seating
      d) Masked actor chorus
      Ans: b

    33. In Sanskrit theatre, the backstage area is called:
      a) Skene
      b) Nepathya
      c) Pātalā
      d) Orchestra
      Ans: b

    34. The term “cyclorama” in lighting or set design refers to:
      a) a flat floor surface only
      b) a large curved backdrop used for background lighting or projection
      c) a handheld mirror used by actors
      d) overhead speakers
      Ans: b

    35. Match List I (Classical Asian Theatre) with List II (Architectural Feature):
      List I: a) Noh, b) Peking Opera, c) Sanskrit Natyagruha, d) Kabuki
      List II: i) Bridge-way (hashigakari), ii) Orchestra plus skene, iii) Large Natyagruha with portico, iv) Hanamichi runway
      Codes: a b c d
      (A) i ii iii iv
      (B) i iii ii iv
      (C) i ii iv iii
      (D) iv ii iii i
      Ans: A

    36. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of the light designer?
      a) Hiring actors
      b) Blocking scenes
      c) Creating the lighting cue list and mood transitions
      d) Designing walls
      Ans: c

    37. The term “fly gallery” is associated with:
      a) Roman theatre machinery
      b) Proscenium theatre backstage architecture where scenery is flown in/out
      c) Sanskrit Natyagruha
      d) Kabuki hanamichi
      Ans: b

    38. In set design, the “unit set” concept is best described as:
      a) A single set used for one scene only
      b) Modular and versatile set architecture for multiple scenes
      c) Hand-held props only
      d) No set at all
      Ans: b

    39. Which of the following theatre forms explicitly uses actor’s minimal physical movement and symbolism rather than naturalistic behaviour?
      a) Realistic proscenium drama
      b) Noh theatre
      c) Stanislavskian Naturalism
      d) Modern Broadway musical
      Ans: b

    40. Which of the following is not a typical function of costume design?
      a) Conveying character’s psychological state
      b) Providing actor’s voice modulation
      c) Indicating social status
      d) Supporting period and context
      Ans: b

    41. Which of the following stage types is most flexible and used for experimental theatre?
      a) Proscenium
      b) Arena
      c) Black Box/Open Stage
      d) Thrust
      Ans: c

    42. In theatre management, FOH stands for:
      a) Front of House
      b) Fly on House
      c) Festival of Theatre
      d) Form of Handling
      Ans: a

    43. Which applied theatre form primarily uses performance for social change and encourages audience participation?
      a) Commercial musical
      b) Theatre of the Oppressed
      c) Classic Shakespeare performance
      d) Stand-up comedy
      Ans: b

    44. The Sanskrit term anga, bhava, rasa etc. are part of which design domain?
      a) Lighting design
      b) Set construction
      c) Actor’s expressional system and abhinaya
      d) Theatre management
      Ans: c

    45. In lighting design, the use of side lights helps to:
      a) Flatten actor’s form
      b) Emphasise actor’s profile and add modelling/shadow
      c) Blind the audience
      d) Hide the actors
      Ans: b

    46. The concept of “Quick Change” in costume practice refers to:
      a) Changing lighting quickly
      b) Actors changing costume in minimal time between scenes
      c) Switching sound cues
      d) Altering set pieces silently
      Ans: b

    47. The instrument “PAR Can” is commonly used for:
      a) Soft wash lighting
      b) Strong beam or backlight/fill light for large stage areas
      c) Sound effect
      d) Prop movement
      Ans: b

    48. The term “green room” in theatre refers to:
      a) A backstage area where actors wait before going on stage
      b) The lighting control booth
      c) The main audience foyer
      d) The fly-tower
      Ans: a

    49. A “cold box” stage set material refers to:
      a) a refrigerated storage for costumes
      b) set-pieces used outdoors
      c) modular flats used for easy change and minimal construction
      d) None of the above
      Ans: c

    50. Match List I (Set Type) with List II (Characteristic):
      List I: a) Realistic, b) Stylised/abstract, c) Unit set, d) No scenery/minimalist
      List II: i) Detailed reproduction of environment, ii) Non-literal elements, iii) Versatile modular units, iv) Actor/audience focus with minimal distractions
      Codes: a b c d
      (A) i ii iii iv
      (B) iii i ii iv
      (C) i iii iv ii
      (D) i ii iv iii
      Ans: A

    51. Which seating arrangement demands that actor movement accommodates audiences on all four sides?
      a) Thrust
      b) Arena
      c) Proscenium
      d) Open Box
      Ans: b

    52. The “skene” in Greek theatre functions as:
      a) orchestra pit
      b) actor’s dressing building and backdrop
      c) audience gallery
      d) fly tower
      Ans: b

    53. In costume design, when fabric appears too dark under stage lights and loses detail, the designer has failed to consider:
      a) silhouette
      b) fabric texture and lighting interaction
      c) actor’s height
      d) prop colour
      Ans: b

    54. The term fly rail refers to:
      a) audience seating on balcony
      b) mechanical system where stage cloths, lights, and scenery are raised and lowered
      c) director’s seating row
      d) sound control table
      Ans: b

    55. Which of the following is not a typical prop category?
      a) Hand prop
      b) Set prop
      c) Decorative prop
      d) Actor’s vocal prop
      Ans: d

    56. Which theatre architect is associated with designing Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh?
      a) CP Kukreja
      b) Aditya Prakash
      c) Laurie Baker
      d) Charles Correa
      Ans: b Wikipedia

    57. The “bridge-way” or hashigakari is a key architectural element of:
      a) Greek theatre
      b) Kabuki
      c) Noh theatre
      d) Chinese opera
      Ans: c

    58. In theatre management, the term “load-in” refers to:
      a) Ticket collection
      b) Bringing in set and equipment to venue
      c) Actor’s warm-ups
      d) Lightning cue rehearsal
      Ans: b

    59. The “Open Stage” is also called the:
      a) Proscenium arch
      b) Thrust platform
      c) Black box theatre
      d) Arena stage
      Ans: c

    60. In children’s theatre, the “fourth wall” convention is least important because:
      a) Theatre is always improvisational
      b) Children often break wall and enter stage space for interaction
      c) Costumes are bright
      d) Actors speak louder
      Ans: b

    61. Which of the following is a key difference between Noh and Kabuki theatres?
      a) Both use masks
      b) Kabuki uses hanamichi, Noh uses hashigakari
      c) Only Noh uses costume change
      d) Neither uses music
      Ans: b

    62. The term “prompt corner” refers to:
      a) Actor’s waiting area
      b) Location where stage manager gives cues and controls prompt books
      c) Lighting control desk
      d) Audience seat near aisle
      Ans: b

    63. Which form would most likely use street performance, minimal set and audience interaction?
      a) Realist proscenium drama
      b) Community theatre
      c) Opera
      d) Kabuki
      Ans: b

    64. Which of the following is not a typical component of theatre backstage infrastructure?
      a) Fly loft
      b) Quick-change area
      c) Control booth
      d) Orchestra pit when used as dressing area
      Ans: d

    65. Matching – Match List I (Stage form) with List II (Characteristic):
      List I: a) Circle stage, b) Proscenium, c) Kabuki, d) Sanskrit Vikr̥ṣṭa Natyagruha
      List II: i) Hanamichi, ii) Large classical Indian theatre, iii) Picture-frame stage, iv) Arena/360° seating
      Codes: a b c d
      (A) iv iii i ii
      (B) iii iv ii i
      (C) iv ii i iii
      (D) ii i iii iv
      Ans: A

    66. In theatre production terminology, a “dry tech” rehearsal is when:
      a) all technical cues (light/sound) are run without actors
      b) full dress rehearsal
      c) improvisation only
      d) actor warm-up session
      Ans: a

    67. In set design, a cyclorama serves primarily as:
      a) background surface for lighting or projections
      b) actor’s dressing room
      c) absorb sound only
      d) restrict actor movement
      Ans: a

    68. Which term refers to a minimalist production where the focus is actor & audience with minimal technical distraction?
      a) Realistic naturalism
      b) Poor Theatre
      c) Musical theatre
      d) Grand opera
      Ans: b

    69. In a proscenium theatre, the “legs” refer to:
      a) actor’s stage shoes
      b) vertical side curtains that mask wings from audience view
      c) blocks on stage floor
      d) audience brackets
      Ans: b

    70. In costume design for a large thrust stage audience, costume details should be:
      a) very small and subtle
      b) bold, clear and high-contrast for visibility
      c) invisible
      d) exactly like film wardrobe
      Ans: b

    71. Which element is least likely to be considered in theatre management budgeting?
      a) Set construction
      b) Costume purchase
      c) Lighting colour gels
      d) Actor’s internal psychological memo
      Ans: d

    72. Which form of applied theatre emphasises performance for marginalized communities with participatory methods?
      a) Musical theatre
      b) Theatre of the Oppressed
      c) Stand-up comedy
      d) Classical Sanskrit dance-drama
      Ans: b

    73. The “wings” of a proscenium stage refer to:
      a) parts of the fly loft
      b) side off-stage areas masked from audience view
      c) audience balconies
      d) control booth
      Ans: b

    74. Which light fixture is ideal for a sharp-edged spotlight used for actor highlighting?
      a) Fresnel
      b) PAR Can
      c) ERS/Profile Spotlight
      d) Floodlight
      Ans: c

    75. An example of stylised set design (rather than realistic) might be:
      a) Detailed Victorian living room
      b) Bare stage with simple geometric forms representing a forest
      c) Complete historical set of castle and moat
      d) Entire city street built on stage
      Ans: b

    76. The term fly drop refers to:
      a) scenery piece flown in from above
      b) actor’s last line
      c) prop theft
      d) sound cue
      Ans: a

    77. In match list: The area between the legs and borders in a proscenium stage is known as:
      a) Wings
      b) Backstage
      c) Apron
      d) Fly tower
      Ans: a

    78. Which statement is true of a black box theatre?
      a) It has fixed seating only
      b) It is highly flexible in configuration of stage and audience
      c) It supports large traditional proscenium scenery
      d) It always uses arena seating
      Ans: b

    79. In set design, masking flats are used to:
      a) hide lighting instruments
      b) cover wings and off-stage areas from public view
      c) mount actor names
      d) hold costumes
      Ans: b

    80. Which theatre tradition uses a pine-tree backdrop (kagami-ita) as a symbolic element?
      a) Kabuki
      b) Sanskrit Natyagruha
      c) Noh theatre
      d) Peking Opera
      Ans: c

    81. In applied theatre contexts, “facilitator” is often used instead of “director” because the focus shifts to:
      a) spectacle
      b) actor training alone
      c) audience participation and process over product
      d) lighting only
      Ans: c

    82. Which of the following is a major function of sound design in theatre?
      a) Changing costume
      b) Reinforcing actor’s verbal delivery and ambient effects
      c) Dressing set flats
      d) Booking theatre rights
      Ans: b

    83. Which type of theatre space is least suitable for elaborate fly scenery?
      a) Proscenium
      b) Thrust
      c) Arena
      d) Freestanding Roman stage
      Ans: c

    84. The Sanskrit term abhinaya encompasses which of the following?
      a) Movement only
      b) Vocalisation only
      c) Gesture, speech, costume, and internal emotion
      d) Architectural design only
      Ans: c

    85. Which role is usually responsible for coordinating set, costume, lighting and sound to align with production concept?
      a) Scenic artist
      b) Composer
      c) Director
      d) Wardrobe assistant
      Ans: c

    86. The area known as the prompt corner in a theatre is where:
      a) Makeup is applied
      b) Stage manager controls cues and script prompt-books
      c) Audience enters
      d) Musicians play
      Ans: b

    87. The theatre space dyed in black fabrics with movable seating is called:
      a) Proscenium theatre
      b) Black box theatre
      c) Roman amphitheatre
      d) Kabuki stage
      Ans: b

    88. Which of the following is the correct sequence regarding the development of theatre architecture from earliest to later?
      a) Elizabethan → Greek → Roman → Proscenium
      b) Greek → Roman → Elizabethan → Proscenium
      c) Roman → Greek → Proscenium → Arena
      d) Proscenium → Roman → Greek → Thrust
      Ans: b

    89. Which of the following theatre traditions features both actor and musician on the elevated stage surface rather than off to the side?
      a) Greek theatre
      b) Japanese Noh
      c) Kabuki
      d) Chinese Peking Opera
      Ans: d

    90. In set design, the term cyclorama is most associated with:
      a) sound system
      b) a curved backdrop used for lighting or projection
      c) proscenium arch
      d) actor’s entrance
      Ans: b

    91. The “lay-in” of flats, wings and borders is part of:
      a) actor’s homework
      b) stage technical rehearsal process
      c) costume rehearsal
      d) marketing strategy
      Ans: b

    92. The “gala opening night” of a theatre season is primarily significant for:
      a) voucher distribution
      b) first public performance, press reviews, sponsorship visibility
      c) set strike
      d) actor training only
      Ans: b

    93. In theatre budgeting, “contingency fund” is for:
      a) ticket sales only
      b) unexpected additional costs like repairs or delays
      c) costume changes only
      d) actor breaks
      Ans: b

    94. Which stage configuration becomes problematic if extensive scenic wings and fly towers are required?
      a) Proscenium
      b) Arena
      c) Thrust
      d) Sanskrit Natyagruha
      Ans: b

    95. In match: List I (Theatre Form) & List II (Characteristic): a) Sanskrit Natyagruha b) Rosa… (skip) c) Kabuki d) Black box. List II: i) minimal flexible space ii) runway for actor entry iii) elevated sacred stage with pine backdrop iv) rectangular ritual theatre. Codes: a b c d.
      Ans: a-iv, b-i, c-ii, d-i. Choose code accordingly.
      Ans Code: likely (A) – depending list offerings.

    96. Which of the following is not a primary design consideration for children’s theatre?
      a) High seating tiers
      b) Bright visual elements
      c) Interactive staging
      d) Clear sightlines
      Ans: a

    97. The design term “wash” in lighting refers to:
      a) sudden flash of lights
      b) even illumination over a broad area
      c) lighting from below only
      d) blackout period
      Ans: b

    98. A good stage floor should ensure:
      a) no actor movement allowed
      b) safe, level surface with proper spring/resilience for movement and dance
      c) lighting fixture only
      d) audience seating only
      Ans: b

    99. Which of the following best describes “black-box theatre”?
      a) Fixed proscenium arch with large fly-tower
      b) Small, flexible space with moveable seating permitting varied configurations
      c) Outdoor amphitheatre
      d) Volksstage with permanent fixed seats only
      Ans: b

    100. The theatre form “Community Theatre” is characterised by:
      a) elite commercial musicals only
      b) local participation, vernacular performance, social issues focus
      c) purely classical repertory work
      d) film-based adaptation exclusively
      Ans: b

  • UGC NET UNIT 9 — THEATRE DESIGN AND TECHNIQUES

    (UGC NET Performing Arts — Drama & Theatre)


    🔶 SECTION A: THEATRE ARCHITECTURE

    1. Introduction

    Theatre architecture refers to the spatial design of performance venues—defining the relationship between actor, audience, and action. It affects visibility, acoustics, stage mechanics, and overall aesthetics.
    UGC-NET questions often test your ability to differentiate between stage types, classical theatres, and their structural purposes.


    2. Greek Theatre

    • Period: 5th century BCE, Athens; origin of Western drama.

    • Structure:

      • Theatron: audience seating on hillside.

      • Orchestra: circular performance space for chorus and actors.

      • Skene: stage house (for costume changes, entrances, background).

      • Parodos: passageways for chorus entry.

    • Features:

      • Open-air; natural acoustics.

      • Use of masks, elevated boots (cothurni).

      • Performance integrated with religious festivals (Dionysia).

    • Design Purpose: Semi-circular space for voice projection and ritual drama.

    • Exam Focus: Identify elements like orchestra, skene, parodos, and their functions.


    3. Roman Theatre

    • Period: 3rd century BCE onward.

    • Structure: Semi-circular orchestra, scaenae frons (decorated façade), and free-standing building.

    • Innovations:

      • Stage machinery, curtains, trapdoors.

      • Enclosed auditorium (better acoustics).

      • More focus on spectacle than ritual.

    • Exam Tip: Know the difference—Greek theatres were built into hillsides; Roman theatres were freestanding.


    4. Elizabethan Theatre

    • Example: The Globe Theatre (1599, London).

    • Features:

      • Thrust stage projecting into audience.

      • Open-air, circular or polygonal structure.

      • “Heavens” above stage, “Hell” trapdoors below.

      • Minimal sets, rich costumes.

    • Purpose: Encouraged direct actor-audience interaction.

    • Exam Insight: 2020 UGC-NET asked: “Which theatre used the thrust stage form?” — Elizabethan.


    5. Thrust Stage (Modern Form)

    • Design: Audience on three sides, open playing area.

    • Advantage: Intimacy and actor visibility.

    • Used in: Shakespeare festivals, experimental theatre.

    • Challenge: Blocking for multiple sightlines.


    6. Proscenium Stage

    • Definition: Picture-frame stage; audience faces one side.

    • Components: Proscenium arch, wings, fly loft, curtain line.

    • Advantages:

      • Illusionistic scenery, detailed sets.

      • Controlled lighting and sound.

    • Used in: Realist/Naturalist theatre (Antoine, Stanislavsky, Alkazi).

    • Exam Tip: The “fourth wall” concept arises from proscenium staging.


    7. Arena Theatre (Theatre-in-the-Round)

    • Structure: Audience surrounds the stage on all sides.

    • Features: Minimal scenery, intense intimacy.

    • Blocking: Actors must move continuously for all-round visibility.

    • Modern Examples: Grotowski’s Poor Theatre and environmental theatre.


    8. Open Stage / Black Box

    • Black Box Theatre: Neutral, flexible, small space with movable seating and stage.

    • Use: Experimental, minimalist, educational productions.

    • Advantage: Adaptability to any style.

    • Common in: Modern Indian repertories and college theatre.


    9. Sanskrit Theatre – Natyagruha

    • Source: Natyashastra (Bharata Muni).

    • Three Types of Playhouses:

      • Vikr̥ṣṭa: Large theatre (for gods and kings).

      • Madhyama: Medium theatre (for mixed audiences).

      • Kṣudra: Small theatre (for common folk).

    • Features:

      • Rectangular plan, divided into three zones:

        • Ranga (performance area),

        • Nepathya (backstage),

        • Parishkr̥ta (audience area).

      • Emphasis on sacred geometry, auspicious directions, ritual performance.

    • Exam Tip: Distinguish between Vikr̥ṣṭa and Madhyama Natyagruha—often asked directly.


    10. Chinese and Japanese Classical Playhouses

    a) Chinese Theatre

    • Structure: Raised platform, no curtain, musicians on stage.

    • Architecture: Simple wooden framework, elaborate backdrops.

    • Performance space: Symbolic and non-realistic.

    • Example: Peking Opera theatres.

    b) Japanese Noh & Kabuki Stages

    • Noh: Roofed platform with polished wooden floor, pine tree backdrop (kagami-ita), bridgeway (hashigakari).

    • Kabuki: Proscenium stage with hanamichi (runway into audience), revolving platforms, trapdoors.

    • Philosophy: Noh—minimalism and ritual; Kabuki—spectacle and energy.


    🔶 SECTION B: STAGECRAFT AND DESIGN ELEMENTS

    UGC-NET regularly tests functions and fundamentals of each design discipline. Questions often appear in “Match the following” format.


    1. Scenic Design / Set Design

    • Purpose: Defines location, time period, mood.

    • Types:

      • Realistic: Replicates real environment.

      • Stylised/Abstract: Symbolic or non-realistic forms.

      • Unit set: Adaptable structures for multiple scenes.

    • Principles:

      • Visual balance, proportion, perspective, masking, actor movement.


    2. Lighting Design

    • Functions:

      • Visibility.

      • Focus and emphasis.

      • Mood creation.

      • Indicating time/place.

      • Composition and rhythm.

    • Elements:

      • Intensity (brightness).

      • Colour (emotional tone).

      • Direction (angle of light).

      • Distribution (spread and focus).

      • Movement (fades, transitions).

    • Instruments:

      • Fresnel: Soft wash.

      • Profile/ERS: Sharp spotlight.

      • PAR Can: High-intensity beam.

      • Floodlights: General illumination.

      • Follow Spot: Tracks actors dynamically.

    • Designers to Remember:

      • Adolphe Appia, Gordon Craig, Tapas Sen (India).

    • Exam Tip: Questions often ask, “Who is known as India’s pioneer of modern stage lighting?” → Tapas Sen.


    3. Costume Design

    • Function: Visual storytelling—reveals character, era, social rank, personality.

    • Elements: Line, silhouette, colour, texture, fabric, accessories.

    • Process: Script analysis → sketches → fittings → coordination with lighting.

    • Ahārya Abhinaya: Costumes and makeup in Natyashastra tradition are part of expressive communication.

    • Exam Tip: Match costume features to their dramatic functions (e.g., “Costume indicates social status”—True).


    4. Make-up

    • Purpose: Enhance facial expression, define age/character type, ensure visibility.

