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Navigating the Labyrinth of Ancient Indian Drama

Description: Welcome to the quiz on "Navigating the Labyrinth of Ancient Indian Drama". This quiz will test your knowledge about the rich and diverse world of ancient Indian drama. Are you ready to embark on this journey?
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: ancient_indian_drama sanskrit_drama natyashastra kalidasa bhavabhuti
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What is the earliest known text on Indian dramaturgy?

  1. Natyashastra

  2. Rigveda

  3. Arthashastra

  4. Mahabharata


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Natyashastra, attributed to the sage Bharata Muni, is the earliest known text on Indian dramaturgy. It is a comprehensive treatise on the art of drama, covering topics such as play structure, characterization, staging, and acting.

Which of the following is NOT a type of ancient Indian drama?

  1. Nataka

  2. Prakarana

  3. Bhana

  4. Kathakali


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Kathakali is a form of classical Indian dance-drama from the state of Kerala, India. It is not a type of ancient Indian drama.

Who is considered the greatest playwright of ancient India?

  1. Kalidasa

  2. Bhavabhuti

  3. Shudraka

  4. Vishakhadatta


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Kalidasa is widely regarded as the greatest playwright of ancient India. He is known for his plays such as "Shakuntala", "Vikramorvashiyam", and "Malavikagnimitra", which are celebrated for their lyrical beauty, poetic language, and profound insights into human nature.

What is the central theme of Kalidasa's play "Shakuntala"?

  1. Love and separation

  2. Political intrigue

  3. Revenge and justice

  4. Religious devotion


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The central theme of Kalidasa's play "Shakuntala" is love and separation. The play tells the story of the love between King Dushyanta and the beautiful Shakuntala, their separation due to a misunderstanding, and their eventual reunion.

Which of the following plays is known for its political intrigue and suspense?

  1. Mrichchakatika

  2. Mudrarakshasa

  3. Uttararamacharita

  4. Abhijnanashakuntalam


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Mudrarakshasa is a play by Vishakhadatta that is known for its political intrigue and suspense. The play revolves around the struggle between the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya and the Nanda king Rakshasa for the control of the Magadha kingdom.

What is the main purpose of the prologue in ancient Indian drama?

  1. To introduce the characters and the plot

  2. To invoke the blessings of the gods

  3. To set the mood and atmosphere of the play

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The prologue in ancient Indian drama serves multiple purposes. It introduces the characters and the plot, invokes the blessings of the gods, and sets the mood and atmosphere of the play.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ancient Indian drama?

  1. Use of Sanskrit as the primary language

  2. Emphasis on spectacle and elaborate stagecraft

  3. Use of music and dance as integral elements

  4. Focus on realism and naturalism


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Ancient Indian drama is not characterized by a focus on realism and naturalism. Instead, it often employs stylized acting, symbolic gestures, and elaborate stagecraft to create a heightened sense of theatricality.

What is the term for the main character in ancient Indian drama?

  1. Nayaka

  2. Natika

  3. Vidushaka

  4. Sutradhara


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Nayaka is the term for the main character in ancient Indian drama. It refers to the male protagonist who is typically a noble, heroic, or virtuous figure.

Which of the following is NOT a type of character commonly found in ancient Indian drama?

  1. Hero

  2. Heroine

  3. Villain

  4. Comic relief


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Comic relief is not a type of character commonly found in ancient Indian drama. Instead, ancient Indian drama often employs a character called the Vidushaka, who serves as a jester or clown and provides comic relief.

What is the term for the stage manager in ancient Indian drama?

  1. Sutradhara

  2. Vidushaka

  3. Nati

  4. Nartaki


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sutradhara is the term for the stage manager in ancient Indian drama. The Sutradhara is responsible for introducing the play, explaining the plot, and guiding the audience through the performance.

Which of the following is NOT a type of rasa (emotion) that is evoked in ancient Indian drama?

  1. Shringara (love)

  2. Hasya (laughter)

  3. Karuna (compassion)

  4. Raudra (anger)


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Raudra (anger) is not a type of rasa (emotion) that is evoked in ancient Indian drama. The eight rasas that are traditionally recognized in ancient Indian drama are Shringara (love), Hasya (laughter), Karuna (compassion), Veera (heroism), Adbhuta (wonder), Bhayanaka (fear), Bibhatsa (disgust), and Shanta (peace).

What is the term for the concluding section of an ancient Indian drama?

  1. Bharata-vakya

  2. Prastavana

  3. Viskambhaka

  4. Nivritti


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Bharata-vakya is the term for the concluding section of an ancient Indian drama. It is a benedictory verse that is spoken by the main character and serves to summarize the play's message or moral.

Which of the following is NOT a major center of ancient Indian drama?

  1. Ujjain

  2. Pataliputra

  3. Mathura

  4. Nalanda


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Nalanda is not a major center of ancient Indian drama. Ujjain, Pataliputra, and Mathura are considered to be the three major centers of ancient Indian drama.

What is the term for the traditional Indian theater?

  1. Rangmanch

  2. Natya Mandir

  3. Rangasthala

  4. Sabha


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Rangasthala is the term for the traditional Indian theater. It is a raised platform or stage where戏剧performances are held.

Which of the following is NOT a type of ancient Indian theatrical performance?

  1. Koothu

  2. Kathakali

  3. Yakshagana

  4. Bharatanatyam


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Bharatanatyam is not a type of ancient Indian theatrical performance. It is a classical Indian dance form that originated in the state of Tamil Nadu.

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