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HCS (Haryana)Prelims2026General Studies
Question
Consider the following information: No. | Art Form | Origin/Community Associated | Key Feature 1. | Mohiniyattam | Chera patronage (9th-12th century CE) | Graceful swaying movements; linked to Mohini incarnation of Vishnu 2. | Thullal | Introduced by Kunchan Nambiar | Solo satirical dance performed during temple festivals 3. | Kutiyattam | Chakkiar Community | Dramatic performance lasting from six to twenty days In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
Options
- A Only one
- B Only two
- C All three
- D None
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Correct Answer
B Only two
Model Answer
Mohiniyattam
- Mohiniyattam is the classical solo dance of Kerala performed by women, named after Mohini, the female incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and marked by graceful, swaying lasya movements.
- However, it did not develop under Chera patronage of the 9th to 12th century. It took its present form in the 18th and 19th centuries under the patronage of the Travancore rulers, particularly Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, and was revived in the twentieth century by the poet Vallathol through the Kerala Kalamandalam. Hence, row 1 is not correctly matched.
Ottan Thullal
- Thullal was introduced in the 18th century by the poet Kunchan Nambiar. It is a solo dance-narrative performed in temple precincts during festivals and is famous for its simple language and biting social satire. Hence, row 2 is correctly matched.
Kutiyattam
- Kutiyattam is the oldest surviving Sanskrit theatre form of Kerala, traditionally performed in the koothambalam by the Chakyar community with the Nangyar women and the Nambiar drummers.
- A single act may be performed over a period ranging from six to twenty days. It was proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001. Hence, row 3 is correctly matched.