    • Types:

      • Corrective (stage definition),

      • Character (specific transformation),

      • Stylised (ritual, e.g., Kathakali).

    • In Traditions:

      • Kabuki uses bold colour symbolism,

      • Kathakali uses chutti makeup for divine/evil characters.

    • Exam Tip: “Which Abhinaya type includes makeup?” → Ahārya.


    5. Sound Design

    • Functions: Adds realism, mood, continuity.

    • Types:

      • Live: Musicians, onstage effects.

      • Recorded: Background score, ambient sound.

    • Elements: Pitch, tempo, rhythm, volume, transition.

    • Exam Tip: Distinguish diegetic (within scene) vs non-diegetic (background) sound.


    6. Props (Property)

    • Definition: Any object used onstage by actors.

    • Types:

      • Hand props (books, swords),

      • Set props (furniture),

      • Decorative props (paintings),

      • Personal props (accessories).

    • Function: Enhance realism, character identity, or symbolic meaning.


    7. Theatre Music

    • Function: Supports action, emotional tone, rhythm, and atmosphere.

    • In Indian Theatre: Music is integrated (e.g., Sangeet Natak, Yakshagana, Bhand Pather).

    • Modern Use: Underscoring scenes, leitmotifs for characters.


    🔶 SECTION C: AHĀRYA & NEPATHYA VIDHI

    1. Ahārya Vidhi

    • Described in Natyashastra as external expression through costume, ornamentation, and scenic presentation.

    • Includes:

      • Costumes (Vastra),

      • Jewellery (Ābharaṇa),

      • Makeup (Varnana),

      • Set decor (Āsana, Vedi),

      • Visual motifs.

    • Purpose: Symbolic visual communication of rasa and character identity.

    • Exam Example: “Ahārya Abhinaya deals with — Costume, ornaments, and makeup.”


    2. Nepathya Vidhi

    • Refers to backstage organization—preparation, rituals, prop storage, stage management.

    • Functions:

      • Actor readiness (Sajjīkaraṇa),

      • Quick changes,

      • Offstage coordination.

    • Ritual Significance: Sanctifies the performance process; backstage is a sacred space.

    • Exam Tip: “Nepathya is related to—Backstage arrangement and rituals.”


    3. Comparative Classical Contexts

    Tradition Ahārya Example Nepathya Example
    Sanskrit Colour-coded costumes per rasa Sutradhāra managing greenroom
    Chinese Opera Painted masks & embroidered robes Stagehands as assistants
    Noh Theatre Masks, silk robes Ritual preparation backstage
    Kabuki Ornate wigs, kimono Family apprentices maintaining costumes

    🔶 SECTION D: THEATRE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION

    1. Structure of a Theatre Organization

    • Artistic Head: Director or Artistic Director.

    • Production Team: Designers, technicians, stage manager.

    • Administrative Wing: Managing director, marketing, finance, publicity, education outreach.

    • Front of House: Ushers, box office, audience management.

    2. Production Process

    • Script selection → Design meetings → Casting → Rehearsal → Technical run → Dress rehearsal → Performance → Evaluation.

    3. Budgeting and Finance

    • Expenses: Salaries, set construction, costume, lighting, publicity.

    • Revenue: Grants, ticket sales, sponsorships, educational programs.

    4. Safety and Legal Aspects

    • Fire exits, electrical compliance, stage insurance, child performer laws.

    5. Audience Development

    • Educational outreach, subscriptions, social media marketing, community engagement.


    🔶 SECTION E: CHILDREN’S & APPLIED THEATRE FORMS

    1. Children’s Theatre

    • Focus: Educational and imaginative growth.

    • Features:

      • Storytelling, puppetry, song, movement.

      • Bright visuals, simple language, moral themes.

    • Purpose: Cognitive development, empathy, teamwork.

    • Exam Question: “Children’s theatre aims at—Educational and creative development.”


    2. Theatre in Education (TIE)

    • Originated in the UK; now used worldwide.

    • Objective: Teaching through participation and performance.

    • Methods: Role-play, storytelling, improvisation, interactive workshops.

    • Exam Tip: “TIE uses drama as an educational tool.”


    3. Applied Theatre

    • Definition: Theatre used for social transformation (outside conventional stage).

    • Forms: Prison theatre, hospital theatre, community workshops.

    • Function: Healing, awareness, empowerment.


    4. Community Theatre

    • Nature: Created by and for local communities.

    • Themes: Local issues—inequality, education, environment.

    • Indian Examples: Jana Natya Manch (Safdar Hashmi), Naya Theatre (Habib Tanvir).

    • Form: Street theatre, folk-inspired.


    5. Theatre of the Oppressed (Augusto Boal)

    • Concept: Theatre as a rehearsal for revolution.

    • Key Forms:

      • Forum Theatre: Audience intervenes to solve problems.

      • Image Theatre: Freeze-frame expression of oppression.

      • Invisible Theatre: Public performance without audience awareness.

    • Exam Tip: “Who developed Theatre of the Oppressed?” → Augusto Boal.


    6. Feminist Theatre

    • Goal: Challenge patriarchal narratives; give women voice and agency.

    • Methods: Testimonial performances, devised theatre, autobiographical monologues.

    • Indian Context: Dina Pathak, Maya Rao, Mallika Sarabhai.

    • Themes: Gender politics, body image, intersectionality.


    🔶 SECTION F: SYNTHESIS AND EXAM REVISION CHART

    Area Key Focus Likely Question Type
    Theatre Architecture Greek, Roman, Proscenium, Sanskrit Match or MCQ (e.g., “Which has hanamichi?”)
    Stagecraft Lighting, Set, Costume, Makeup Functions & definitions
    Classical Terms Ahārya, Nepathya Short definitions
    Management Theatre organization Assertion–Reason type
    Applied Forms Children’s, TIE, Boal Concept–creator match

    🔶 SECTION G: MODEL UGC-NET QUESTION THEMES

    1. Match the following:
      (a) Hanamichi — (Kabuki)
      (b) Orchestra — (Greek)
      (c) Natyagruha — (Sanskrit)
      (d) Proscenium — (Illusionistic realism)

    2. “Ahārya Abhinaya” deals with —
      → Costume, ornaments, and scenic presentation.

    3. Theatre of the Oppressed encourages —
      → Spect-actor participation.

    4. Who is considered the pioneer of stage lighting design in India?
      → Tapas Sen.

    5. Vikr̥ṣṭa Natyagruha refers to —
      → Large theatre layout in Sanskrit tradition.


    🔶 CONCLUSION

    Unit 9 demands technical precision and conceptual clarity.
    For UGC-NET:

    • Architecture & Stagecraft form 50% of questions.

    • Classical Indian terms (Ahārya, Nepathya) appear frequently in matching or short MCQs.

    • Lighting, Costume, Props are tested for function and designer name recognition.

    • Applied Theatre and Children’s Theatre check theoretical understanding and purpose.

    Pro Tip:
    Revise using comparative charts (Greek vs Sanskrit vs Proscenium), remember designer names, and rehearse definitions of classical terms. Connect Indian traditions to global contexts for essay questions.

  • UGC NET UNIT 8 — ACTING AND DIRECTION – MCQs – Performing Arts

    A. SCHOOLS OF ACTING – WESTERN AND EASTERN

    1. The Natyashastra primarily deals with:
      a) Architecture
      b) Dramaturgy and Acting
      c) Music Theory
      d) Costume Design
      Ans: b

    2. The central aesthetic theory of the Natyashastra is:
      a) Catharsis
      b) Alienation
      c) Rasa
      d) Realism
      Ans: c

    3. Abhinaya in Sanskrit theatre does NOT include:
      a) Angika
      b) Aharya
      c) Kathaka
      d) Sattvika
      Ans: c

    4. The Rasa Sutra in the Natyashastra defines:
      a) Stage construction methods
      b) Relationship between Bhava and Rasa
      c) Makeup techniques
      d) Rules of dialogue writing
      Ans: b

    5. “Acting is an art of suggestion” refers to which tradition?
      a) Greek
      b) Roman
      c) Sanskrit
      d) Realist
      Ans: c

    6. Angika Abhinaya refers to:
      a) Verbal expression
      b) Costumes and makeup
      c) Bodily gestures and movement
      d) Emotional states
      Ans: c

    7. Sattvika Abhinaya expresses:
      a) Costume aesthetics
      b) Vocal technique
      c) Internal emotion through involuntary expression
      d) Physical choreography
      Ans: c

    8. The concept of Yūgen (mystery, grace, subtle beauty) belongs to:
      a) Kabuki Theatre
      b) Noh Theatre
      c) Chinese Opera
      d) Sanskrit Theatre
      Ans: b

    9. The founder of Kabuki theatre was:
      a) Zeami
      b) Okuni
      c) Kan’ami
      d) Li Yu
      Ans: b

    10. Mie (frozen pose) is a signature acting technique of:
      a) Noh
      b) Peking Opera
      c) Kabuki
      d) Sanskrit Theatre
      Ans: c

    11. Sheng, Dan, Jing, and Chou are role types in:
      a) Peking Opera
      b) Kabuki
      c) Noh
      d) Commedia dell’Arte
      Ans: a

    12. In Peking Opera, the colour black in facial makeup represents:
      a) Deceit
      b) Integrity
      c) Love
      d) Evil
      Ans: b

    13. Commedia dell’Arte originated in:
      a) France
      b) Italy
      c) Spain
      d) Greece
      Ans: b

    14. Arlecchino is a character from:
      a) Sanskrit Theatre
      b) Kabuki
      c) Commedia dell’Arte
      d) Roman Mime
      Ans: c

    15. The Magic If and Given Circumstances are part of whose acting system?
      a) Meyerhold
      b) Brecht
      c) Stanislavsky
      d) Grotowski
      Ans: c

    16. Biomechanics as a theory of acting was introduced by:
      a) Brecht
      b) Stanislavsky
      c) Meyerhold
      d) Brook
      Ans: c

    17. Emotional Memory and Objectives belong to which acting system?
      a) Stanislavsky
      b) Grotowski
      c) Meyerhold
      d) Boal
      Ans: a

    18. Alienation Effect is associated with:
      a) Grotowski
      b) Brecht
      c) Meyerhold
      d) Craig
      Ans: b

    19. Poor Theatre was developed by:
      a) Grotowski
      b) Brook
      c) Boal
      d) Kazan
      Ans: a

    20. The purpose of Poor Theatre is to:
      a) Use elaborate sets
      b) Remove all non-essential theatrical elements
      c) Focus on stage machinery
      d) Replace actors with dancers
      Ans: b


    B. ACTOR’S TRAINING AND TECHNIQUE

    1. Mime primarily trains:
      a) Speech
      b) Improvisation
      c) Body expression and clarity
      d) Costume handling
      Ans: c

    2. Improvisation is essential for:
      a) Text memorization
      b) Spontaneity and ensemble awareness
      c) Choreography
      d) Stage lighting
      Ans: b

    3. Voice and Speech training enhances:
      a) Character movement
      b) Projection and articulation
      c) Costume selection
      d) Sound design
      Ans: b

    4. The integration of voice, body, and emotion defines:
      a) Pantomime
      b) Physical Theatre
      c) Classical realism
      d) Noh performance
      Ans: b

    5. The Indian equivalent of “method acting” based on internal emotion is:
      a) Sattvika Abhinaya
      b) Aharya Abhinaya
      c) Vachika Abhinaya
      d) Angika Abhinaya
      Ans: a

    6. Which acting style emphasises “demonstration” over “identification”?
      a) Brechtian
      b) Stanislavskian
      c) Realist
      d) Symbolist
      Ans: a

    7. Grotowski’s training demands:
      a) Vocal minimalism only
      b) Elimination of emotional truth
      c) Physical and spiritual discipline
      d) Focus on external makeup
      Ans: c

    8. In Natyashastra, acting is both:
      a) Physical and vocal
      b) Emotional and devotional
      c) Technical and spiritual discipline
      d) Mechanical and spontaneous
      Ans: c


    C. DIRECTION THEORIES AND PROCESS

    1. The Duke of Saxe-Meiningen is known as:
      a) Founder of realism
      b) First modern director
      c) Father of experimental theatre
      d) Pioneer of poor theatre
      Ans: b

    2. André Antoine founded:
      a) Moscow Art Theatre
      b) Théâtre Libre
      c) Berliner Ensemble
      d) Group Theatre
      Ans: b

    3. The concept of fourth wall realism originated in:
      a) Commedia dell’Arte
      b) Naturalism
      c) Expressionism
      d) Epic Theatre
      Ans: b

    4. Stanislavsky’s Moscow Art Theatre collaborated with:
      a) Chekhov
      b) Ibsen
      c) Molière
      d) Strindberg
      Ans: a

    5. Epic Theatre is designed to produce:
      a) Emotional catharsis
      b) Critical distance and awareness
      c) Melodrama
      d) Classical imitation
      Ans: b

    6. The Verfremdungseffekt aims to:
      a) Increase realism
      b) Make audience emotionally identify
      c) Encourage critical observation
      d) Use dance as narrative
      Ans: c

    7. Grotowski eliminated what element from theatre?
      a) The actor
      b) The audience
      c) Scenery and excess design
      d) Performance discipline
      Ans: c

    8. Peter Brook’s idea of “The Empty Space” means:
      a) Minimalist set and essential actor–audience communication
      b) Abandoning all meaning
      c) Using black box only
      d) Improvised dance
      Ans: a

    9. Augusto Boal viewed the director as:
      a) Dictator of meaning
      b) Political facilitator
      c) Technical designer
      d) Passive observer
      Ans: b

    10. In Theatre of the Oppressed, audience members become:
      a) Spectators only
      b) Spect-actors (participants)
      c) Stagehands
      d) Producers
      Ans: b

    11. The director’s role is primarily to:
      a) Design costumes
      b) Coordinate and unify all aspects of production
      c) Manage finances only
      d) Write new dialogues
      Ans: b

    12. Composition in direction means:
      a) Costume planning
      b) Spatial arrangement of actors and set for visual harmony
      c) Music composition
      d) Voice coordination
      Ans: b

    13. Tempo and Rhythm in direction influence:
      a) Scriptwriting pace
      b) Emotional energy and dramatic flow
      c) Stage design only
      d) Lighting cue
      Ans: b

    14. Picturisation refers to:
      a) Makeup design
      b) Formation of dynamic stage pictures
      c) Costume sketches
      d) Poster design
      Ans: b

    15. Balance in direction implies:
      a) Equal number of actors on each side
      b) Visual and emotional equilibrium on stage
      c) Musical symmetry
      d) Technical balance of sound
      Ans: b

    16. Emphasis in stage direction is achieved through:
      a) Lighting, movement, and placement
      b) Sound alone
      c) Costume texture only
      d) Improvisation
      Ans: a

    17. Which of these stages belongs to production process?
      a) Script analysis
      b) Scene blocking
      c) Technical rehearsal
      d) All of the above
      Ans: d

    18. Blocking means:
      a) Lighting cue plotting
      b) Actor’s planned movement on stage
      c) Costume fitting
      d) Rehearsal timing
      Ans: b


    D. LIGHTING DESIGN

    1. Lighting primarily serves to:
      a) Decorate the set
      b) Reveal actors and create atmosphere
      c) Replace music
      d) Distract the audience
      Ans: b

    2. The first realistic use of stage lighting was by:
      a) Antoine
      b) Brecht
      c) Boal
      d) Brook
      Ans: a

    3. Adolphe Appia is known for:
      a) Costume design
      b) Lighting theory based on three-dimensional space
      c) Sound composition
      d) Theatre criticism
      Ans: b

    4. Lighting intensity refers to:
      a) Beam size
      b) Brightness level
      c) Lamp colour
      d) Duration
      Ans: b

    5. The emotional tone of lighting is controlled by:
      a) Colour and direction
      b) Stage curtains
      c) Costume fabric
      d) Actor’s makeup
      Ans: a

    6. Fresnel lights are used for:
      a) Sharp focus
      b) Soft, even wash
      c) Spot highlights
      d) Sound absorption
      Ans: b

    7. Follow spot is used to:
      a) Illuminate scenery
      b) Follow actor’s movement
      c) Backlight the set
      d) Dim the stage
      Ans: b

    8. Gobos in lighting design are:
      a) Masks worn by actors
      b) Patterned templates for textured light projection
      c) Costume embellishments
      d) Types of microphones
      Ans: b

    9. The Indian lighting designer who revolutionized modern stagecraft:
      a) Habib Tanvir
      b) Tapas Sen
      c) Ratan Thiyam
      d) Ebrahim Alkazi
      Ans: b


    E. COSTUME DESIGN

    1. Costume primarily aids in:
      a) Set construction
      b) Characterization and visual storytelling
      c) Lighting effects
      d) Improvisation
      Ans: b

    2. The silhouette of costume conveys:
      a) Period and status
      b) Dialogue
      c) Stage design
      d) Vocal tone
      Ans: a

    3. In costume design, texture affects:
      a) Lighting reflection and tactile appeal
      b) Music tempo
      c) Script interpretation
      d) Blocking
      Ans: a

    4. Costume colour schemes must coordinate with:
      a) Lighting palette
      b) Props
      c) Stage curtains only
      d) Microphone setting
      Ans: a

    5. Aharya Abhinaya corresponds to which design aspect?
      a) Acting movement
      b) Costume and makeup
      c) Vocal technique
      d) Music rhythm
      Ans: b

    6. A costume designer’s first step is:
      a) Cutting fabric
      b) Script and character analysis
      c) Lighting setup
      d) Dress rehearsal
      Ans: b

    7. Onnagata in Kabuki refers to:
      a) Male role
      b) Female role played by men
      c) Stage assistant
      d) Dancer
      Ans: b

    8. Makeup design enhances:
      a) Sound quality
      b) Actor’s physical transformation
      c) Stage depth
      d) Costume lighting
      Ans: b


    F. PRODUCTION AND INTEGRATION

    1. The term mise-en-scène refers to:
      a) Dialogue delivery
      b) Complete visual composition of the stage
      c) Script editing
      d) Music direction
      Ans: b

    2. Motivated lighting refers to:
      a) Using hidden light sources
      b) Light that appears to come from within the scene
      c) Random spotlights
      d) Overhead floodlight
      Ans: b

    3. The “production concept” is:
      a) A summary of script
      b) Director’s central interpretative vision
      c) Technical report
      d) Marketing plan
      Ans: b

    4. In Indian context, Habib Tanvir’s direction is noted for:
      a) Realistic European settings
      b) Folk elements and indigenous performers
      c) Musical opera
      d) Absurdist style
      Ans: b

    5. Ebrahim Alkazi is best known for:
      a) Realistic film acting
      b) Theatre direction and design at NSD
      c) Kathakali choreography
      d) Street theatre
      Ans: b

    6. Ratan Thiyam’s theatre combines:
      a) Manipuri ritual, martial art, and modern aesthetics
      b) Brechtian alienation
      c) Greek chorus technique
      d) Film adaptation
      Ans: a

    7. B.V. Karanth contributed mainly to:
      a) Music composition and direction in modern Indian theatre
      b) Light design
      c) Costume design
      d) Mime acting
      Ans: a

    8. Balance, Emphasis, Composition, Movement are:
      a) Elements of direction
      b) Acting methods
      c) Lighting terms
      d) Music patterns
      Ans: a


    G. WESTERN DIRECTORS & DESIGNERS

    1. Max Reinhardt is known for:
      a) Expressionist direction
      b) Kabuki acting
      c) Sanskrit revival
      d) Street theatre
      Ans: a

    2. Edward Gordon Craig proposed:
      a) Realism
      b) The actor as Übermarionette (super-puppet)
      c) Epic theatre
      d) Poor theatre
      Ans: b

    3. Appia and Craig emphasized:
      a) Two-dimensional scenery
      b) Light and architecture as dynamic stage elements
      c) Minimal rehearsal
      d) Emotional memory
      Ans: b

    4. Antonin Artaud proposed:
      a) Theatre of Cruelty
      b) Theatre of the Oppressed
      c) Theatre of Roots
      d) Expressionist realism
      Ans: a

    5. Artaud’s Theatre of Cruelty seeks to:
      a) Entertain politely
      b) Shock and awaken subconscious emotion
      c) Focus on historical realism
      d) Replace actors with films
      Ans: b

    6. Boal’s Forum Theatre allows:
      a) Passive viewing
      b) Audience intervention and enactment
      c) Silent observation
      d) Ritual chanting
      Ans: b

    7. Peter Brook’s Mahabharata exemplifies:
      a) Realism
      b) Intercultural theatre
      c) Epic theatre
      d) Peking Opera adaptation
      Ans: b

    8. Stanislavsky’s System inspired which American school?
      a) The Group Theatre
      b) Berliner Ensemble
      c) Chorus Repertory
      d) NSD
      Ans: a

    9. Jerzy Grotowski’s Poor Theatre was practiced where?
      a) Poland
      b) France
      c) Russia
      d) USA
      Ans: a


    H. INDIAN DIRECTORS & APPLICATION

    1. Badal Sircar’s Third Theatre primarily advocated:
      a) Elaborate proscenium spectacle
      b) Small-scale, non-proscenium, actor-audience proximity and political engagement
      c) Opera and musical fusion
      d) Filmic adaptations only
      Ans: b

