Odissi (Odisha)

Antiquity: Archaeological evidence in Udayagiri–Khandagiri caves (Rani Gumpha), temple sculptures at Konark and Puri; one of the oldest surviving dance forms.
Evolution: Maharis (temple devadasis) → Gotipuas (boys dressed as girls) → stage revival after Independence (1950s). Recognised by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1964.
Features:
- Tribhanga (three-bend posture) and Chauka (square stance).
- Lyrical, sculpturesque, graceful movements; hand gestures and facial expressions.
- Items: Mangalacharan, Batu Nritya, Pallavi, Abhinaya (based on Jayadeva's Gita Govinda), Moksha.
- Music: Odissi music; Pakhawaj, Sitar, Violin, Flute.
- Costume: Sambalpuri/Pata silk; silver filigree jewellery (tarakasi); hair bun with Tahiya (conical crown).
Texts: Abhinaya Chandrika (Maheshwar Mahapatra).
Exponents: Kelucharan Mohapatra, Pankaj Charan Das, Sanjukta Panigrahi, Sonal Mansingh, Madhavi Mudgal, Kumkum Mohanty.

Q1. 'Tribhanga' posture is the hallmark of:
(a) Odissi
(b) Kathak
(c) Manipuri
(d) Sattriya
Answer: (a).

Q2. The Gotipua tradition is related to:
(a) Odissi
(b) Kuchipudi
(c) Kathakali
(d) Mohiniyattam
Answer: (a).

Q3. Which text is associated with Odissi abhinaya?
(a) Gita Govinda
(b) Silappadikaram
(c) Meghaduta
(d) Ramcharitmanas
Answer: (a).