Set 1 | Important Indian Theatre and Puppetry Art MCQs 2024
Important Indian Theatre and Puppetry Art. Indian Theatre and Puppetry is an integral part of Indian Art and Culture, which is extremely beneficial for various examinations such as Civil services, State exams, SSC, Railways, Banking and other One day exams. It provides a great opportunity to gain knowledge about the country’s history in order to excel in these competitive fields. Objectives on Indian Art and Culture for competitive exams.
MCQs on Indian Theatre and Puppetry Art – Objective Questions and Answers
Q1. Which one is the first and earliest book on Drama?
[A] Bharat Muni’s Natya Shastra
[B] Urubhangam
[C] Malatimadhava
[D] Buddhacharita
View Explanation
Correct Answer is A.
Bharat Muni’s Natya Shastra is the World’s first and earliest book on drama.
The tradition of theatre in India goes back to more than 5000 years ago.
This book covers production, stage design, makeup, dance, music etc.
According to this book, Indian theatre has a divine origin and is attributed to the Natyaveda, the holy book created by Lord Brahma.
Indian theatres reflect realities of the society as well as illustrate the divine aspects of life.
Q2. Which one of the option was the earliest form of the theatre of India?
[A] Prakrit theatre
[B] Hindu theatre
[C] Sanskrit theatre
[D] None
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C.
Sanskrit theatre which is also known as Classical theatre was the earliest form of the theatre of India.
It started around the 2nd century BCE and had a peak between the 1st and the 10th century CE.
Hundred of plays were performed during this phase.
The most common performed plays were based on the drama composed by Bhasa, Shudraka, Kalidasa, etc.
The Sanskrit dramas were full of poetic, literary, myths and historical elements.
In ancient India, the plays were of two types – Lokadharmi(realistic depiction of real life) and Natyadharmi(styled narration and symbolism).
Q3. Which Playwright are composed by Ashvaghosha?
[A] Sariputta Prakarna
[B] Saundarananda
[C] Buddhacharita
[D] Ratnavali
View Explanation
Correct Answer is A, B & C.
Ashvaghosha had three compositions.
Sariputta Prakarana – It is one of the earliest examples of classical Sanskrit theatre.
Saundarananda – It is a poem with the theme of conversion of Nanda, Buddha’s half brother.
Buddhacharita – This is an epic poem on the large life of Buddha.
Q4. Which one is the compositions of Kalidasa?
[A] Ratnavali
[B] Abhijnanasakuntalam
[C] Uttararamacharita
[D] Malavikagnimitram
View Explanation
Correct Answer is B & D.
Kalidasa had three compositions.
Abhijnanasakuntalam- It is a beautiful tale of love and romance.
Malavikagnimitram – The story plays around the King’s love interest who is maid in the royal palace.
Vikramorvasiyam – It is about the tale of a king Vikramaditya who is in love with a heavenly damsel, Urvashi.
Q5. Which one is the play of Bhasa?
[A] Nagananda
[B] Swapanavasavadatta
[C] Karnabhara
[D] None
View Explanation
Correct Answer is B & C.
Bhasa’s famous plays are Swapanavasavadatta, Urubhangam, Madhyamavyayogam, Karnabhara etc.
Q6. Harshavardhana’s plays are?
[A] Ratnavali
[B] Priyadarsika
[C] Buddhacharita
[D] None
View Explanation
Correct Answer is A & B.
Harsha had three famous Sanskrit plays.
Ratnavali, Nagananda and Priyadarsika.
Q7. Bhavabhutti famous works are?
[A] Ratnavali
[B] Vinavasavadatta
[C] Mahaviracharita
[D] Malatimadhava
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C & D.
Bhavabhutti famous works are Mahaviracharita, Malatimadhava and Uttararamacharita.
Q8. Which Sanskrit plays are composed by Shudraka?
[A] Mrichchhakatika
[B] Saundarananda
[C] Padmaprabhritaka
[D] None
View Explanation
Correct Answer is A & C.
Shudraka had composed three Sanskrit plays.
Mrichchhakatika is known as The Little Clay Cart.
Vinavasavadatta and short act- monologue Padmaprabhritaka.
Q9. Famous plays are composed by Vishakhadatta?
[A] Mudrarakshasa
[B] Devichandreguptam
[C] Ratnavali
[D] None
View Explanation
Correct Answer is A & B.
Vishakhadatta famous plays are – Mudrarakshasa and Devichandraguptam.
Mudrarakshasa – narrates the story of Chandragupta Maurya’s ascent to the throne.
Q10. Which one is the oldest theatre form?
[A] Theyyam
[B] Koodiyattam
[C] Mudiyettu
[D] All
View Explanation
Correct Answer is B.
Koodiyattam is known to be the oldest theatre form of the world.
It is considered to be older than 2000 years.
It is the only surviving specimen of the ancient Sanskrit theatre.
It is originated from Kerala.
In this theatre, ‘Vidooshaka’ is a royal clown who humorously narrates the theme of text.
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