    2. Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai is most associated with:
      a) Ebrahim Alkazi and the Kapoor family as cultural patrons and a repertory venue
      b) Habib Tanvir’s Naya Theatre
      c) Badal Sircar’s Anganmanch only
      d) Ratan Thiyam’s Chorus Repertory
      Ans: a

    3. The director who integrated folk performers and Chhattisgarhi actors into modern plays was:
      a) Ebrahim Alkazi
      b) Habib Tanvir
      c) Ratan Thiyam
      d) B.V. Karanth
      Ans: b

    4. Which staging element is primarily the concern of the lighting designer?
      a) Actor’s diction
      b) Visual focus, mood, and time of day
      c) Costume stitching
      d) Prop procurement
      Ans: b

    5. A lighting plot is:
      a) A script annotation for actors
      b) Diagram indicating position, type and purpose of each lighting instrument in the theatre
      c) Sequence of costume changes
      d) Sound cue list
      Ans: b

    6. In costume design, period accuracy refers to:
      a) The emotional arc of a character
      b) Ensuring garments, cuts and accessories reflect the historical era of the play (or intentionally stylised alternative)
      c) Number of costume changes
      d) Type of fabric only
      Ans: b

    7. Mise-en-scène most accurately refers to:
      a) Lighting cue timings
      b) The total visual arrangement on stage — actors, props, set, costume and movement as an integrated image
      c) Only set construction details
      d) Musical accompaniment
      Ans: b

    8. Which technique helps an actor to find inner motivation through sensory recall or past experience?
      a) Biomechanics
      b) Emotional memory (Stanislavskian technique)
      c) Alienation effect
      d) Mie pose
      Ans: b

    9. Cue-to-cue rehearsal is primarily used to:
      a) Teach actors improvisation skills
      b) Run through transitions focusing on technical cues (lighting, sound, set changes) rather than entire scenes
      c) Design costumes
      d) Compose the score
      Ans: b

    10. A gobo is used to:
      a) Amplify an actor’s voice
      b) Project patterned light or texture onto stage surfaces
      c) Fasten costume pieces
      d) Record the performance
      Ans: b

    11. The concept of gestus (social gesture) is central to which director/playwright’s acting theory?
      a) Stanislavsky
      b) Meyerhold
      c) Brecht
      d) Grotowski
      Ans: c

    12. In directing, a table work session usually involves:
      a) Blocking for movement around a table prop only
      b) Close textual analysis and discussion of the script with actors before physical rehearsal begins
      c) Costume fittings
      d) Light cue programming
      Ans: b

    13. The stage configuration called thrust places the audience:
      a) Only on one side in front of the stage
      b) On three sides around a stage that projects into the audience (audience on three sides)
      c) Completely surrounds the stage (arena)
      d) Above the stage (balcony)
      Ans: b

    14. Antoine and the Théâtre Libre are historically linked to which theatrical principle?
      a) Epic theatre and alienation
      b) Naturalism and truth to life on stage
      c) Poor theatre minimalism
      d) Kabuki stylisation
      Ans: b

    15. A director using picturisation will most often emphasise:
      a) Text fidelity only
      b) Creating striking stage images, tableaux and visual compositions to tell story moments
      c) Rapid improvisation without design
      d) Exclusive use of multimedia screens
      Ans: b

    16. Which practice is essential for ensuring costumes read correctly under stage lights?
      a) Waiting until opening night for fitting
      b) Conducting costume tests under actual stage lighting during rehearsals
      c) Ignoring fabric reflectivity
      d) Using only dark colours
      Ans: b

    17. Footlights historically provided lighting from:
      a) Above the audience balcony
      b) The stage floor at the front edge, influencing low-angle illumination and shadowing
      c) The wings only
      d) Side towers only
      Ans: b

    18. Which directing approach favours the director as a facilitator of ensemble devised work rather than an authorial auteur?
      a) Auteur approach
      b) Devised/collective creation methods (ensemble-devised theatre)
      c) Strict textual literalism
      d) Commercial producer model
      Ans: b

    19. In a production’s concept meeting, participants normally discuss:
      a) Script interpretation, design palette (colours, textures), spatial approach and audience relationship — aligning director and designers on a unified vision
      b) Only catering arrangements
      c) Box office pricing exclusively
      d) Film distribution rights
      Ans: a

    20. Which of the following best captures the director’s ultimate responsibility?
      a) Sewing and fitting costumes
      b) Ensuring coherence of performance, design and audience experience — turning text into a live, communicative artwork
      c) Writing music for the play
      d) Marketing tickets only
      Ans: b

  • UGC NET Unit 7 — Modern Indian Theatre – MCQs – Performing Arts

    Unit 7 — Modern Indian Theatre, modelled on the style and topics that appear regularly in UGC-NET Performing Arts papers. They cover origins, movements (IPTA, Navanatya, Third/Root/Alternate Theatre), street & applied theatre, major playwrights/directors (Girish Karnad, Vijay Tendulkar, Badal Sircar, Habib Tanvir, Mohan Rakesh, Ratan Thiyam, Kavalam Panicker, Ebrahim Alkazi, etc.), representative plays, and institutions.

    1. IPTA stands for:
      a) Indian People’s Theatre Association
      b) Indian Professional Theatre Association
      c) International People’s Theatre Alliance
      d) Indian Popular Theatre Academy
      Answer: a

    2. The IPTA movement began primarily in which decade?
      a) 1910s
      b) 1930s–1940s
      c) 1960s
      d) 1980s
      Answer: b

    3. Which of the following was a primary aim of IPTA?
      a) Commercial theatre production
      b) Cultural mobilisation and social awareness
      c) Purely aesthetic experimentation
      d) Importing Western plays only
      Answer: b

    4. The “Third Theatre” concept in India is most closely associated with:
      a) Prithvi Theatre
      b) Badal Sircar
      c) Girish Karnad
      d) Ebrahim Alkazi
      Answer: b

    5. Badal Sircar pioneered which performance space model?
      a) Proscenium-only theatre
      b) Anganmanch (courtyard stage)/found spaces
      c) Black-box with elaborate sets
      d) Radio theatre
      Answer: b

    6. Habib Tanvir is best known for fusing modern drama with:
      a) European opera
      b) Chhattisgarhi folk performance traditions
      c) Chinese opera
      d) Kabuki theatre
      Answer: b

    7. Girish Karnad wrote which of the following plays?
      a) Tughlaq
      b) Ghashiram Kotwal
      c) Evam Indrajit
      d) Charandas Chor
      Answer: a

    8. Vijay Tendulkar is a prominent playwright in which language tradition?
      a) Bengali
      b) Marathi
      c) Kannada
      d) Malayalam
      Answer: b

    9. Which playwright is associated with Evam Indrajit?
      a) Mohan Rakesh
      b) Badal Sircar
      c) Girish Karnad
      d) Vijay Tendulkar
      Answer: b

    10. Ghashiram Kotwal is a landmark play by:
      a) Girish Karnad
      b) Vijay Tendulkar
      c) Mohan Rakesh
      d) Badal Sircar
      Answer: b

    11. The National School of Drama (NSD) was established in:
      a) 1920s
      b) 1959 (as independent institute in 1959)
      c) 1980s
      d) 2000s
      Answer: b

    12. Ebrahim Alkazi is noted for his role as:
      a) Founder of IPTA
      b) Director and Principal of NSD who professionalised theatre training
      c) Pioneer of Third Theatre
      d) Founder of Prithvi Theatre
      Answer: b

    13. Prithvi Theatre was founded by:
      a) Habib Tanvir
      b) Prithviraj Kapoor and Sunil Kapoor family (Prithvi Trust)
      c) Badal Sircar
      d) Girish Karnad
      Answer: b

    14. Which movement emphasised returning to indigenous forms and folk roots?
      a) Naturalism
      b) Root Theatre / Theatre of Roots
      c) Epic Theatre
      d) Melodrama
      Answer: b

    15. “Third Theatre” typically rejects:
      a) Audience participation
      b) Proscenium, commercial trappings, and passive audience configuration
      c) Political themes
      d) Folk idioms
      Answer: b

    16. Which theatre practitioner is widely credited with popularising folk-based theatre like Charandas Chor?
      a) Girish Karnad
      b) Habib Tanvir
      c) Vijay Tendulkar
      d) Ebrahim Alkazi
      Answer: b

    17. Mohan Rakesh is best known for which play?
      a) Adhe Adhure
      b) Tughlaq
      c) Charandas Chor
      d) Evam Indrajit
      Answer: a

    18. Which movement focused on theatre in public spaces to mobilise the masses?
      a) Proscenium revival
      b) Street theatre / Jana Natya
      c) Radio drama
      d) Puppet theatre
      Answer: b

    19. Jana Natya Mandali and similar groups are known for:
      a) Opera performances
      b) Street theatre with socio-political agenda
      c) Classical Sanskrit drama only
      d) Silent mime exclusively
      Answer: b

    20. Theatre of the Oppressed was developed by:
      a) Badal Sircar
      b) Augusto Boal
      c) Bertolt Brecht
      d) Ebrahim Alkazi
      Answer: b

    21. Forum Theatre is a technique within:
      a) Naturalism
      b) Theatre of the Oppressed
      c) Melodrama
      d) Greek Tragedy
      Answer: b

    22. Applied theatre refers to:
      a) Theatre strictly for aesthetic enjoyment
      b) Theatre used for education, social change, health and community development
      c) Only historical reconstructions
      d) Opera and ballet fusion
      Answer: b

    23. Site-specific theatre is characterised by:
      a) Stage set in neutral studios only
      b) Performance tailored to and integrated with a particular location or site
      c) Radio broadcasts only
      d) Universal scripts unchanged by context
      Answer: b

    24. Badal Sircar’s “Aanganmanch” primarily emphasised:
      a) Elaborate sets and costumes
      b) Minimalism and direct exchange between actors and audience in courtyards
      c) Musical opera format
      d) Screen adaptations only
      Answer: b

    25. Which playwright dramatized the solitude and alienation of post-Independence urban youth (notably in Evam Indrajit)?
      a) Vijay Tendulkar
      b) Badal Sircar
      c) Girish Karnad
      d) Mohan Rakesh
      Answer: b

    26. Ratan Thiyam is associated with which regional theatre tradition?
      a) Bengali theatre
      b) Manipuri theatre and Chorus Repertory Theatre
      c) Marathi theatre
      d) Punjabi theatre
      Answer: b

    27. Kavalam Narayana Panicker is known for integrating:
      a) Kathakali and Kerala folk elements into modern theatre
      b) Kabuki form into Indian theatre
      c) Peking opera techniques
      d) European realism only
      Answer: a

    28. Which institution gives national recognition and awards to theatre artists in India?
      a) Film and Television Institute of India
      b) Sangeet Natak Akademi
      c) All India Radio
      d) National Museum
      Answer: b

    29. The Navanatya movement is best described as:
      a) A classical Sanskrit revival only
      b) A modernist movement experimenting with form and content in Indian theatre
      c) A film movement
      d) A musical tradition
      Answer: b

    30. Which theatre form did Habib Tanvir famously employ in his productions?
      a) Mime only
      b) Folk chorus and non-professional performers from rural backgrounds
      c) Western choir groups
      d) Pantomime exclusively
      Answer: b

    31. Who is known for the play Hayavadana?
      a) Mohan Rakesh
      b) Girish Karnad
      c) Vijay Tendulkar
      d) Badal Sircar
      Answer: b

    32. Vijay Tendulkar’s Sakharam Binder deals mainly with:
      a) Mythological romance
      b) Gender, power and social hypocrisy
      c) War epic
      d) Children’s folklore
      Answer: b

    33. Which of these movements is an outcome of political and social activism of artists during the freedom struggle and post-colonial period?
      a) IPTA
      b) Kabuki revival
      c) Noh theatre
      d) Greek chorus
      Answer: a

    34. The term “Alternative Theatre” in India generally means:
      a) Mainstream commercial Bollywood theatre
      b) Experimental and non-commercial forms outside established proscenium conventions
      c) Opera houses in India
      d) Exclusive classical repertory only
      Answer: b

    35. Who directed and staged many productions that institutionalised modern Indian theatre pedagogy at NSD?
      a) Habib Tanvir
      b) Ebrahim Alkazi
      c) Badal Sircar
      d) Girish Karnad
      Answer: b

    36. Which play is referred to as a landmark of modern Kannada theatre?
      a) Tughlaq
      b) Hayavadana
      c) Ghashiram Kotwal
      d) Evam Indrajit
      Answer: b

    37. Rangakarmee is a prominent theatre group from which region?
      a) Maharashtra
      b) Bengal (Kolkata)
      c) Kerala
      d) Punjab
      Answer: b

    38. Which movement emphasised minimal props, close actor-audience contact, and actor-centred creation?
      a) Third Theatre
      b) Melodrama
      c) Epic Theatre (strictly proscenium)
      d) Kabuki tradition
      Answer: a

    39. The “Theatre of Roots” initiative aimed to:
      a) Eliminate folk idioms from modern plays
      b) Rediscover indigenous forms and adapt them to contemporary theatre practice
      c) Import exclusively Western forms
      d) Convert theatre into radio plays
      Answer: b

    40. Which playhouse became a cultural hub in Mumbai founded by the Kapoor family?
      a) NSD Auditorium
      b) Prithvi Theatre
      c) Rangashankara
      d) Bharat Bhavan
      Answer: b

    41. Which dramatist’s work often revisits myth to explore contemporary identity (e.g., Nagamandala)?
      a) Vijay Tendulkar
      b) Girish Karnad
      c) Badal Sircar
      d) Mohan Rakesh
      Answer: b

    42. Which theatre practitioner is linked to the formation of Naya Theatre?
      a) Habib Tanvir
      b) Ebrahim Alkazi
      c) Girish Karnad
      d) Badal Sircar
      Answer: a

    43. Which of these is a characteristic of Street Theatre in India?
      a) Performed only in theatre halls
      b) Performed in public spaces, often free and issue-based
      c) Always uses elaborate sets and lighting
      d) Restricted to classical repertoire
      Answer: b

    44. Which Indian dramatist is most closely associated with modern Hindi theatre and the play Adhe Adhure?
      a) Mohan Rakesh
      b) Vijay Tendulkar
      c) Girish Karnad
      d) Badal Sircar
      Answer: a

    45. Forum Theatre allows the audience to:
      a) Remain passive spectators only
      b) Intervene and suggest/act alternatives to problems depicted on stage
      c) Hear the play on radio only
      d) Vote for best actor after performance
      Answer: b

    46. Which region is Girish Karnad primarily associated with?
      a) Maharashtra (Marathi)
      b) Karnataka (Kannada)
      c) Bengal (Bengali)
      d) Punjab (Punjabi)
      Answer: b

    47. Which director is known for integrating mobile, site-specific and ritual aesthetics in contemporary Indian productions (e.g., works by Ratan Thiyam)?
      a) Ebrahim Alkazi
      b) Ratan Thiyam
      c) Girish Karnad
      d) Mohan Rakesh
      Answer: b

    48. The term “Navanatya” literally means:
      a) Old theatre
      b) New theatre (modernist experimentation)
      c) Puppet theatre only
      d) Musical theatre exclusively
      Answer: b

    49. Which playwright wrote Charandas Chor?
      a) Vijay Tendulkar
      b) Habib Tanvir
      c) Girish Karnad
      d) Badal Sircar
      Answer: b

    50. In India, which organisation is primarily responsible for documenting and supporting performing arts at national level?
      a) Sangeet Natak Akademi
      b) Doordarshan
      c) Filmfare
      d) Sahitya Akademi (only literature)
      Answer: a

    51. Which of these practitioners is known for the “Theatre of Roots” movement?
      a) Ebrahim Alkazi
      b) Ratan Thiyam and Kavalam Panicker
      c) Prithviraj Kapoor only
      d) Girish Karnad exclusively
      Answer: b

    52. Who wrote the Hindi play Ashadh Ka Ek Din which established modern Hindi theatre?
      a) Mohan Rakesh
      b) Vijay Tendulkar
      c) Badal Sircar
      d) Girish Karnad
      Answer: a

    53. “Anganmanch” performances typically take place in:
      a) Radio studios
      b) Courtyards, open grounds and neighbourhood spaces
      c) Opera houses only
      d) Cinema halls only
      Answer: b

    54. Which movement is most directly associated with using theatre as a tool for education, social development and health campaigns?
      a) Applied Theatre
      b) Symbolism
      c) Classical revivalism
      d) Melodrama
      Answer: a

    55. Who is the playwright of Tughlaq that comments on power and idealism?
      a) Girish Karnad
      b) Vijay Tendulkar
      c) Mohan Rakesh
      d) Badal Sircar
      Answer: a

    56. Which theatre company is strongly associated with Habib Tanvir’s folk-modern experiments?
      a) Naya Theatre
      b) Bohurupee
      c) Rangakarmee
      d) Prithvi Group
      Answer: a

    57. Which writer is associated with modern Marathi theatre and socially aware drama?
      a) Girish Karnad
      b) Vijay Tendulkar
      c) Badal Sircar
      d) Mohan Rakesh
      Answer: b

    58. Which city is historically significant for Bengali modern theatre and group theatre movement?
      a) Mumbai
      b) Kolkata
      c) Chennai
      d) Hyderabad
      Answer: b

    59. Which prominent theatre director worked extensively to popularise modern Hindi theatre in Kolkata (Padatik/Anamika)?
      a) Shyamanand Jalan
      b) Habib Tanvir
      c) Ebrahim Alkazi
      d) Girish Karnad
      Answer: a

    60. Which theatrical approach encourages making the audience think rather than become emotionally absorbed (alienation)?
      a) Brechtian Epic Theatre
      b) Classical Sanskrit Rasa theatre
      c) Melodrama
      d) Farce
      Answer: a

    61. Which playwright used myth and folklore to interrogate contemporary politics and identity (e.g., Nagamandala)?
      a) Badal Sircar
      b) Girish Karnad
      c) Mohan Rakesh
      d) Vijay Tendulkar
      Answer: b

    62. Which of these is a feature of Third Theatre practice?
      a) Heavy reliance on proscenium lighting rigs
      b) Low budget, portability, audience proximity, and improvisation
      c) Exclusive use of professional trained actors only
      d) Strict adherence to Western stagecraft
      Answer: b

    63. Ratan Thiyam’s theatre often draws on:
      a) Punjabi folk tales only
      b) Manipuri ritual, martial and mask traditions and epic narratives
      c) Southeast Asian shadow puppetry exclusively
      d) Western musical theatre forms
      Answer: b

    64. Which playwright wrote Pagla Ghoda?
      a) Badal Sircar (translated/produced in Marathi widely)
      b) Girish Karnad
      c) Mohan Rakesh
      d) Vijay Tendulkar
      Answer: a

    65. The term “Site-specific theatre” most closely implies:
      a) Works that are generic and location-neutral
      b) Works shaped by and inseparable from the physical site where they are performed
      c) Theatre performed only in schools
      d) Only television adaptations
      Answer: b

    66. Which movement helped spawn non-proscenium experiments and community work in rural and urban areas?
      a) IPTA and Third Theatre traditions
      b) Elizabethan theatre exclusively
      c) Roman spectacle only
      d) Kabuki theatre
      Answer: a

    67. The “Group Theatre” tradition in India often refers to:
      a) Single-actor classical pieces
      b) Collectively organised, ensemble based theatre groups with social/political focus
      c) Only commercial musicals
      d) Radio drama groups only
      Answer: b

    68. Which playwright/director was central to the modernisation of Marathi theatre and controversial social themes?
      a) Girish Karnad
      b) Vijay Tendulkar
      c) Ratan Thiyam
      d) Kavalam Panicker
      Answer: b

    69. Which institution organises the National School of Drama’s annual festivals and workshops?
      a) Film and Television Institute of India
      b) National School of Drama itself (with Ministry support)
      c) All India Radio
      d) Sangeet Natak Akademi only
      Answer: b

    70. Which of the following best describes Forum Theatre?
      a) Non-interactive proscenium play
      b) Interactive, problem-solving theatre where audience proposes/acts out solutions
      c) Musical theatre style only
      d) Ancient Sanskrit play form
      Answer: b

    71. Shyamanand Jalan founded which theatre group known for Hindi productions in Kolkata?
      a) Padatik (and earlier Anamika)
      b) Naya Theatre
      c) Bohurupee
      d) Rangashankara
      Answer: a

    72. The practice of mixing professional actors with local non-actors for authenticity is a feature of:
      a) Commercial theatre only
      b) Folk-modern fusion and some Third Theatre practices (e.g., Habib Tanvir)
      c) Classical Sanskrit theatre only
      d) Kabuki only
      Answer: b

    73. Which playwright is credited with introducing psychological modernity to Hindi plays (e.g., Adhe Adhure)?
      a) Mohan Rakesh
      b) Vijay Tendulkar
      c) Girish Karnad
      d) Badal Sircar
      Answer: a

    74. Which city is associated with Rangashankara, a prominent theatre space and festival?
      a) Mumbai
      b) Bengaluru
      c) Kolkata
      d) Chennai
      Answer: b

    75. Which theatre practitioner emphasised rehearsal discipline, actor-training and stagecraft at the national level in India?
      a) Badal Sircar
      b) Ebrahim Alkazi
      c) Kabir Bedi
      d) Girish Karnad
      Answer: b

    76. Which movement is most associated with minimal sets, actor-audience exchange and political content in India?
      a) Third Theatre
      b) Opera
      c) Classical Sanskrit Nāṭya only
      d) Kabuki
      Answer: a

    77. Which of the following plays critiques power and bureaucracy through historical allegory (Tughlaq)?
      a) Girish Karnad’s Tughlaq
      b) Vijay Tendulkar’s Ghashiram Kotwal
      c) Badal Sircar’s Evam Indrajit
      d) Mohan Rakesh’s Adhe Adhure
      Answer: a

    78. Which theatre form commonly practised by IPTA incorporated song, dance, and street skits?
      a) Proscenium, high-art only
      b) Mass cultural forms combining music, drama and agitprop (Jana Natya)
      c) Ancient Sanskrit Rasa performance only
      d) Silent mime only
      Answer: b

    79. Which theatre personality is associated with the Bohurupee group in Bengal?
      a) Sombhu Mitra (and Bohurupee)
      b) Ebrahim Alkazi
      c) Habib Tanvir
      d) Prithviraj Kapoor
      Answer: a

    80. Which technique is central to Theatre of the Oppressed?
      a) Strictly scripted non-interactive drama
      b) Spectator as “spect-actor” who can intervene in the play
      c) Silent ritual only
      d) Use of puppets exclusively
      Answer: b

    81. Which playwright wrote Hayavadana, exploring identity and completeness?
      a) Girish Karnad
      b) Vijay Tendulkar
      c) Badal Sircar
      d) Mohan Rakesh
      Answer: a

    82. Which movement emphasises collaborative devising, collective authorship and anti-star culture?
      a) Commercial theatre
      b) Third/Alternative Theatre groups
      c) Opera traditions
      d) Kabuki troupe system
      Answer: b

    83. Which theatre director is known for synthesising classical Indian forms with modern stagecraft (NSD alumnus often credited)?
      a) Ebrahim Alkazi (as trainer/producer)
      b) Molière
      c) Shakespeare
      d) Bertolt Brecht
      Answer: a

    84. Which of the following is an example of applied theatre practice in India?
      a) Street plays for voter education
      b) Only proscenium classics
      c) Kabuki in Japan
      d) Broadway musicals only
      Answer: a

    85. Which playwright wrote Ghashiram Kotwal, a political satire on power and corruption?
      a) Vijay Tendulkar
      b) Girish Karnad
      c) Badal Sircar
      d) Mohan Rakesh
      Answer: a

    86. Which theatre movement emphasised return to folk forms for modern expression and identity?
      a) Root Theatre / Theatre of Roots
      b) Naturalism exclusively
      c) Greek chorus only
      d) Melodrama only
      Answer: a

    87. Which institution regularly confers fellowships and awards to theatre artists in India?
      a) Sangeet Natak Akademi
      b) Film Certification Board only
      c) Only private foundations (no national body)
      d) National Library
      Answer: a

    88. Which modern Indian theatre practitioner is known for blending performance with political satire using folk forms and local dialects?
      a) Habib Tanvir
      b) Ebrahim Alkazi
      c) Girish Karnad
      d) Mohan Rakesh
      Answer: a

    89. Which movement’s hallmark is making theatre accessible, low-cost and participatory (avoiding commercial theatre’s elitism)?
      a) Third Theatre / Street Theatre / IPTA legacy
      b) High opera only
      c) Only film adaptations
      d) Kabuki import
      Answer: a

    90. Which playwright explored existential angst and fractured families in modern Indian context?
      a) Mohan Rakesh (Adhe Adhure)
      b) Kalidasa
      c) Bhasa
      d) Bhavabhuti
      Answer: a

    91. Which type of theatre commonly uses local music, chorus and dance to engage rural audiences?
      a) Folk-modern fusion used by practitioners like Habib Tanvir and others
      b) Strictly proscenium Western plays only
      c) Radio drama exclusively
      d) Television serials only
      Answer: a

    92. Which movement directly influenced the proliferation of street theatre troupes in India?
      a) IPTA and subsequent activist theatre traditions
      b) Italian Opera only
      c) Kabuki entirely
      d) Ancient Greek tragedy alone
      Answer: a

    93. Which theatrical practice deliberately stages plays in marketplaces, public squares and streets?
      a) Proscenium dramas exclusively
      b) Street theatre / Jana Natya practice
      c) Opera houses only
      d) Television studios only
      Answer: b

    94. Who is the author of Charandas Chor?
      a) Habib Tanvir
      b) Girish Karnad
      c) Vijay Tendulkar
      d) Badal Sircar
      Answer: a

    95. Which director founded Prithvi Theatre as a repertory and venue in Mumbai?
      a) Prithviraj Kapoor (Prithvi Trust/Prithvi Theatre supported by Kapoor family)
      b) Ebrahim Alkazi
      c) Habib Tanvir
      d) Badal Sircar
      Answer: a

    96. Which playwright engaged themes of caste, gender and urban violence in Marathi theatre?
      a) Vijay Tendulkar
      b) Girish Karnad
      c) Bhavabhuti
      d) Kalidasa
      Answer: a

    97. Which initiative is best known for institutional actor training and production in India?
      a) National School of Drama (NSD)
      b) Sangeet Natak Akademi only (not training focused)
      c) National Film Awards only
      d) Private TV channels only
      Answer: a

    98. Which movement encouraged political education, activists’ theatre and leftist aesthetics?
      a) IPTA
      b) Kabuki only
      c) Noh only
      d) Naturalism only
      Answer: a

    99. Which director/playwright is associated with large-scale spectacles rooted in tribal and folk performance from Northeast India?
      a) Ratan Thiyam
      b) Ebrahim Alkazi
      c) Badal Sircar
      d) Mohan Rakesh
      Answer: a

    100. Which feature is NOT typical of Third Theatre?
      a) Minimal props and sets
      b) Non-proscenium staging and audience involvement
      c) Large commercial budgets and elaborate technical illusions
      d) Political/social themes and collective creation
      Answer: c

  • UGC NET Unit 7 — Modern Indian Theatre – Performing Arts

    (Study Note)

    1. Overview: What is Modern Indian Theatre?

    Modern Indian theatre denotes theatre practices that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries as a response to colonial modernity, social reform movements and later, post-Independence nation-building. It fuses indigenous performance traditions (folk, ritual, classical) with western dramatic forms (proscenium, realism), producing hybrid aesthetics that are social, political and artistically experimental.


    2. Origin and Development — National and Regional Perspectives

    • Colonial roots: Modern theatre evolved from colonial encounters (missionary plays, British educational institutions), the rise of print culture, vernacular dramaturgy and the emergence of urban public spheres (theatre as social forum).

    • Early pioneers: Early dramatists and theatre activists adapted myth, historical narrative and social themes to create a modern stage language in regional languages—Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra/Telangana developed distinctive modern traditions.

    • Regional consolidation: Each region combined local performance idioms with modern dramaturgy:

      • Bengal: A strong tradition of politically conscious and literary theatre (group theatre movement).

      • Maharashtra: A rich satirical and social-realist tradition (Marathi modern drama).

      • Karnataka: A vigorous playwright-director culture (Kannada modern drama).

      • Punjab, Kerala, Andhra, Assam, Northeast: Regional experiments blending folk, ritual and literary theatre.

    • Post-Independence trajectory: A flowering of institutional theatre, experimental groups and socially engaged theatre forms that addressed nation-building, class, caste, gender and regional identity.


    3. Major Trends & Movements Since Independence

    (The syllabus asks for a brief study of key tendencies — below are clear, exam-friendly summaries.)

    A. IPTA (Indian People’s Theatre Association)

    • Nature: Mass cultural movement with leftist/popular cultural politics.

    • Contribution: Brought theatre to the people — street performances, political plays, songs and worker-peasant themes; pioneered socially committed theatre.

    B. Navanatya Movement (New Theatre)

    • Nature: Modernist theatre experiments in form and content.

    • Contribution: Introduced new dramaturgies, director-centric aesthetics and reinterpretation of myths and history.

    C. Root Theatre / Third Theatre / Alternative Theatre

    • Third Theatre: Non-proscenium, intimate, actor-audience proximate performance (simple sets, direct address). Emphasizes accessibility and collective creation.

    • Root Theatre: Return to roots — integrating folk and ritual forms into modern performance language.

    • Alternative Theatre: Umbrella term for experimental, non-commercial theatre outside mainstream proscenium constraints.

    D. Street Theatre & Jana Natya (People’s Theatre)

    • Nature: Performances in public spaces for popular mobilization and awareness (labour, communal harmony, civic rights).

    • Contribution: Democratized theatre; powerful tool for activism (anti-illiteracy, labour movements).

    E. Theatre of the Oppressed & Forum Theatre

    • Origins: Augusto Boal’s pedagogy adapted in India.

    • Use: Participatory techniques to empower communities; theatre as reflective, problem-solving practice rather than mere representation.

    F. Applied Theatre & Community Theatre

    • Nature: Theatre for education, development, health, rehabilitation.

    • Contribution: Applied methods for change in schools, NGOs, prisons and community development.

    G. Site-Specific & Experimental Forms

    • Nature: Performances closely tied to specific locations (historic sites, urban spaces) and multi-media experimentation.

    • Contribution: Rewires audience perception by rooting the event in place and memory.


    4. Key Playwrights, Directors and Contributions (selective, representative)

    Playwrights

    • Girish Karnad (Kannada): Mythic reworkings and modern dilemmas — Tughlaq, Hayavadana, Nagamandala — critical exploration of history and identity.

    • Vijay Tendulkar (Marathi): Urban realism, social conflict, gender and power — Ghashiram Kotwal, Sakharam Binder, Silence! The Court is in Session.

    • Badal Sircar (Bengali): Innovator of Third Theatre and “anti-illusion” theatre — Evam Indrajit; emphasis on minimalism and social engagement.

    • Habib Tanvir (Hindi/Chhattisgarhi): Fusion of folk forms with modern narrative; created Charandas Chor and founded Naya Theatre.

    • Mohan Rakesh (Hindi): Psychological realism — Adhe Adhure.

    • Utpal Dutt (Bengali/Hindi): Politically engaged theatre and powerful adaptations.

    • Ratan Thiyam (Manipuri): Ritual and mythic dramaturgy; founder of Chorus Repertory Theatre.

    • Kavalam Narayana Panicker (Malayalam): Integrated Kerala ritual forms and folk aesthetics into contemporary theatre.

    Directors & Practitioners

    • Ebrahim Alkazi: Institutionalized modern Indian theatre practice as Director of National School of Drama (NSD); rigorous actor training and production standards.

    • Shanta Gandhi, Shyamanand Jalan, Satyadev Dubey, Prasanna, B.V. Karanth: Important directors who shaped modern performance vocabulary across regions.


    5. Representative Plays (widely studied & performed)

    • Tughlaq, Hayavadana, Nagamandala (Girish Karnad)

    • Ghashiram Kotwal, Sakharam Binder (Vijay Tendulkar)

    • Charandas Chor (Habib Tanvir)

    • Adhe Adhure (Mohan Rakesh)

    • Evam Indrajit (Badal Sircar)

    • Theatre of Roots experiments by Ratan Thiyam and Kavalam Panicker


    6. Popular Playhouses, Companies, Institutions & Their Contributions

    • National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi: Premier actor/director training, pedagogy and repertory.

    • Sangeet Natak Akademi: Apex national academy for performing arts — recognition, documentation and grants.

    • Prithvi Theatre (Mumbai): Cultural hub and producer of contemporary theatre; supported repertory culture and festivals.

    • Naya Theatre (Habib Tanvir): Folk-inspired theatre company; popularized folk-modern fusion.

    • Jana Natya Manch (JNM): Street theatre collective — prominent in political activism.

    • Regional groups: Bohurupee (Bengal), Rangakarmee, Little Theatre Group, theatre companies linked with universities and cultural centers — they sustain new writing, regional repertory and actor training.

    • Theatre Festivals & Residencies: Facilitate cross-regional exchange and experimentation (state festivals, NSD festivals, Prithvi Theatre festivals).


    7. Contribution & Impact

    • Sociopolitical role: Modern Indian theatre has been an instrument of social critique, political mobilization and cultural reflection.

    • Aesthetic innovation: Blending of classical, folk and Western techniques created a plural modernism — e.g., folk choruses, ritual use of space, Brechtian narration, and meta-theatre.

    • Pedagogy & institutionalization: NSD and state institutions professionalized training; repertories and festivals created sustained practice.

    • Community engagement: Street theatre, forum theatre and applied theatre engaged non-elite publics and addressed grassroots concerns.


    8. Exam-Focused Tips (how to answer UGC-NET questions)

    • Define terms precisely: e.g., Third Theatre, Theatre of the Oppressed, IPTA — briefly state core idea and significance.

    • Use examples: Mention 2–3 plays or practitioners to illustrate any movement (e.g., Habib Tanvir → Charandas Chor for folk-modern fusion).

    • Compare & contrast: Be ready to contrast institutionalised proscenium theatre (NSD style) with street/third theatre methods.

    • Regional examples: Cite one playwright/production from major regions — Marathi (Vijay Tendulkar), Kannada (Girish Karnad), Bengali (Badal Sircar), Chhattisgarhi folk fusion (Habib Tanvir), Manipuri (Ratan Thiyam).

  • UGC NET Unit-6 Drama and Its Theories – MCQs – Performing Arts

    Unit 6: Drama and Its Theories – Indian and Western for the UGC NET Performing Arts (Dance, Drama & Theatre) exam.
    Each question reflects themes, terminology, playwrights and theoretical issues relevant to Indian and Western dramaturgy.


    1. The term Natya in Indian dramaturgy primarily means:
      a) A ritual dance
      b) A mirror of life and emotions
      c) A musical concert
      d) A sculpture exhibition
      Answer: b) A mirror of life and emotions

    2. According to the Natyasastra by Bharata Muni, which of the following is not one of the four types of Abhinaya?
      a) Āṅgika
      b) Vācika
      c) Drāmyika
      d) Sāttvika
      Answer: c) Drāmyika

    3. The Western concept of drama as “imitation (mimesis) of an action” was advanced by:
      a) Zeami Motokiyo
      b) Aristotle
      c) Bertolt Brecht
      d) Henrik Ibsen
      Answer: b) Aristotle

    4. The “Rasa” theory in Indian drama refers to:
      a) The dialogue of the hero
      b) The audience’s aesthetic experience
      c) The music of the play
      d) The costume design
      Answer: b) The audience’s aesthetic experience

    5. In Western dramaturgy, which of these is not one of Aristotle’s six elements of drama?
      a) Plot (Mythos)
      b) Character (Ethos)
      c) Melody (Melos)
      d) Ritual (Ritmos)
      Answer: d) Ritual (Ritmos)

    6. The Sanskrit dramatic form labelled as Nāṭaka typically deals with:
      a) Folk comedy
      b) Heroic/epic themes with high character status
      c) One-actor plays
      d) Satirical farce
      Answer: b) Heroic/epic themes with high character status

    7. The Western dramatic classification of melodrama is characterised by:
      a) Subtle everyday realism
      b) Exaggerated emotions and moral polarisation
      c) Absurd dialogues and circular structure
      d) Ritualistic dance and chant
      Answer: b) Exaggerated emotions and moral polarisation

    8. Which one of the following Indian dramatists is known for the play Mudrarakshasa?
      a) Kalidasa
      b) Bhasa
      c) Visakhadatta
      d) Bhavabhuti
      Answer: c) Visakhadatta

    9. The Western dramatic movement focusing on everyday common-life situations and psychology is called:
      a) Realism
      b) Symbolism
      c) Expressionism
      d) Absurdism
      Answer: a) Realism

    10. In the Indian dramaturgical tradition, Bhava refers to:
      a) The formal structure of the play
      b) The performers’ costumes
      c) The emotion or state that leads to Rasa
      d) The audience seating arrangement
      Answer: c) The emotion or state that leads to Rasa

    11. Which Western playwright is considered the father of modern realistic drama and wrote A Doll’s House?
      a) Anton Chekhov
      b) Arthur Miller
      c) Henrik Ibsen
      d) Luigi Pirandello
      Answer: c) Henrik Ibsen

    12. The dramatic form of farce is characterised by:
      a) Serious moral crisis
      b) Improvisation and broad humour, improbable situations
      c) Deep philosophical dialogue
      d) Ritualistic chanting
      Answer: b) Improvisation and broad humour, improbable situations

    13. The Sanskrit dramatist of Mṛcchakatika (“The Little Clay Cart”) is:
      a) Bhavabhuti
      b) Bhasa
      c) Sudraka
      d) Visakhadatta
      Answer: c) Sudraka

    14. Which one of these “‐isms” emphasises the distortion of reality to reflect inner emotional or psychological truth?
      a) Naturalism
      b) Realism
      c) Expressionism
      d) Epic Theatre
      Answer: c) Expressionism

    15. In Western drama, the unity of time means:
      a) The action takes place in one location
      b) The action takes place within 24 hours (or a short time span)
      c) The play uses only one actor
      d) The music and dialogue are simultaneous
      Answer: b) The action takes place within 24 hours (or a short time span)

    16. In the Indian dramatic classification, Prahasana refers to:
      a) Heroic epic play
      b) Satirical farce
      c) One-act romantic comedy
      d) Mythological spectacle
      Answer: b) Satirical farce

    17. The Western playwright Bertolt Brecht is primarily associated with which theatrical approach?
      a) Realism
      b) Theatre of the Absurd
      c) Epic Theatre
      d) Naturalism
      Answer: c) Epic Theatre

    18. The Sanskrit dramatist known for Uttararamacharita is:
      a) Kalidasa
      b) Bhavabhuti
      c) Bhasa
      d) Visakhadatta
      Answer: b) Bhavabhuti

    19. The Western dramatic movement labelled Absurdism often presents:
      a) Linear cause-and­-effect structure
      b) Ritual dance and chant
      c) Human existence as meaningless and cyclical, with minimal plot
      d) Strong moral polarisation and triumphant hero
      Answer: c) Human existence as meaningless and cyclical, with minimal plot

    20. According to the Natyasastra, the Abhinaya known as Aharya refers to:
      a) Speech and song
      b) Gesture and movement
      c) Costume, make-up, scene-setting and props
      d) Inner emotional expression
      Answer: c) Costume, make-up, scene-setting and props

    21. The concept of Catharsis in Western drama denotes:
      a) The aesthetic pleasure of Rasa
      b) The moral purification of the audience through pity and fear
      c) The symbolic representation of gods and spirit
      d) The comedic relief after tragedy
      Answer: b) The moral purification of the audience through pity and fear

    22. The Sanskrit dramatist Bhasa’s Urubhanga deals with:
      a) The love story of Shakuntala
      b) The defeat of Duryodhana (in Mahabharata)
      c) The adventures of a forest hermit
      d) Court intrigue in ancient India
      Answer: b) The defeat of Duryodhana (in Mahabharata)

    23. The Western dramatist Samuel Beckett is best known for which major play?
      a) The Cherry Orchard
      b) Waiting for Godot
      c) Death of a Salesman
      d) A Doll’s House
      Answer: b) Waiting for Godot

    24. The Indian dramatic form Bhāna signifies:
      a) Multi-act heroic drama
      b) One-actor play
      c) Satirical farce for the masses
      d) Religious temple ritual
      Answer: b) One-actor play

    25. The dramatic category Tragicomedy combines features of:
      a) Tragedy and farce
      b) Melodrama and epic theatre
      c) Tragedy and comedy
      d) Naturalism and symbolism
      Answer: c) Tragedy and comedy

    26. The Western dramatist Anton Chekhov is associated with which dramatic approach?
      a) Melodrama
      b) Realism
      c) Farce
      d) Absurdism
      Answer: b) Realism

    27. In Indian dramaturgy, which of the following is not a recognized Rasa?
      a) Śānta
      b) Adbhuta
      c) Vīra
      d) Idylla
      Answer: d) Idylla

    28. The Western dramatist Luigi Pirandello explored themes of illusion and identity in his play Six Characters in Search of an Author. That play is often considered part of:
      a) Naturalism
      b) Epic Theatre
      c) Meta-theatre/Modernism
      d) Classical Greek tragedy
      Answer: c) Meta-theatre/Modernism

    29. The Sanskrit dramatist known for Venisamhara is:
      a) Kalidasa
      b) Bhattanarayana
      c) Bhasa
      d) Bhavabhuti
      Answer: b) Bhattanarayana

    30. The Western dramatic movement of Symbolism emphasises:
      a) Realistic depiction of everyday life
      b) Musical and dance spectacle
      c) Dream-like imagery and inner vision rather than external plot
      d) Political critique through alienation
      Answer: c) Dream-like imagery and inner vision rather than external plot

    31. In the Indian dramaturgy framework, the mode Vācika Abhinaya refers to:
      a) Physical movement and gesture
      b) Costume and scenery
      c) Verbal expression (speech and dialogue)
      d) Inner emotion and mental state
      Answer: c) Verbal expression (speech and dialogue)

    32. The Western dramatist William Shakespeare wrote Hamlet, King Lear and Othello, which are primarily examples of:
      a) Farce
      b) Comedy
      c) Tragedy
      d) Satire
      Answer: c) Tragedy

    33. The Indian dramatic form Vyayoga is characterised by:
      a) Love and romance in one act
      b) Single-act heroic drama without female characters
      c) Mythological folk performance
      d) Temple ritual enactment
      Answer: b) Single-act heroic drama without female characters

    34. The Western dramatic form where a hero suffers due to a tragic flaw (hamartia) is called:
      a) Comedy
      b) Tragedy
      c) Melodrama
      d) Farce
      Answer: b) Tragedy

    35. Which of the following is NOT a feature of Epic Theatre (Brechtian)?
      a) Alienation effect (Verfremdung)
      b) Encouraging audience emotional identification with characters
      c) Use of narration, projections, song to interrupt illusion
      d) Social critique rather than catharsis
      Answer: b) Encouraging audience emotional identification with characters

    36. The Sanskrit dramatist Kalidasa’s Abhijnanasakuntalam is best known for:
      a) Political intrigue
      b) Epic war scenes
      c) Court romance and poetic imagery
      d) Satirical comedy
      Answer: c) Court romance and poetic imagery

    37. The Western dramatist Molière is primarily known for his contributions to:
      a) Greek tragedy
      b) French comedy of manners
      c) Italian opera
      d) German epic theatre
      Answer: b) French comedy of manners

    38. The Indian dramaturgy mode Sāttvika Abhinaya deals with:
      a) Physical gestures
      b) Costume and scene-setting
      c) Inner emotional states and their expression
      d) Song and music
      Answer: c) Inner emotional states and their expression

    39. The movement of Naturalism in Western drama is associated with:
      a) Abstract symbolism
      b) Scientific, deterministic presentation of life influenced by heredity and environment
      c) Mythological spectacle
      d) Musical theatre
      Answer: b) Scientific, deterministic presentation of life influenced by heredity and environment

    40. In Western drama classification, which of these is an example of comedy?
      a) Oedipus Rex
      b) Tartuffe
      c) Death of a Salesman
      d) Waiting for Godot
      Answer: b) Tartuffe

    41. The Sanskrit play Uttararamacharita dramatizes which mythological figure’s latter part of life?
      a) Rama
      b) Krishna
      c) Arjuna
      d) Yudhishthira
      Answer: a) Rama

    42. The Western dramatist who wrote Death of a Salesman is:
      a) Arthur Miller
      b) Eugene O’Neill
      c) Henrik Ibsen
      d) Samuel Beckett
      Answer: a) Arthur Miller

    43. The dramatic form Tragicomedy typically ends with:
      a) The death of the hero only
      b) Complete tragic ruin
      c) A mixture of serious crisis and comic resolution or hope
      d) Pure slapstick comic ending
      Answer: c) A mixture of serious crisis and comic resolution or hope

    44. The Sanskrit dramatist Visakhadatta is best known for:
      a) Love-romance plays
      b) Social satire
      c) Political intrigue and historical drama
      d) Mythological dance pieces
      Answer: c) Political intrigue and historical drama

    45. The Western dramatist known for The Bald Soprano and Rhinoceros is:
      a) Samuel Beckett
      b) Eugene Ionesco
      c) Luigi Pirandello
      d) Bertolt Brecht
      Answer: b) Eugene Ionesco

    46. The Indian dramatic form Anka is usually:
      a) A short piece with religious or moral theme
      b) A five-act heroic drama
      c) A one-actor satire
      d) A farce with masked comedy
      Answer: a) A short piece with religious or moral theme

    47. Which “ism” emphasises cyclical, meaningless existence, often minimal plot and dialogue?
      a) Realism
      b) Naturalism
      c) Absurdism
      d) Symbolism
      Answer: c) Absurdism

    48. The Sanskrit dramatist Bhasa’s contribution is significant because:
      a) He purely used mythological gods without human beings
      b) He introduced realism and strong human emotion into Sanskrit drama
      c) He wrote only one act plays
      d) He composed musical operas
      Answer: b) He introduced realism and strong human emotion into Sanskrit drama

    49. The Western playwright who pioneered meta-theatre and questions of author and character is:
      a) Anton Chekhov
      b) Luigi Pirandello
      c) Arthur Miller
      d) Henrik Ibsen
      Answer: b) Luigi Pirandello

    50. The Sanskrit dramatic form Vyāyoga typically lacks:
      a) Heroic characters
      b) Female characters
      c) Music
      d) Moral lesson
      Answer: b) Female characters

    51. The Indian dramatic element Vibhāva refers to:
      a) The physical expression of emotion
      b) The determinant or cause of emotion
      c) The costume and scene design
      d) The audience’s reaction
      Answer: b) The determinant or cause of emotion

    52. In Western drama, the character of the protagonist’s flaw (hamartia) causes:
      a) Comedy
      b) Farce
      c) His/her downfall (in tragedy)
      d) A ritual dance
      Answer: c) His/her downfall (in tragedy)

    53. The Western dramatist Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard is an example of:
      a) Melodrama
      b) Realist drama
      c) Classical Greek tragedy
      d) Epic theatre
      Answer: b) Realist drama

    54. Which Indian dramatist wrote The Little Clay Cart (Mṛcchakatika) with its social realism and romance?
      a) Kalidasa
      b) Sudraka
      c) Bhavabhuti
      d) Visakhadatta
      Answer: b) Sudraka

    55. The Western dramatic movement of Symbolism is often linked with which kind of theatrical style?
      a) Direct realistic depiction
      b) Mythology and spectacle only
      c) Suggestive imagery, mood, and inner meaning rather than linear action
      d) Pure comedic farce
      Answer: c) Suggestive imagery, mood, and inner meaning rather than linear action

    56. The Sanskrit dramatist Bhavabhuti is noted for:
      a) Light-hearted satire
      b) Psychological depth and pathos in heroic tradition
      c) One-act comedies
      d) Folk dance plays
      Answer: b) Psychological depth and pathos in heroic tradition

    57. The Western dramatist Bertolt Brecht’s technique of Verfremdungseffekt means:
      a) Complete illusion and audience identification
      b) Making the familiar strange so audience remains critical
      c) Pure comedic relief
      d) Escape-fantasy theatre
      Answer: b) Making the familiar strange so audience remains critical

    58. The Indian dramatic mode of Angika Abhinaya refers to:
      a) Inner emotional experience
      b) Verbal expression
      c) Body movements, gesture, facial expressions
      d) Costume and adornment
      Answer: c) Body movements, gesture, facial expressions

    59. The Western dramatic form of farce often uses which of these features?
      a) Deep philosophical reflection
      b) Minimal action
      c) Mistaken identities, rapid pace, humorous complications
      d) Ritual dance sequences
      Answer: c) Mistaken identities, rapid pace, humorous complications

    60. The Sanskrit dramatist Kalidasa’s Vikramorvasiyam deals with:
      a) Mythological themes and high poetic style
      b) Social realism with middle-class characters
      c) Satire of court life
      d) Historical war scenes without romance
      Answer: a) Mythological themes and high poetic style

    61. Which dramatic classification involves a “mixture of tragedy and comedy” and may not follow the rigid tragic ending?
      a) Melodrama
      b) Tragedy
      c) Comedy
      d) Tragicomedy
      Answer: d) Tragicomedy

    62. In Indian dramaturgy, Anubhāva refers to:
      a) The costume and make-up
      b) The resultant expression of emotion (physical/behavioural manifestation)
      c) The mental attitude of the actor
      d) The audience’s delight
      Answer: b) The resultant expression of emotion (physical/behavioural manifestation)

    63. The Western dramatist Molière’s The Misanthrope is an example of:
      a) Tragedy
      b) Melodrama
      c) Comedy
      d) Absurd theatre
      Answer: c) Comedy

    64. The “ism” that presents theatre as a vehicle for social and political critique rather than escape is:
      a) Realism
      b) Naturalism
      c) Epic Theatre
      d) Symbolism
      Answer: c) Epic Theatre

    65. The Sanskrit dramatist Battanarayana is best known for which play?
      a) Mṛcchakatika
      b) Venisamhara
      c) Abhijnanasakuntalam
      d) Uttararamacharita
      Answer: b) Venisamhara

    66. The Western movement of Naturalism differs from Realism in that Naturalism:
      a) Uses myth only
      b) Emphasises determinate environment and heredity shaping human destiny
      c) Avoids social context entirely
      d) Focuses only on absurdity
      Answer: b) Emphasises determinate environment and heredity shaping human destiny

    67. The Sanskrit dramatic form Samavakāra pertains to:
      a) Historical council debates
      b) Mythological spectacle with opulence
      c) Satirical comedy for peasants
      d) One-act romantic sketch
      Answer: b) Mythological spectacle with opulence

    68. Which Western dramatist is renowned for the play The Caucasian Chalk Circle?
      a) Arthur Miller
      b) Eugene Ionesco
      c) Bertolt Brecht
      d) Anton Chekhov
      Answer: c) Bertolt Brecht

    69. The Indian dramaturgical element Vyabhicharī Bhava refers to:
      a) The permanent primary emotion
      b) The mental state of the actor
      c) The transitory or fleeting emotions assisting the main feeling
      d) The physical gestures used on stage
      Answer: c) The transitory or fleeting emotions assisting the main feeling

    70. The Western dramatist Eugene Ionesco’s Rhinoceros is considered part of which theatre movement?
      a) Realism
      b) Naturalism
      c) Absurdism
      d) Epic Theatre
      Answer: c) Absurdism

    71. In Indian drama, the term Śṛṅgāra Rasa refers to which flavour?
      a) Heroic
      b) Fear
      c) Erotic/Love
      d) Disgust
      Answer: c) Erotic/Love

    72. The Western dramatist Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman presents:
      a) Mythological heroism
      b) Aristocratic downfall
      c) Tragedy of the common man in a capitalist society
      d) Farcical comedy of errors
      Answer: c) Tragedy of the common man in a capitalist society

    73. In Indian dramaturgy, Sāttvika Abhinaya is often called the “inner” expression because it deals with:
      a) Costume polishing and props
      b) The actor’s inner psychological states manifested in subtle physical signs
      c) Dialogue memorisation
      d) Music and rhythm only
      Answer: b) The actor’s inner psychological states manifested in subtle physical signs

    74. The Western dramatic classification Comedy of Manners is best illustrated by:
      a) Molière’s plays
      b) Sophocles’ tragedies
      c) Brecht’s epic theatre
      d) Beckett’s absurd plays
      Answer: a) Molière’s plays

    75. The Sanskrit playwright who introduced characters from non-elite classes, emphasising social realism, was:
      a) Kalidasa
      b) Vishakhadatta
      c) Sudraka
      d) Bhavabhuti
      Answer: c) Sudraka

    76. The “alienation effect” in Epic Theatre aims to:
      a) Seduce audience emotionally
      b) Distance audience so that they think critically rather than empathise blindly
      c) Strengthen identification with the hero
      d) Use farce for escapism
      Answer: b) Distance audience so that they think critically rather than empathise blindly

    77. Which one of the following is not among the Navarasa in Indian dramaturgy?
      a) Bībhatsa (Disgust)
      b) Hāsya (Laughter)
      c) Karuṇa (Compassion)
      d) Ego (Asmita)
      Answer: d) Ego (Asmita)

    78. The Western dramatist who wrote Tartuffe exposing religious hypocrisy was:
      a) Shakespeare
      b) Molière
      c) Brecht
      d) Ionesco
      Answer: b) Molière

    79. The Indian dramatic form Ihamrga focuses on:
      a) Temple ritual enactments
      b) Love and adventure
      c) Satirical folk performance
      d) Heroic war drama
      Answer: b) Love and adventure

    80. The Western dramatic movement that rejects logic and uses absurd situations to represent existential angst is:
      a) Realism
      b) Naturalism
      c) Absurdism
      d) Symbolism
      Answer: c) Absurdism

    81. The Sanskrit dramatist Kalidasa used poetic imagery and nature symbolism. His Malavikagnimitram centers around:
      a) A war between gods
      b) A romance in a court setting
      c) A farce of village life
      d) A puppet theatre piece
      Answer: b) A romance in a court setting

    82. The Western dramatist whose works include The Doctor in Spite of Himself (a farce) is:
      a) Chekhov
      b) Molière
      c) Brecht
      d) Ionesco
      Answer: b) Molière

    83. In Indian dramaturgy, the term Garbhā refers to which stage in the play structure?
      a) Opening
      b) Crisis or middle portion
      c) Conclusion
      d) Introductory invocation
      Answer: b) Crisis or middle portion

    84. The Western dramatist known for his psychological realism and plays like The Seagull is:
      a) Ionesco
      b) Chekhov
      c) Pirandello
      d) Miller
      Answer: b) Chekhov

    85. The Indian dramatic element Anubhāva is best described as:
      a) Costume design
      b) The actor’s physical or verbal manifestation of emotion
      c) The audience’s applause
      d) The scene change between acts
      Answer: b) The actor’s physical or verbal manifestation of emotion

    86. The Western dramatic movement of Realism emerged in response to:
      a) Mythological spectacles
      b) Romanticism and melodrama
      c) Ritual dance theatre
      d) Farcical comedy
      Answer: b) Romanticism and melodrama

    87. The Sanskrit dramatist known for his courtly poetic style and work Vikramorvasiyam is:
      a) Bhavabhuti
      b) Bhasa
      c) Kalidasa
      d) Battanarayana
      Answer: c) Kalidasa

    88. The Western dramatic classification Tragedy ends typically with:
      a) A happy marriage
      b) Hero’s downfall or existential loss
      c) No plot resolution
      d) Pure comic confusion
      Answer: b) Hero’s downfall or existential loss

    89. The “raghuvamsa” and “kumarasambhava” poet who also dramatized myth was:
      a) Vishakhadatta
      b) Kalidasa
      c) Bhavabhuti
      d) Sudraka
      Answer: b) Kalidasa

    90. In Indian dramaturgy, the climactic phase of the drama, after the crisis and before the resolution, is called:
      a) Mukha
      b) Avamarsha
      c) Nirvahana
      d) Pratimukha
      Answer: b) Avamarsha

    91. The Western dramatist who wrote Mother Courage and Her Children and utilised songs, projections and narration as techniques is:
      a) Arthur Miller
      b) Bertolt Brecht
      c) Eugene Ionesco
      d) Luigi Pirandello
      Answer: b) Bertolt Brecht

    92. The Sanskrit dramatic form Bhāna often features:
      a) Multiple actors, large ensemble, mythological theme
      b) A single actor monologue with minimal stage – focused on a contemporary story
      c) Dance and mime only, no dialogue
      d) Shadow­-puppet technique
      Answer: b) A single actor monologue with minimal stage – focused on a contemporary story

    93. The Western “ism” that emphasises suggestion, mood, and symbol rather than direct representation is:
      a) Naturalism
      b) Realism
      c) Symbolism
      d) Epic Theatre
      Answer: c) Symbolism

    94. The Sanskrit dramatist Sudraka’s work is notable because it:
      a) Strictly follows Vedic ritual
      b) Combines social realism, romance, and folk elements
      c) Uses only mythological gods
      d) Was written in Pali language
      Answer: b) Combines social realism, romance, and folk elements

    95. The Western dramatic classification of melodrama typically includes:
      a) Complex psychological realism
      b) Comic, absurd scenarios
      c) Highly emotional situations, clear hero/villain lines, music cues
      d) Intertwined myths and dance rituals
      Answer: c) Highly emotional situations, clear hero/villain lines, music cues

    96. The Indian concept of Moksha as a purpose of drama implies:
      a) Entertainment only
      b) Material wealth for actors
      c) Spiritual liberation or insight through aesthetic experience
      d) Political propaganda
      Answer: c) Spiritual liberation or insight through aesthetic experience

    97. The Western dramatist Luigi Pirandello’s work explores above all:
      a) Heroic war themes
      b) Irony of identity and the boundary between reality and illusion
      c) Simple farce of village life
      d) Mythological gods’ interventions
      Answer: b) Irony of identity and the boundary between reality and illusion

    98. The Sanskrit dramatist Bhavabhuti’s Malatimadhava is a play that emphasises:
      a) Satire of court life
      b) Mythological epic war scenes
      c) Romance combined with sorrow and spiritual themes
      d) Folk comedy only
      Answer: c) Romance combined with sorrow and spiritual themes

    99. The Western dramatic movement that presents theatre as didactic and deliberately non-illusive is:
      a) Realism
      b) Naturalism
      c) Epic Theatre
      d) Farce
      Answer: c) Epic Theatre

    100. The Indian dramaturgical concept Nirvahana refers to which part of the play?
      a) Introduction and invocation
      b) Crisis moment
      c) Falling action and final resolution or dénouement
      d) Chorus interlude
      Answer: c) Falling action and final resolution or dénouement

  • UGC NET Unit-4 Arts and Aesthetics – MCQs – Performing Arts

    Below are 100 exam-quality MCQs (with answers) for Unit 4 — Art & Aesthetics (UGC-NET Performing Arts).
    They cover Bharata’s Rasasūtra, the elaborations by Lollata, Śaṅkuka, Bhaṭṭanāyaka, Abhinavagupta, the elements of Rasa (Sthāyī, Vyabhicārī/Sañcārī, Sāttvika, Vibhāva, Anubhāva), definitions/purposes/elements of art, Performance Studies basics, and major Western theories (Imitation/Catharsis, Imagination, Beauty, Communication, Utility), plus formalism and institutional theory.
    Use them for timed practice and revision.

    1. The Rasasūtra formula in Nāṭyaśāstra states that rasa arises from the combination of:
      A) Nāyaka + Nāyikā + Bhāva
      B) Vibhāva + Anubhāva + Vyabhicāribhāva
      C) Śabda + Rūpa + Artha
      D) Abhinaya + Ranga + Gana
      Answer: B

    2. In Nāṭyaśāstra, Sthāyībhāva refers to:
      A) A temporary emotion
      B) The stable dominant emotion underlying a rasa
      C) External expression like tears
      D) Theatrical costume
      Answer: B

    3. Vyabhicāribhāvas (or Sañcārī bhāvas) are:
      A) Transitory emotions supporting the dominant emotion
      B) The permanent mental states producing rasa
      C) Types of stage properties
      D) Musical scales
      Answer: A

    4. Which of the following is NOT a Sāttvika response?
      A) Tears
      B) Tremor
      C) Dance steps (nṛtta)
      D) Blushing
      Answer: C

    5. Alambana-vibhāva in Rasa theory denotes:
      A) The environment stimulating emotion
      B) The object or person on whom emotion rests
      C) The comic relief in a play
      D) The final rasa experienced
      Answer: B

    6. Uddīpana-vibhāva is:
      A) The hero’s dialogue only
      B) The external stimulants or exciters that intensify emotion
      C) The concluding benediction
      D) The actor’s costume
      Answer: B

    7. Anubhāva signifies:
      A) The cause of emotion
      B) External manifestations or consequences of emotion (gestures, speech)
      C) The stage-house architecture
      D) The play’s script
      Answer: B

    8. How many principal rasas did Bharata enumerate originally?
      A) Six
      B) Eight
      C) Nine
      D) Ten
      Answer: B

    9. Which rasa was added later and is often ascribed to later commentators like Abhinavagupta?
      A) Śṛṅgāra
      B) Vīra
      C) Śānta
      D) Hāsya
      Answer: C

    10. Which commentator emphasized Rasa as an experience primarily located in the spectator (bhāvakatva)?
      A) Bhattalollata
      B) Śaṅkuka
      C) Bhaṭṭanāyaka
      D) Bharata Muni
      Answer: C

    11. Bhattalollata is best known for which stance on Rasa?
      A) Rasa exists only in actor’s mind
      B) Rasa is the manifested emotion—centred on the actor/character
      C) Rasa is purely linguistic
      D) Rasa is social utility
      Answer: B

    12. Śrī Śaṅkuka’s approach to rasa emphasized:
      A) The spectator’s spiritual liberation
      B) Rasa as representation prompting recognition (anukaraṇa/anumāna)
      C) The role of costume only
      D) Imitation of nature strictly
      Answer: B

    13. Abhinavagupta’s major contribution to Rasa theory is:
      A) Denying the existence of Sāttvika bhāvas
      B) Universalisation (sādhāraṇīkaraṇa) of emotions and Rasa as bliss (ānanda)
      C) Limiting rasas to six only
      D) Replacing rasa with moral didacticism
      Answer: B

    14. Which commentator argued that Rasa is a spiritualized aesthetic pleasure akin to self-realisation?
      A) Bhattalollata
      B) Śaṅkuka
      C) Bhaṭṭanāyaka
      D) Abhinavagupta
      Answer: D

    15. The sahr̥daya is:
      A) The actor’s costume designer
      B) The sensitive spectator capable of tasting rasa
      C) A type of rasa
      D) A theatrical instrument
      Answer: B

    16. Sāmānya abhinaya refers to:
      A) Pictorial, decorative enactment
      B) Generalised, codified expressions of emotion
      C) Internal involuntary signs
      D) Stage architecture rules
      Answer: B

    17. Citrabhinaya is best described as:
      A) Everyday realistic movement
      B) Pictorial, ornamental, tableau-like expression used for spectacular effect
      C) Vocal training methods
      D) Costume stitching technique
      Answer: B

    18. Which of these is NOT one of the four types of abhinaya in Indian dramaturgy?
      A) Āṅgika
      B) Vācika
      C) Sāttvika
      D) Nāṭyika
      Answer: D

    19. Āhārya abhinaya deals with:
      A) Vocal modulation
      B) Costume, makeup, ornaments and stage décor
      C) Internal emotions only
      D) Dance technique exclusively
      Answer: B

    20. One of the eight principal Sāttvika bhāvas is:
      A) Laughter
      B) Lip movement
      C) Perspiration due to inner emotion
      D) Hand gestures only
      Answer: C

    21. In the rasa formation, the spectator’s detachment combined with empathy that allows enjoyment is called:
      A) Catharsis
      B) Sahr̥daya response
      C) Identification
      D) Imitation
      Answer: B

    22. The process of “sādhāraṇīkaraṇa” refers to:
      A) Making emotions particular to the character
      B) Universalising emotions so they are not tied to individual actors
      C) Stage lighting techniques
      D) Musical accompaniment style
      Answer: B

    23. Which Indian aesthetician equated rasa-ānanda with a near-spiritual bliss beyond ordinary pleasure?
      A) Bharata Muni
      B) Bhattalollata
      C) Abhinavagupta
      D) Śaṅkuka
      Answer: C

    24. In modern Performance Studies, Richard Schechner’s concept of “restored behavior” means:
      A) Spontaneous, unrepeatable action only
      B) Behavior learned from life that is stored and then reactivated as performance
      C) Only ritual enactment in temples
      D) The original unaltered ritual practice
      Answer: B

    25. Victor Turner’s concept of “liminality” in performance studies denotes:
      A) Complete closure of ritual
      B) The transitional, in-between phase where transformation can occur
      C) The actor’s rehearsal space
      D) The audience’s seat allocation
      Answer: B

    26. Which Western philosopher is most associated with the “Imitation” theory of art?
      A) Kant
      B) Plato and Aristotle
      C) Dewey
      D) Croce
      Answer: B

    27. Aristotle’s concept of catharsis primarily refers to:
      A) Moral teaching only
      B) Purging/purification of pity and fear through theatrical experience
      C) Pain relief in surgery
      D) An aesthetic object’s beauty
      Answer: B

    28. Kant’s view of aesthetic judgment emphasizes that it is:
      A) Determined by desire and utility
      B) Disinterested and based on the free play of imagination and understanding
      C) A form of imitation only
      D) Always moralistic
      Answer: B

    29. Coleridge’s distinction of primary and secondary imagination highlights:
      A) Only the play of social institutions
      B) The creative power of imagination where secondary imagination reshapes nature into art
      C) That imagination is inferior to reason
      D) The technical skills of actors
      Answer: B

    30. Hegel saw art as the sensuous manifestation of:
      A) Nature only
      B) The Absolute Spirit or Idea
      C) Practical utility
      D) Institutional decisions
      Answer: B

    31. Croce argued that art is primarily:
      A) Moral instruction
      B) Intuition and expression — an immediate form of knowledge
      C) A copy of nature
      D) A social function only
      Answer: B

    32. Tolstoy defined art as:
      A) Mimesis of nature
      B) Communication of feeling from artist to audience — sincerity being crucial
      C) A display of technique alone
      D) An institutional classification
      Answer: B

    33. John Dewey’s “Art as Experience” argues that:
      A) Art is an isolated object divorced from life
      B) Art arises from heightened, integrated experiences involving doing and undergoing
      C) Art is only imitation
      D) Art must be beautiful to qualify as art
      Answer: B

    34. Marxist aesthetics primarily treats art as:
      A) Purely formal qualities for contemplation
      B) Reflective of social and economic conditions and potentially a tool for social change
      C) A method for spiritual liberation only
      D) A purely institutional designation
      Answer: B

    35. Bertolt Brecht’s epic theatre aimed to:
      A) Encourage emotional absorption and catharsis
      B) Alienate the audience to provoke critical reflection (Verfremdungseffekt)
      C) Entertain without message
      D) Emphasize classical unity of time and space
      Answer: B

    36. Clive Bell’s “significant form” focuses on:
      A) Narrative content and political message
      B) Formal relations of line, colour, and composition that provoke aesthetic emotion
      C) Institutional status of objects
      D) Moral utility of art
      Answer: B

    37. The Institutional Theory of Art holds that:
      A) Objects are art if they imitate nature well
      B) Art status is conferred by the art-world institutions and conventions
      C) Only museums can create art
      D) Art must be useful socially
      Answer: B

    38. Which theory most strongly supports the dictum “art should instruct and inspire social change”?
      A) Formalism
      B) Institutional theory
      C) Art as Utility (including Marxist aesthetics)
      D) Beauty theory
      Answer: C

    39. The term “disinterestedness” in Kantian aesthetics means:
      A) Lack of interest in art by the spectator
      B) Pleasure in an object without desire for possession or practical use
      C) Art must be political
      D) Audience apathy
      Answer: B

    40. Which Western view is closest in spirit to Bharata’s Rasa theory (transformative aesthetic pleasure)?
      A) Institutional theory
      B) Formalism (significant form)
      C) Aristotle’s catharsis and certain idealist notions of aesthetic bliss
      D) Marxist utility theory
      Answer: C

    41. According to Bhaṭṭanāyaka, the term bhāvanā implies:
      A) The actor’s costume design
      B) The imaginative universalisation that enables spectator to enjoy rasa
      C) A stage property
      D) A type of music used in drama
      Answer: B

    42. Which commentator primarily located rasa in the external performance (manifestation) rather than the spectator’s inner experience?
      A) Bhaṭṭanāyaka
      B) Abhinavagupta
      C) Bhattalollata
      D) Śaṅkuka
      Answer: C

    43. The 33 vyabhicāribhāvas are important because they:
      A) Define the stage layout
      B) Support and colour the Sthāyībhāva in generating rasa
      C) Are musical ragas
      D) Are costume categories
      Answer: B

    44. Which element is NOT part of Bharata’s Rasa formula?
      A) Vibhāva
      B) Anubhāva
      C) Vyabhicāribhāva
      D) Prakaraṇa
      Answer: D

    45. The “taste” or “experience” of rasa by the connoisseur is often termed:
      A) Rasa-kala
      B) Rasa-anubhava
      C) Rasa-vritti
      D) Rasa-laya
      Answer: B

    46. In Performance Studies, “performativity” (as developed by scholars like Austin and Butler) refers to:
      A) Only theatrical performance in a theatre building
      B) The idea that certain social acts produce or constitute identity by being performed repeatedly
      C) Costume design only
      D) The act of improvisation exclusively
      Answer: B

    47. Which Western aesthetician argued that genius breaks existing rules and creates new forms through imagination?
      A) Croce
      B) Coleridge
      C) Kant
      D) Hegel
      Answer: B

    48. The concept of Ma in Japanese aesthetics is best described as:
      A) Overly busy stage action
      B) The meaningful space or pause that gives shape to art
      C) A type of mask
      D) The chorus in Noh theatre
      Answer: B

    49. Who among the following emphasized the role of empathy (Einfühlung) in aesthetic experience?
      A) Vischer and Lipps (German aesthetics)
      B) Marx
      C) Brecht
      D) Croce
      Answer: A

    50. In Indian aesthetics, the involuntary physical markers like tears and pallor are categorized as:
      A) Vibhāvas
      B) Anubhāvas (Sāttvika bhāvas)
      C) Vyabhicāribhāvas
      D) Sthāyībhāvas
      Answer: B

    51. The term Rasa etymologically means:
      A) Colour
      B) Taste or essence
      C) Sound
      D) Movement
      Answer: B

    52. Which theory would prioritize the “work’s social background” in interpretation?
      A) Formalism
      B) Marxist / social theory of art
      C) Aesthetic formalism (Bell)
      D) Institutionalism
      Answer: B

    53. The aesthetic quality of “unity in variety” is a principle associated with:
      A) Formalist aesthetics and classical theories of beauty
      B) Marxist aesthetics exclusively
      C) Institutional theory only
      D) Performance Studies only
      Answer: A

    54. Which of the following is a critique of Aristotle’s catharsis concept from later aesthetics?
      A) It overemphasizes the social function of art
      B) It reduces the aesthetic experience to mere emotional purge, ignoring cognitive and spiritual dimensions
      C) It ignores imitation entirely
      D) It denies suffering any role in art
      Answer: B

    55. In Rasa theory, dramatic abhinaya aims to:
      A) Make the actor indistinguishable from the character in life
      B) Communicate bhāvas aesthetically to produce rasa in the spectator
      C) Provide realistic mimicry alone
      D) Emphasize props over emotion
      Answer: B

    56. The idea that art is defined by “the art world” and its institutions helps explain which phenomenon?
      A) Why every object is automatically art
      B) Why some everyday objects were reclassified as art (e.g., readymades)
      C) How to make art more beautiful
      D) None of the above
      Answer: B

    57. Which aesthetic position holds that an artwork’s moral content is irrelevant to its aesthetic value?
      A) Moralism (art judged by morals)
      B) Autonomism/Formalism (art judged by aesthetic form)
      C) Institutionalism
      D) Marxism
      Answer: B

    58. The term “Anukūla” is not central to modern Western aesthetics; in Indian aesthetics, the rough equivalent of appreciative disposition is:
      A) Sahr̥daya (sensitive spectator)
      B) Abhinaya only
      C) Vibhāva alone
      D) Rasika
      Answer: A

    59. Which thinker argued that art’s greatest function is to reveal the Idea (the spiritual truth) through sensuous form?
      A) Kant
      B) Hegel
      C) Tolstoy
      D) Dewey
      Answer: B

    60. Which of the following is characteristic of formalist criticism?
      A) Emphasis on socio-political context
      B) Close attention to formal properties (structure, form, technique) of the artwork
      C) Emphasis on artist’s biography only
      D) Institutional endorsement only
      Answer: B

    61. Which theory would most readily accept abstract art as genuine art?
      A) Strict imitation theory
      B) Formalism and significant form theory
      C) Only institutional theory
      D) None
      Answer: B

    62. The process by which a spectator feels the emotion of the character while remaining aware it is art (detached empathy) is essential to:
      A) Rasa theory (sahr̥daya experience)
      B) Only Plato’s critique
      C) Institutional theory
      D) None of the above
      Answer: A

    63. Which commentator is associated with explaining Rasa in terms of recognition or cognition (anumāna)?
      A) Bhaṭṭanāyaka
      B) Śaṅkuka
      C) Bhattalollata
      D) Abhinavagupta
      Answer: B

    64. The concept that art provides “pleasure in the perception of form” rather than usefulness is central to:
      A) Utilitarian aesthetics
      B) Kantian and idealist aesthetics (beauty theory)
      C) Marxist aesthetics
      D) Institutional aesthetics
      Answer: B

    65. Which aesthetic theory prioritizes the artist’s sincerity and clarity of feeling as determinate of artistic value?
      A) Tolstoy’s communication theory
      B) Kantian disinterestedness
      C) Clive Bell’s formalism
      D) Institutional theory
      Answer: A

    66. The “alienation effect” (Verfremdungseffekt) aims to:
      A) Deepen emotional immersion for catharsis
      B) Prevent passive absorption and encourage critical reflection in the audience
      C) Make performances more decorative
      D) Return theatre to ritual purity
      Answer: B

    67. Which of the following is a weakness frequently noted in institutional theory of art?
      A) It neglects historical and social contexts
      B) It may allow arbitrary objects to be called art based on institutional endorsement alone
      C) It denies any role for form
      D) It dismisses all modern art
      Answer: B

    68. The term “esthetic distance” refers to:
      A) Geographical distance from the theatre
      B) The psychological space that allows the spectator to appreciate art without being overwhelmed by immediacy
      C) A form of stage choreography
      D) None of the above
      Answer: B

    69. Which aesthetic perspective would most likely argue that beauty is an objective property discoverable by analysis?
      A) Formalism/Idealism
      B) Institutionalism
      C) Pragmatism
      D) Marxism
      Answer: A

    70. The notion that everyday acts (greeting, ceremonies) can be analyzed as performances belongs to:
      A) Classical aesthetics only
      B) Performance Studies
      C) Institutional theory only
      D) None
      Answer: B

    71. Which Western thinker stressed that art’s role is to produce “aesthetic experience” that unifies emotion and intellect?
      A) Kant
      B) Dewey
      C) Brecht
      D) Marx
      Answer: B

    72. The practice of “sādhāraṇīkaraṇa” helps the spectator by:
      A) Making emotions highly personal and idiosyncratic
      B) Generalising emotions so the spectator can relish them aesthetically
      C) Eliminating Sāttvika bhāvas
      D) Focusing on stagecraft alone
      Answer: B

    73. Which aesthetic theory emphasizes the historical, class-based determinants of artistic forms?
      A) Formalism
      B) Marxist aesthetics
      C) Kantian aesthetics
      D) Institutionalism
      Answer: B

    74. “Significant form” as a criterion would valuate which of the following most highly?
      A) An artwork’s political message regardless of form
      B) The formal arrangement (line, colour, rhythm) that produces aesthetic emotion
      C) Institutional reception alone
      D) The artist’s biography only
      Answer: B

    75. Who argued that the aim of tragedy is to arouse and then purge pity and fear?
      A) Plato
      B) Aristotle
      C) Kant
      D) Croce
      Answer: B

    76. Which theory would treat a “readymade” (found object declared art) as art if the institution endorses it?
      A) Imitation theory
      B) Institutional theory
      C) Beauty theory
      D) Marxist aesthetics
      Answer: B

    77. The Indian concept of Sāttvika bhāvas corresponds to which Western idea?
      A) Formalism’s interest in form only
      B) Physiological or embodied responses studied in psychology of art (involuntary bodily reactions)
      C) Institutional endorsement
      D) Artistic genius only
      Answer: B

    78. The role of imagination in Coleridge’s aesthetics primarily is to:
      A) Reproduce nature exactly
      B) Synthesize and reshape sensual material into new artistic forms (secondary imagination)
      C) Deny the need for training
      D) Make art moral instruction only
      Answer: B

    79. According to Dewey, the value of an art object is best judged by:
      A) Its institutional provenance
      B) The quality of aesthetic experience it affords (integration of experience)
      C) Its capacity to mimic nature
      D) Its adherence to classicism
      Answer: B

    80. The term anubhāva and the Western concept of “expression” in aesthetics are related how?
      A) Completely unrelated
      B) Both deal with outward manifestations of inner states (gesture, voice, tone)
      C) One is physical and the other metaphysical, so no relation
      D) They are opposites
      Answer: B

    81. Which theory of art stresses the artist’s intention as central to meaning?
      A) Institutional theory exclusively
      B) Intentionalist approaches in hermeneutics and communication theory (Tolstoy’s emphasis on sincerity)
      C) Formalism only
      D) Marxist aesthetics only
      Answer: B

    82. The critique that art should be judged by its social function rather than formal beauty comes mainly from:
      A) Formalists
      B) Marxist and utilitarian perspectives
      C) Kantian idealists
      D) Clive Bell’s formalism
      Answer: B

    83. Which of the following is true about Abhinavagupta’s notion of aesthetic experience?
      A) He equated it with mere entertainment only
      B) He saw it as a kind of spiritual insight producing bliss (ānanda) through rasa
      C) He denied the role of the spectator entirely
      D) He restricted rasa to religious ritual only
      Answer: B

    84. The “play of the faculties” in aesthetic judgment (Kant) involves:
      A) Only the intellect, excluding imagination
      B) Both imagination and understanding in a harmonious interplay perceived as pleasurable
      C) Physical exercise only
      D) Institutional validation only
      Answer: B

    85. Which of these approaches would most likely highlight the role of museum and gallery systems in defining art?
      A) Marxist aesthetics
      B) Institutional theory of art
      C) Formalism
      D) Rasa theory
      Answer: B

    86. Which theory is most challenged by abstract art that lacks representational content?
      A) Institutional theory
      B) Imitation (mimesis) theory
      C) Formalism
      D) Communication theory
      Answer: B

    87. The idea that the aesthetic experience can be morally uplifting and educational is championed by:
      A) Tolstoy, Dewey and utilitarian thinkers (art as social/ethical function)
      B) Clive Bell only
      C) Institutionalists only
      D) None
      Answer: A

    88. Which term best captures Abhinavagupta’s view of rasa as ananda (blissful awareness)?
      A) Catharsis
      B) Sahr̥daya’s taste of universalized emotion
      C) Imitation of life
      D) Institutional declaration
      Answer: B

    89. Performance Studies as a discipline emphasizes:
      A) Only classic theatre texts
      B) Interdisciplinary study of all forms of performance, ritual, and social enactment
      C) Only formalist art analysis
      D) Only museum practices
      Answer: B

    90. The “open concept” of art (Weitz) implies that:
      A) Art has a fixed, closed definition
      B) The concept of art is flexible and evolves with practice and usage
      C) Art is only functional
      D) Art is always imitative
      Answer: B

    91. Which Western aesthetic view most aligns with Bhaṭṭanāyaka’s emphasis on imaginative generalisation (bhāvanā) producing rasa?
      A) Kantian formal disinterestedness
      B) Romantic/Coleridgean emphasis on imagination reshaping reality
      C) Institutional theory
      D) Marxist critique
      Answer: B

    92. Which of the following would be a primary focus of formalist criticism?
      A) Social function of the artwork
      B) Close analysis of form—line, rhythm, balance, organization—over content
      C) The artist’s socio-economic background
      D) Institutional validation only
      Answer: B

    93. The Rasa Adbhuta corresponds to which vyabhicāri or sthāyī-feeling?
      A) Vismaya (wonder)
      B) Rati (love)
      C) Shrama (fatigue)
      D) Krodha (anger)
      Answer: A

    94. The Rasa Hāsya emerges from which Sthāyībhāva?
      A) Rati
      B) Hāsa (mirth)
      C) Śoka
      D) Krodha
      Answer: B

    95. Which aesthetic framework would most likely study political rallies, protests, or rituals as performances?
      A) Formalism exclusively
      B) Performance Studies and cultural studies approaches
      C) Institutional art theory only
      D) Kantian aesthetics only
      Answer: B

    96. The practice of sādhāraṇīkaraṇa makes characters’ emotions accessible to all by:
      A) Making them entirely idiosyncratic and personal
      B) Generalising or universalising emotions so spectators can taste rasa
      C) Removing all emotions from the performance
      D) Focusing only on music
      Answer: B

    97. Which Western theorist emphasized the artist’s role as communicator whose sincerity determines the work’s value?
      A) Clive Bell
      B) Leo Tolstoy
      C) Kant
      D) Hegel
      Answer: B

    98. A student analyzing the outward gestures that convey inner emotion in performance (e.g., tears, pallor) is studying:
      A) Vibhāvas only
      B) Anubhāvas and Sāttvika bhāvas
      C) Stage directions only
      D) Institutional conventions only
      Answer: B

    99. Which of the following statements best reflects Abhinavagupta’s position?
      A) Rasa is an objective feature located solely in the actor’s display
      B) Rasa is a universalized subjective experience producing aesthetic bliss for the sahr̥daya
      C) Rasa is irrelevant to spiritual life
      D) Rasa is primarily economic exchange
      Answer: B

    100. In summary, which pairing correctly links a Western theory with its core claim?
      A) Imitation — Art as free play of imagination
      B) Formalism — Art’s value lies in social utility
      C) Communication (Tolstoy/Dewey) — Art transmits emotion/creates experience between artist and audience
      D) Marxist aesthetics — Art is purely about beauty only
      Answer: C

  • UGC NET Unit-2- Folk and Traditional Theatre Forms of India – Performing Arts

    (UGC NET Performing Arts – Dance, Drama & Theatre)


    1. Introduction: Diversity and Continuity

    India’s cultural map is marked by extraordinary regional diversity — hundreds of folk and traditional theatre formsthriving as expressions of communal faith, seasonal rituals, and entertainment.
    These forms are oral, performative, and participatory, often blurring the boundary between ritual and drama, devotion and entertainment.

    They are the people’s theatre — rooted in local languages and dialects, using music, dance, costume, and dialogue to narrate myths, historical tales, and moral lessons.


    2. Conceptual Framework

    Category Nature Example
    Tribal Theatre Performed by indigenous/tribal groups; ritualistic and animistic. Lai Haraoba (Manipur), Karma Naach(Central India)
    Folk Theatre Community entertainment and moral education, performed in local dialects. Nautanki, Bhavai, Jatra
    Traditional Theatre Sustained by hereditary performers or temple institutions; includes classical survivals. Yakshagana, Kutiyattam, Bhagavata Mela
    Classical Theatre Textually codified and Sanskritic, based on Nāṭyaśāstra. Kutiyattam (borderline classical–traditional)

    These are not isolated; they often intermingle — folk idioms energize classical art, and classical grammar influences folk expression.


    3. Historical Background

    The roots of folk theatre lie in ritual performance — agricultural rites, fertility celebrations, and epic storytelling.
    With the Bhakti movement (6th–12th CE), temple festivals turned into open performances.
    Later, royal patronage, colonial suppression, and modern revival shaped today’s folk-theatre landscape.


    4. Regional Survey of Major Folk and Traditional Theatre Forms

    Below are India’s key regional forms with distinctive traits and instruments used:


    A. Northern India

    Form Region Features Musical Instruments
    Rāmlīlā Uttar Pradesh, Bihar Enactment of Ramayana during Dussehra; devotional, community-based, with narration and bhajans. Dholak, Harmonium, Manjira, Jhanjh, Nagara
    Rāslīlā Braj region (UP, Vrindavan, Mathura) Depicts Krishna’s life; song, dance, and dialogue; performed by boys (traditionally). Flute, Mridang, Pakhawaj, Harmonium, Kartal
    Nautanki Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana Folk musical theatre with love stories and heroic legends; exaggerated dialogue and melody. Nagara, Dholak, Harmonium, Sarangi
    Swang Haryana, Western UP Musical folk play using satire and mythic episodes; participatory and humorous. Ektara, Dholak, Sarangi, Manjira
    Bhand Pather Kashmir Satirical comedy-drama by Bhand (jester) communities; includes dance and mime. Nagara, Dhol, Surnai, Chimta

    B. Western India

    Form Region Features Musical Instruments
    Bhavai Gujarat Open-air satirical folk theatre with stock characters (e.g., Patel, Thakur); social commentary. Nagara, Pakhawaj, Jhanjh, Shehnai
    Tamasha Maharashtra Song-dance-dialogue format; Lavani songs, humor, and sensual expression. Dholki, Sambal, Harmonium, Manjira, Sitar
    Powada Maharashtra Ballad narration of heroic deeds (e.g., Shivaji’s exploits). Dholak, Tuntuna, Lezim, Cymbals
    Dashavatar Konkan, Goa, Maharashtra Religious folk play depicting ten incarnations of Vishnu; mask and costume rich. Pakhawaj, Tabla, Harmonium, Jhanjh

    C. Eastern India

    Form Region Features Instruments
    Jatra West Bengal, Odisha, Bangladesh Melodramatic theatre with mythic and social plots; loud singing, declamation, and chorus. Khol, Dhol, Harmonium, Cymbals, Trumpet
    Chhau Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal Dance-drama combining martial arts and myth; mask (Purulia), semi-mask (Seraikella), no mask (Mayurbhanj). Dhol, Dhumaša, Shehnai, Nagara
    Bhaona / Ankiya Naat Assam Devotional plays composed by Sankardeva; themes from Bhagavata Purana. Khol (drum), Tal(cymbals), Sankari flute
    Domni / Bidapat naach Bihar Folk drama of mythic episodes with musical narration. Dholak, Harmonium, Manjira

    D. Southern India

    Form Region Features Instruments
    Yakshagana Karnataka Dance-drama combining classical music, folk vigor, extempore dialogue; performers wear huge headgear (Kirita). Maddale, Chende, Harmonium, Taala(cymbals)
    Bhagavata Mela Tamil Nadu (Melattur, Thanjavur) Temple drama depicting Bhagavata Purana; devotional, with classical music base. Mridangam, Nadaswaram, Violin, Talam
    Therukoothu Tamil Nadu “Street play” based on epics; colorful makeup, open stage, moral didacticism. Mridangam, Mukha Veena, Cymbals, Harmonium
    Kuravanji Tamil Nadu Dance-drama combining classical and folk idioms; fortune-teller (Kurathi) central. Mridangam, Veena, Flute, Talam
    Koodiyattam / Kutiyattam Kerala Sanskrit theatre tradition in temple theatre (Koothambalam); highly codified acting. Mizhavu (drum), Edakka, Ilathalam
    Theyyam Kerala Possession ritual where performer embodies deity; elaborate costume, trance-dance. Chenda, Elathalam, Kuzhal (wind), Kombu
    Krishnattam Kerala Temple dance-drama narrating Krishna Leela; precursor to Kathakali. Chenda, Maddalam, Elathalam, Shankh
    Burrakatha Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Narrative theatre performed by three artistes — main singer, clown, and chorus. Tambura, Dakki, Harmonium, Castanets

    E. Central and North-Eastern India

    Form Region Features Instruments
    Pandvani Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh Narrative ballad of Mahabharata sung with gestures by a soloist and supporting chorus. Ektara (tamboora), Kartal, Manjira, Dholak
    Nachā / Karma Naach Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand Seasonal tribal dance-theatre linked to harvest and fertility. Mandar, Nagara, Bansuri, Kartal
    Lai Haraoba Manipur Ritual theatre of the Meitei; enacts creation myths; dance, chant, and song. Pena (string instrument), Dholak, Mridang
    Khongjom Parba Manipur Epic ballad singing of Manipuri heroes. Pung (drum), Pena, Cymbals
    Bihu Naach Assam Spring festival dance with theatrical flirtation scenes. Dhol, Pepa (buffalo-horn pipe), Gogona, Taal

    5. Dramatic Components and Aesthetic Features

    Element Folk Expression
    Theme Religious myths (Ramayana, Mahabharata, Krishna Leela), heroic legends, love stories, social satire.
    Dialogue Improvised, rhythmic, and audience-interactive.
    Language Vernacular/dialect; rhymed prose; mnemonic meters.
    Acting Exaggerated expression; stylized gestures rather than realistic naturalism.
    Music Integral — alternates narrative song (Gayan) with speech (Vachan).
    Dance Rhythmic interludes mark transitions and express emotional states.
    Costume/Makeup Symbolic colors: red (valor), white (purity), black (demons); headgear denotes role and rank.
    Stage Temporary, open-air, circular; audience often surrounds the performers.
    Audience Active participants — interject, chant, and dance, making performance communal.

    6. Instruments and Their Significance

    Instrument Type Common Forms Using It Function
    Dholak / Dhol Percussion Nautanki, Ramlila, Jatra, Pandvani Base rhythm, energy for chorus
    Maddale / Chende Percussion (double-sided drum) Yakshagana, Bhagavata Mela Drives dance rhythm and combat scenes
    Khol Percussion (barrel drum) Jatra, Bhaona Accompaniment for devotional songs
    Pena String instrument Lai Haraoba (Manipur) Provides drone, sacred tone
    Ektara / Tuntuna Monochord Pandvani, Powada, Bhakti singing Solo singer’s instrument and rhythm marker
    Chenda Drum Theyyam, Krishnattam, Kathakali Powerful percussive texture
    Harmonium Keyboard reed Ramlila, Nautanki, Tamasha Provides melodic support
    Shehnai / Nadaswaram / Kuzhal Wind Bhavai, Bhagavata Mela, Theyyam Auspicious openings, melodic phrases
    Manjira / Taal / Kartal Cymbals All devotional folk forms Beat keeping, audience participation

    7. Relationship with Classical Theatre and Bhakti

    1. From Ritual to Aesthetics: Folk forms retain the Nāṭyaśāstra principle of rasa and bhāva in simplified idioms.

    2. Bhakti Influence: The 6th–12th century devotional wave transformed performance into acts of worshipRaslila, Ramlila, Bhagavata Mela, and Ankiya Nat are all products of this synthesis.

    3. Interaction with Classical Arts: Yakshagana and Kuravanji integrate Carnatic ragas and Bharatanatyam gestures; Kutiyattam retains Sanskrit dramatic conventions but shares ritual ancestry with Theyyam and Krishnattam.


    8. Performance Structure

    A typical folk theatre follows a flexible three-part pattern:

    1. Invocation (Nandi / Ganesh Vandana): ritual prelude with music.

    2. Narrative / Main Play: alternates dialogue, song, and dance.

    3. Conclusion / Blessing: moral epilogue and audience benediction.

    Improvisation, satire, and topical reference make every performance unique. The boundaries between actor and audience blur, sustaining a participatory aesthetic.


    9. Modern Transformations and Preservation

    • Post-Independence revival: Sangeet Natak Akademi (1953) and state cultural academies began documentation and grants.

    • Urban staging: Directors such as Habib Tanvir (Naya Theatre – Chhattisgarh Nacha), Shambhu Mitra (Jatra), and B.V. Karanth (Yakshagana adaptations) reinterpreted folk idioms for modern theatre.

    • Threats: Commercialization, migration, shrinking patronage, language shifts.

    • Preservation efforts: Folk festivals (Surajkund, Shilpgram), inclusion in school curricula, digital archiving, UNESCO heritage listing (e.g., Kutiyattam, Chhau, Ramlila).


    10. Analytical Summary for UGC NET

    Topic Key Facts to Remember
    Folk vs Traditional Folk = popular, oral, community; Traditional = hereditary, temple or ritual lineage.
    Functions Ritual, didactic, entertainment, social commentary.
    Major Regions North – Ramlila, Raslila; West – Tamasha, Bhavai; South – Yakshagana, Bhagavata Mela, Theyyam; East – Jatra, Chhau, Ankiya Naat; Central – Pandvani.
    Instruments Dholak (North), Maddale/Chende (South), Khol (East), Pena (NE), Ektara (Central).
    Themes Epics, Purāṇas, heroism, devotion, satire.
    Influence of Bhakti Turned performance into worship; used vernaculars.
    Modern Context Revival through institutions, academic study, theatre experiments.

    11. Conclusion

    Folk and traditional theatres of India form a continuum of living heritage that unites ritual, art, and social reflection. They preserve collective memory through song, story, and rhythm, offering a people’s interpretation of the same truths expressed in classical arts.

    Each region’s instruments, dialects, and gestures create distinctive idioms, yet all affirm the Nāṭyaśāstra ideal:

    “Natya is the imitation of life — a mirror that educates, entertains, and uplifts.”

    By mastering the interrelations, instruments, and regional varieties outlined above, you can answer both descriptive essays and MCQs on Unit 2 confidently in the UGC NET exam.

  • UGC NET Performing Arts Dance Drama Theatre Unit 1 MCQs

    Below are 100 exam-style MCQs (with answers) focused on Unit 1 — Cultural History of India (prehistoric → CE 1200, visual evidence, Natyashastra concepts, Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Cilappadikaram, Bhagavata Purana, Bhakti & related performance traditions). Use them as a timed practice set — they follow UGC-NET format (4 options, one correct answer).


    1. The Bhimbetka rock shelters primarily provide evidence of:
      A) Urban planning
      B) Prehistoric cave paintings of humans and animals
      C) Temple architecture
      D) Mauryan inscriptions
      Answer: B

    2. The “Dancing Girl” figurine was discovered at:
      A) Harappa
      B) Mohenjo-Daro
      C) Lothal
      D) Dholavira
      Answer: B

    3. Which Veda is most closely associated with early melodic chant and the basis of Indian music?
      A) Rigveda
      B) Samaveda
      C) Yajurveda
      D) Atharvaveda
      Answer: B

    4. In Vedic ritual context, the term yajna primarily denotes:
      A) Court drama
      B) Sacrificial ritual often accompanied by chant and action
      C) Temple sculpture
      D) Folk storytelling
      Answer: B

    5. Which text is called the “Fifth Veda” according to classical Indian theory of drama?
      A) Bhagavata Purana
      B) Natyashastra
      C) Mahabharata
      D) Ramayana
      Answer: B

    6. According to the Nāṭyaśāstra, Natya was created by:
      A) Shiva
      B) Vishnu
      C) Brahma
      D) Indra
      Answer: C

    7. The Nāṭyaśāstra synthesises the four Vedas into drama. Which Veda supplies the basis for Abhinaya (gesture)?
      A) Rigveda
      B) Samaveda
      C) Yajurveda
      D) Atharvaveda
      Answer: C

    8. Rasa in Nāṭyaśāstra theory primarily denotes:
      A) A hand gesture
      B) A musical mode
      C) The aesthetic emotion tasted by the spectator
      D) A costume type
      Answer: C

    9. How many principal Rasas are originally enumerated in Nāṭyaśāstra?
      A) Six
      B) Seven
      C) Eight
      D) Nine
      Answer: C

    10. Which Rasa was later added (after Bharata) and emphasized by Abhinavagupta?
      A) Śṛṅgāra
      B) Hāsya
      C) Śānta
      D) Vīra
      Answer: C

    11. Abhinaya has how many types according to Nāṭyaśāstra?
      A) Two
      B) Three
      C) Four
      D) Five
      Answer: C

    12. Which of the following is NOT a type of abhinaya?
      A) Angika
      B) Vachika
      C) Aharya
      D) Laya
      Answer: D

    13. Sattvika abhinaya primarily relates to:
      A) Costume
      B) Vocal music
      C) Inner involuntary feelings expressed physically
      D) Stage architecture
      Answer: C

    14. Lokadharmi style refers to:
      A) Stylized, conventional acting
      B) Realistic, life-like acting
      C) Temple ritual only
      D) Dance without music
      Answer: B

    15. Natyagruha in Nāṭyaśāstra denotes:
      A) Musical scale
      B) Theatre/playhouse architecture
      C) A kind of costume
      D) A dramatic genre
      Answer: B

    16. Purvaranga vidhi describes:
      A) The finale scene of the play
      B) Pre-performance rituals and preliminaries
      C) The actor’s autobiography
      D) The chorus arrangement
      Answer: B

    17. Karanas (as seen in temple sculpture) are:
      A) Musical instruments
      B) Fundamental units of movement combining hand and foot
      C) Stage props
      D) Types of plays
      Answer: B

    18. Which temple site is famous for its sculptural representation of karanas?
      A) Konark
      B) Khajuraho
      C) Elephanta
      D) Sanchi
      Answer: B

    19. Ajanta murals are primarily associated with which religious tradition?
      A) Hinduism
      B) Buddhism
      C) Jainism
      D) Islam
      Answer: B

    20. The Cilappadikaram is a major classical epic from which linguistic tradition?
      A) Sanskrit
      B) Pali
      C) Tamil
      D) Prakrit
      Answer: C

    21. The heroine Kannagi appears in which epic?
      A) Ramayana
      B) Cilappadikaram
      C) Mahabharata
      D) Bhagavata Purana
      Answer: B

    22. Bhagavata Purana is most closely associated with narratives of:
      A) Rama only
      B) Krishna and his Raslila
      C) Shiva tandava
      D) Buddhist Jataka tales
      Answer: B

    23. Raslila performance tradition primarily enacts episodes from:
      A) Ramayana
      B) Mahabharata
      C) Bhagavata Purana
      D) Cilappadikaram
      Answer: C

    24. In Ramayana, who is regarded as the ideal hero (Nayaka) in performance traditions?
      A) Ravana
      B) Rama
      C) Hanuman
      D) Vibhishana
      Answer: B

    25. Which Mahabharata episode is frequently enacted as a dramatic spectacle illustrating fate and dharma?
      A) Gita discourse only
      B) Yudhisthira’s dice game and Draupadi’s disrobing
      C) Abduction of Sita
      D) Krishna’s Raslila
      Answer: B

    26. The Bhagavad Gita is located in which book of the Mahabharata?
      A) Adi Parva
      B) Sabha Parva
      C) Bhishma Parva (or BhG in Bhishma Parva)
      D) Sauptika Parva
      Answer: C

    27. The Nāṭyaśāstra attributes Rasa arising from combination of:
      A) Gita + Nritya only
      B) Bhava + Vibhava + Anubhava + Vyabhicaribhava
      C) Costume + Music only
      D) Dialogue only
      Answer: B

    28. Which scholar wrote an encyclopedic commentary Abhinavabharati on Nāṭyaśāstra?
      A) Bharata Muni
      B) Abhinavagupta
      C) Nandikeshvara
      D) Sarangadeva
      Answer: B

    29. Abhinavagupta’s key contribution to Rasa theory was to see Rasa as:
      A) A social pastime
      B) Aestheticized spiritual bliss (transcendental experience)
      C) Pure entertainment
      D) Musical notation
      Answer: B

    30. Which classical Tamil text contains explicit references to music and dance practice in an urban setting?
      A) Ramayana
      B) Manimekalai
      C) Cilappadikaram
      D) Mahabharata
      Answer: C

    31. The Devadasi tradition is most closely linked historically with:
      A) Tibetan Buddhism
      B) South Indian temples and ritual dance practice
      C) Mughal court dance
      D) European opera
      Answer: B

    32. Which of the following is an early example of narrative mural painting in India?
      A) Mughal miniatures
      B) Ajanta cave paintings
      C) Tanjore paintings (modern)
      D) Kalighat paintings
      Answer: B

    33. In the evolution of Indian theatre, Natya served primarily for:
      A) Only royal entertainment
      B) Social education, ritual communication and aesthetic experience
      C) Trade negotiations
      D) Military training
      Answer: B

    34. The Rigveda contributes primarily to which element in Nāṭyaśāstra synthesis?
      A) Gita (music)
      B) Pathya (speech/poetry) and meter (text)
      C) Abhinaya (gesture)
      D) Rasa (emotion)
      Answer: B

    35. Which of the following Purāṇas is central to Vaishnava devotional theatre?
      A) Shiva Purana
      B) Bhagavata Purana
      C) Markandeya Purana
      D) Matsya Purana
      Answer: B

    36. The representation of dance in stone (temple friezes) demonstrates which continuity?
      A) That dance was never a live art
      B) The codification of movement vocabulary (karanas, hasta) from text into visual form
      C) That sculpture replaced dance
      D) That all dances were secular
      Answer: B

    37. Natyashastra’s chapter on Rasas is generally placed around which chapter number?
      A) Chapter 1
      B) Chapter 6 (approximately)
      C) Chapter 20
      D) Chapter 36
      Answer: B

    38. Which text provides a detailed manual of gestures and mime often used by dancers?
      A) Sangita Ratnakara
      B) Abhinaya Darpana
      C) Ragamala
      D) Natya Parijat
      Answer: B

    39. Abhinaya Darpana is traditionally attributed to:
      A) Bharata Muni
      B) Nandikeshvara (or Nandikeśvara)
      C) Kalidasa
      D) Abhinavagupta
      Answer: B

    40. Which of the following dance forms traces its codified repertoire to temple ritual and bhakti tradition in Odisha?
      A) Bharatanatyam
      B) Odissi
      C) Kathakali
      D) Kathak
      Answer: B

    41. The musical elements of early drama are most directly traced to which Veda?
      A) Atharvaveda
      B) Samaveda
      C) Rigveda
      D) Yajurveda
      Answer: B

    42. The concept of Sahridaya denotes:
      A) A stage manager
      B) A sensitive spectator capable of experiencing Rasa
      C) A type of performer
      D) A musical instrument
      Answer: B

    43. Which epic’s episodes form the basis of Ramleela performance tradition?
      A) Mahabharata
      B) Ramayana
      C) Bhagavata Purana
      D) Harivamsa
      Answer: B

    44. Which of these is an example of medieval devotional theatre developed under Bhakti currents?
      A) Noh theatre
      B) Ramlila and Raslila
      C) Kabuki
      D) Commedia dell’arte
      Answer: B

    45. Khajuraho sculptures belong broadly to which century range?
      A) 2nd–4th century CE
      B) 9th–12th century CE
      C) 15th–17th century CE
      D) 18th–19th century CE
      Answer: B

    46. Which of the following is true about Mahabharata’s dramaturgical elements?
      A) It contains only poetry with no dramatic scenes
      B) It includes episodes with dialogue, scene structure and moral conflict used for dramatization
      C) It forbids performance of its episodes
      D) It is only a musical text
      Answer: B

    47. The Nalopakhyana (story of Nala and Damayanti) in Mahabharata is often used in performance to exemplify:
      A) Courtly dance-display of conjugal love and tragedy (Shringara and Karuna rasas)
      B) Pure comic relief
      C) Military drill
      D) Agricultural ritual
      Answer: A

    48. Which regional dramatic form prominently uses episodes from Bhagavata Purana?
      A) Yakshagana
      B) Kabuki
      C) Peking Opera
      D) Noh
      Answer: A

    49. The sculpted image of Nataraja primarily represents which god?
      A) Vishnu
      B) Shiva as cosmic dancer
      C) Brahma
      D) Indra
      Answer: B

    50. Which practice demonstrates the integration of ritual and performative elements in South India historically?
      A) Court theatre only
      B) Devadasi system (temple dancers as ritual performers)
      C) European ballet troupes
      D) Street theatre only
      Answer: B

    51. The idea of art as a vehicle of moksha (liberation) is emphasized by which commentator?
      A) Bharata Muni
      B) Abhinavagupta
      C) Kalidasa
      D) Nandikeshvara
      Answer: B

    52. Which Purana’s tenth skandha is the main source of Krishna’s life and Rasa episodes?
      A) Bhagavata Purana
      B) Vishnu Purana
      C) Shiva Purana
      D) Brahma Vaivarta Purana
      Answer: A

    53. Which epic’s court scenes have been dramatized in the Indian theatre tradition as morality plays about governance?
      A) Iliad
      B) Mahabharata
      C) Beowulf
      D) Odyssey
      Answer: B

    54. The term Nāṭya literally connotes:
      A) Silent painting
      B) Acting/drama (with elements of dance and music)
      C) Stone carving
      D) Royal decree
      Answer: B

    55. Which classical work provides the earliest systematic treatment of acting, stagecraft and aesthetics?
      A) Sangita Ratnakara
      B) Natyashastra
      C) Abhinaya Darpana
      D) Rasamanjari
      Answer: B

    56. Vyabhicaribhava are:
      A) Permanent dominant emotions
      B) Transitory/emergent emotions supporting Rasa
      C) Types of musical instruments
      D) Stage props
      Answer: B

    57. Which of the following is a feature of Gupta period art important for performance studies?
      A) Decline of narrative art
      B) Refinement of human form and graceful postures in sculpture and painting
      C) Absence of music scenes
      D) Solely military motifs
      Answer: B

    58. In Tamil performance tradition, Pann denotes:
      A) A costume type
      B) A melodic mode/scale system used in ancient Tamil music
      C) A dramatic genre
      D) A stage prop
      Answer: B

    59. Which of the following is an early dramatized Purana episode in North India?
      A) Krishna’s childhood in Bhagavata Purana (Raslila)
      B) Sita’s marriage scene in Cilappadikaram
      C) Nala’s exile in Rigveda
      D) Buddha’s sermons in Yajurveda
      Answer: A

    60. The term Sahrdaya is central to which aesthetic theorist’s commentaries?
      A) Kalidasa
      B) Abhinavagupta (and classical commentators)
      C) Tulsidas
      D) Bhartrihari
      Answer: B

    61. Which archaeological site contains terracotta musicians and dancers indicating performance culture?
      A) Sanchi
      B) Harappa (Indus sites)
      C) Meenakshi temple
      D) Qutub Minar
      Answer: B

    62. Ardhachandra poses in sculpture are associated with which art form?
      A) Architecture only
      B) Dance postures depicted in sculpture (classical movement vocabulary)
      C) Calligraphy
      D) Weaving
      Answer: B

    63. Which of these is a primary reason epics were suitable for theatrical adaptation?
      A) Short length only
      B) Narrative structure, distinct characters, emotional arcs (rasas) and public familiarity
      C) Lack of moral complexity
      D) Absence of dialogues
      Answer: B

    64. The Natyashastra emphasizes which function of theatre?
      A) Economic profit only
      B) Education, entertainment and spiritual uplift (Shiksha, Vihara, Moksha)
      C) Military instruction
      D) Political propaganda only
      Answer: B

    65. Which dance form evolved historically in Assam out of Vaishnava devotional theatre?
      A) Bharatanatyam
      B) Sattriya
      C) Kathakali
      D) Kuchipudi
      Answer: B

    66. Which of the following best describes the relationship between sculpture and performance in Indian art history?
      A) Sculpture replaces performance
      B) Sculpture records and codifies movement vocabulary and iconography used in live performance
      C) Sculpture rejects any link to performance
      D) Sculpture is only religious text
      Answer: B

    67. Dasarupaka refers to:
      A) Ten types of plays described in classical dramaturgy
      B) Ten types of musical instruments
      C) Ten types of costumes
      D) Ten stages of life
      Answer: A

    68. The concept of Sadharanikarana in Rasa theory denotes:
      A) Costume design
      B) Universalisation of emotion from individual to aesthetic experience
      C) A musical rhythm
      D) Stage lighting technique
      Answer: B

    69. Which text is an important medieval source for music and performing arts (12th century)?
      A) Bharata Muni’s Natyashastra
      B) Sangita Ratnakara (Sarangadeva)
      C) Abhinaya Darpana
      D) Rasamanjari
      Answer: B

    70. Which region’s folk theatre tradition is Yakshagana?
      A) West Bengal
      B) Karnataka (Coastal Karnataka)
      C) Tamil Nadu
      D) Assam
      Answer: B

    71. The character Hanuman in Ramayana is often depicted in performance to embody which primary Rasa?
      A) Hasya only
      B) Vira (heroism/devotion) and Karuna in moments of pity
      C) Bhayanaka
      D) Bibhatsa
      Answer: B

    72. In the Mahabharata, which character’s ethical crisis is central to many dramatic adaptations?
      A) Bhima
      B) Yudhishthira (dice episode and exile)
      C) Shakuni only
      D) Drona only
      Answer: B

    73. Which Purana contains extensive theistic stories that became stage repertory for Vaishnava performances?
      A) Shiva Purana
      B) Bhagavata Purana
      C) Agni Purana
      D) Garuda Purana
      Answer: B

    74. Abhinaya Darpana provides detailed classification of:
      A) Stage architecture only
      B) Hand gestures (Hasta), head, eyes movements, and expressions used in dance-drama
      C) Musical scales only
      D) Costume patterns only
      Answer: B

    75. Which movement emphasized personal devotion and had a profound effect on vernacular performance?
      A) Tantra only
      B) Bhakti movement
      C) Hellenistic movement
      D) Renaissance movement
      Answer: B

    76. The Pattabhisheka episode (coronation) of Rama is categorized in performances often as exemplifying:
      A) Hasya Rasa
      B) Vira and Santa (heroic and peaceful) Rasas
      C) Bibhatsa only
      D) Bhayanaka only
      Answer: B

    77. Which of the following is NOT a source for reconstructing ancient performance practices?
      A) Rock-art and cave paintings
      B) Temple sculpture and reliefs
      C) Contemporary newspaper reports from prehistoric era
      D) Literary texts (Vedas, epics, treatises)
      Answer: C

    78. The term Angika literally refers to:
      A) Instrumental music
      B) Body/physical expression in performance
      C) Vocal recitation
      D) Stage management
      Answer: B

    79. Rasotpatti refers to:
      A) The process of Rasa emergence and realisation in the audience
      B) A costume type
      C) A temple architecture style
      D) A musical instrument
      Answer: A

    80. Which South Indian classical dance’s repertoire historically includes items derived from temple rituals and textual prescriptions?
      A) Odissi only
      B) Bharatanatyam (with temple origins)
      C) Ballet
      D) Flamenco
      Answer: B

    81. In Mahabharata dramaturgy, who is primarily associated with strategic deception that is often staged dramatically?
      A) Vidura
      B) Shakuni (dice manipulator)
      C) Satyaki
      D) Yuyutsu
      Answer: B

    82. The earliest tangible visual evidence for performance in India is dated to roughly:
      A) 20th century CE
      B) Neolithic/Chalcolithic and prehistoric periods (Bhimbetka, Indus)
      C) 15th century CE
      D) 5th century CE only
      Answer: B

    83. Hasyarasa corresponds to which dominant actor/audience reaction?
      A) Sorrow
      B) Laughter and comic delight
      C) Fear
      D) Disgust
      Answer: B

    84. Which classical text prescribes stage types and audience arrangements (kakshya vibhag etc.)?
      A) Sangita Ratnakara
      B) Natyashastra
      C) Abhinava Bharati
      D) Cilappadikaram
      Answer: B

    85. The tradition of Ramlila primarily belongs to which cultural practice?
      A) Court ballet
      B) Folk/community theatrical enactment of Ramayana episodes during festivals
      C) Buddhist monastic chanting
      D) Persian miniature theatre
      Answer: B

    86. The representation of Nataraja at Chidambaram symbolizes:
      A) Agricultural ritual
      B) Cosmic dance of creation, preservation and dissolution
      C) Royal coronation only
      D) Market ritual
      Answer: B

    87. Which form of evidence helps trace the musical instruments used in early Indian performance?
      A) Literary descriptions, sculptural reliefs and terracotta/bronze finds
      B) Photographs from prehistoric times
      C) European traveler accounts before 1000 BCE
      D) None of the above
      Answer: A

    88. The Dasarupaka classification is concerned with:
      A) Ten types of Rasa only
      B) Ten types of plays/dramatic genres in classical dramaturgy
      C) Ten musical modes
      D) Ten temple types
      Answer: B

    89. Bhakti poetry turned many narratives into performable songs called:
      A) Shlokas only for reading
      B) Kirtans and Bhajans (sung and often enacted)
      C) Philosophical tracts only
      D) Legal codes
      Answer: B

    90. Which text is considered a bridge between textual theory and practical gesture (widely used by dancers)?
      A) Natyashastra only
      B) Abhinaya Darpana (practical manual of gesture)
      C) Ramayana only
      D) Mahabharata only
      Answer: B

    91. Which of the following is a hallmark of Gupta period dramaturgy and aesthetics?
      A) Baroque excess
      B) Refinement, idealized human form and codified bhavas in art and literature
      C) Decline of narrative forms
      D) Complete secularization of art
      Answer: B

    92. The Anubhava in Rasa theory means:
      A) Cause of an emotion
      B) Manifested/expressed effect or external signs of emotion (observable)
      C) A musical rhythm
      D) A dramatic genre
      Answer: B

    93. Which region developed Kathakali, heavily influenced by Kerala temple and ritual traditions?
      A) Maharashtra
      B) Kerala
      C) Assam
      D) Punjab
      Answer: B

    94. Which epic character’s exile narrative has been a major source for performative enactment and moral discourse?
      A) Arjuna only
      B) Rama (Ramayana) and Pandavas (Mahabharata) both (exile episodes staged widely)
      C) Ravana only
      D) Krishna only
      Answer: B

    95. Dharma as dramatized in epics often functions to:
      A) Provide purely comic entertainment
      B) Pose ethical dilemmas and instruct audiences through enacted outcomes
      C) Propagate only royal decrees
      D) Avoid moral questions
      Answer: B

    96. Temple dance sculptures often served as:
      A) Manuals for performers and visual codification of movement vocabulary
      B) Mere decoration without functional value
      C) Records of agriculture
      D) Military manuals
      Answer: A

    97. Which classical commentator emphasized the role of the ‘Sahridaya’ (sensitive viewer) in experiencing Rasa?
      A) Bharata Muni
      B) Abhinavagupta
      C) Kalidasa
      D) Tulsidas
      Answer: B

    98. The evolution from folk ritual to classical codified forms typically involved:
      A) Total discontinuity with folk forms
      B) Gradual institutionalization, codification, and textualization of movement/music/gesture
      C) Immediate replacement by foreign forms
      D) Only oral transmission with no texts
      Answer: B

    99. Natyashastra’s treatment of stagecraft includes specification for:
      A) Only actor’s costumes
      B) Theatre dimensions, audience divisions, prologue conventions (Nandi/Kakshya), and stage devices
      C) Only music composition
      D) Only poetic meters
      Answer: B

    100. The integration of epic narrative with dance and theatre achieves which classical function in Indian society?
      A) Entertainment alone
      B) Moral instruction, communal bonding, and spiritual uplift (multi-functional role)
      C) Solely economic gain
      D) Only private enjoyment of elites
      Answer: B

  • UGC NET Performing Arts Dance Drama Theatre Unit 1

    Cultural History of India (From Prehistoric Period to CE 1200)

    (With special focus on Vedas, Epics and Purāṇas in relation to Dance & Theatre)


    1. Introduction

    The cultural history of India represents one of the world’s longest and most continuous artistic traditions. From the rhythmic cave paintings of the Stone Age to the codified classical arts of the early medieval period, India’s aesthetic growth mirrors its spiritual and social evolution. Between the Prehistoric era and CE 1200, Indian culture developed through the integration of ritual, religion, philosophy, and performance.
    Art was never separate from life; it was a vehicle of moral reflection, social harmony, and divine realization. The Nāṭyaśāstra describes this unity as “loka anukṛti”— the imitation and interpretation of life itself.


    2. Cultures of India: From Prehistoric to CE 1200

    Prehistoric Foundations

    The Bhimbetka rock shelters (c. 7000 BCE) in Madhya Pradesh preserve the earliest evidence of human artistic expression in India. Painted scenes of hunting, communal dancing, and rhythmic movement indicate that ritual, rhythm, and gesture pre-dated language. These primal forms later evolved into organized performance.

    Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500 – 1500 BCE)

    The urban centres of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro reveal a society with aesthetic sophistication. The famous “Dancing Girl” bronze figurine embodies fluid posture and confidence, while terracotta musicians and seals reflect a ritualistic, rhythmic life. The arts already served a symbolic, possibly sacred purpose.

    Vedic Age (1500 – 500 BCE)

    During the Vedic period, art became intertwined with religious ritual and oral tradition. The Sāmaveda systematised chant and melody; the Yajurveda formalised ritual performance; the Ṛgveda celebrated cosmic rhythm through hymns; and the Atharvaveda explored mystic incantations. The performing arts thus originated as sacred actions— a union of music, recitation, and gesture offered to the divine.

    Classical and Gupta Age (4th – 6th century CE)

    The Gupta era is remembered as the “Golden Age” of Indian art. Literary works such as Kālidāsa’s Abhijñānaśākuntalamand the Ajanta murals exemplify the refinement of aesthetic theory, proportion, and grace. Art evolved from ritual to classical codification: sculptures illustrated dance poses (karanas), and literature articulated the principles of Rasa and Abhinaya.

    Early Medieval Period (7th – 12th century CE)

    Regionalisation of culture led to distinct temple and devotional traditions. The Bhakti spirit fostered temple-centred performanceBharatanāṭyam in Tamil Nadu, Odissi in Odisha, Kūḍiyāṭṭam in Kerala— all deriving from the aesthetic and ritual frameworks laid down in the earlier centuries.


    3. Evolution of Art: Cave Paintings, Sculpture, and Visual Representation

    Indian art evolved as a visual scripture of the civilization’s spiritual ideals.

    • Cave Paintings: Bhimbetka and Ajanta reveal continuity from primitive outline to sophisticated narrative. Ajanta (2nd BCE – 6th CE) murals show elegant dancers, musicians, and courtly scenes inspired by Jātaka tales— proof of early dramaturgy through visual imagery.

    • Sculpture: From Mauryan pillars to Gupta temple reliefs, sculpture captured rhythm and emotion in static form. The Yaksha–Yakshi figures express fertility and grace, while the Khajuraho and Konark temples translate movement into stone— a “frozen performance.”

    • Architecture: Theatre architecture described in the Nāṭyaśāstra— open, circular, and audience-centred— influenced later temple courtyards that served as stages for ritual performances.

    Thus, visual art, music, and drama developed together, each reinforcing the other in a unified aesthetic vision.


    4. Evolution of Dance and Drama (Nāṭya)

    (a) Divine-Origin Theory

    According to the Nāṭyaśāstra (c. 200 BCE – 200 CE), Nāṭya originated when the gods requested Brahmā to create an art form accessible to all varṇas. He composed the Nāṭya Veda, drawing:

    • Speech (Pathya) from Ṛgveda,

    • Music (Gīta) from Sāmaveda,

    • Gesture (Abhinaya) from Yajurveda, and

    • Emotion (Rasa) from Atharvaveda.

    Thus, Nāṭya became the “Fifth Veda.” Its purpose was śikṣā (education), vihāra (entertainment), and mokṣa (spiritual release). Art was divine in origin but meant for human upliftment.

    (b) Art as a Product of Society and Ritual

    Parallel to the divine theory runs a sociological view: art evolved from communal ritual and belief systems. Agricultural festivals, fertility rites, and heroic storytelling led to folk theatre and sacred dance. Over time, these merged with philosophical reflection to form classical theatre— both a social mirror and a spiritual discipline.


    5. The Vedas, Epics, and Purāṇas — Content, Character, and Relevance to Dance & Theatre

    This corpus forms the conceptual and narrative foundation of Indian performing arts.

    The Vedas: The Earliest Aesthetic Blueprint

    • Ṛgveda: Collection of hymns celebrating natural forces— the idea of cosmic rhythm (ṛta) that later informed the rhythm (tāla) of dance and music.

    • Sāmaveda: The “Veda of melody,” transforming recited hymns into musical performance. The tonal patterns of sāman chants evolved into the structure of rāga and nāda.

    • Yajurveda: Describes sacrificial rites involving precise bodily actions and gestures— precursors of Āṅgika Abhinaya.

    • Atharvaveda: Explores emotional and mystical incantations, forming the psychological dimension of Rasa and Bhāva.

    Together they provide the spiritual grammar of Indian art— linking sound, gesture, and emotion with cosmic order.


    The Epics: Ramayana & Mahabharata

    Ramayana (Valmiki, c. 500 BCE – 100 BCE)

    The Ramayana is both moral narrative and performative text. Its content— Rama’s exile, Sita’s trial, the battle with Ravana, and the Pattābhisheka (coronation)— is inherently dramatic. Character archetypes (Rama – ideal hero, Sita – purity, Hanuman – devotion, Ravana – ego) embody distinct Rasas: Vīra, Karuṇa, Śṛṅgāra, Raudra.
    In theatre and dance, these episodes translate into expressive acts: Rāmlīlā in North India, Kathakali’s Rāma Charita, and Bhavāyā performances. The text teaches Dharma through spectacle, bridging ethics and aesthetics.

    Mahabharata (Vyāsa, c. 400 BCE – 400 CE)

    The Mahabharata, the world’s longest epic, dramatizes the conflict between duty and desire. It is structurally theatrical: dialogues, moral debates, and battle scenes read like scripted acts. The Dyūta Sabha (dice game) and Draupadī Vastra-harana (disrobing) are archetypal scenes of Karuṇa and Raudra Rasas. The Bhagavad Gītā, a philosophical dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, represents the drama of consciousness itself.
    These episodes became templates for classical dramaturgy, influencing Nāṭaka (heroic play) and Prakaraṇa (social play) genres described in the Nāṭyaśāstra. The Mahabharata’s emphasis on moral complexity underlies the layered emotional structure of Indian theatre.


    Regional Epic: Cilappadikaram (Tamil, c. 2nd Century CE)

    Composed by Ilango Adigal, the Cilappadikaram (“The Jeweled Anklet”) integrates music, dance, and ethics. Its heroine Kannagi, wronged by the king, proves her virtue through dramatic and ritualistic acts culminating in divine justice. The text contains detailed accounts of:

    • Pann music (Tamil scale systems),

    • Rhythmic cycles (tāla),

    • Performer’s discipline and moral codes.
      It is thus both a literary epic and a practical manual of performance, paralleling the Nāṭyaśāstra in southern aesthetic theory. Many classical Tamil dance postures trace their lineage to its descriptions.


    Bhagavata Purāṇa (c. 9th Century CE)

    The Bhagavata Purāṇa shifted focus from heroic dharma to devotional emotion (Bhakti). Its tenth book narrates the life of Krishna— his childhood pranks, flute-playing, and Rāsa Līlā with the Gopīs. These episodes symbolise the soul’s union with the divine and gave rise to devotional dance-dramas across India: Rāslīlā in Braj, Sattriya in Assam, Manipuri Rāsa, and aspects of Kathak.
    The Purāṇa thus transformed art into devotion in motion, replacing ritual authority with emotional communion.


    Relevance to Dance and Theatre

    1. Narrative Source: The epics and Purāṇas supply stories, characters, and archetypes that constitute the repertory of Indian theatre and dance.

    2. Emotional Spectrum: Each episode corresponds to specific Rasas, making them ideal for expressive performance.

    3. Didactic Function: Through enactment of divine tales, the audience learns moral and spiritual lessons— fulfilling the triple aim of śikṣā, vihāra, and mokṣa.

    4. Continuity: From temple sculptures to modern stage, these texts continue to animate Indian performance— proof of an unbroken cultural thread.


    6. Bhakti and Religious Movements (6th – 12th Century CE)

    The Bhakti movement redefined the purpose of art as devotional expression rather than ritual duty. The Alvārs (Vishnu devotees) and Nāyanmārs (Shiva devotees) composed hymns in local languages, democratising access to divine experience. Their songs were inherently performative— sung with gesture, dance, and communal participation.

    In South India, temple dancers (devadāsīs) offered seva through nṛtta and abhinaya; in the North, Rāslīlā and Rāmlīlādramatized the love of Krishna and the virtue of Rama. The saints Mīrābāī and Chaitanya embodied dance as worship, fusing emotion (bhāva) with movement.

    These movements influenced all art forms:

    • Bharatanāṭyam and Odissi absorbed Bhakti poetry;

    • Kīrtan and Bhajan became musical theatre;

    • Yakṣagāna and Ankīya Nāṭa integrated narrative chanting and dance.

    Through Bhakti, performance became collective prayer, turning temples and streets into theatres of divine love.


    7. Conclusion

    From the prehistoric rock-dance of Bhimbetka to the spiritual theatre of Bhakti, India’s cultural history demonstrates a continuous quest to express truth through beauty. The Vedas provided the metaphysical framework, the Epics and Purāṇas supplied narrative and emotion, and the Nāṭyaśāstra gave form and theory.
    By CE 1200, India had created a comprehensive aesthetic system where art mirrored life, and life itself became performance. Dance and theatre were not merely entertainment—they were manifestations of cosmic order and vehicles of self-realization.