Lakshanas- The Characteristic Features

What is the word Lakshana Derived from?

(Select all correct answers)

• Lakshya

• Kshana

• Lakshmi

• Kshetram

Answer explanation

Lakshana is derived from the combination of words lakshya and kshana-that is ‘indication’ or ‘characteristics’.

What are the rules of dance called?

• Natyakrama

• Lakshanam

• Abhinayam

• Abhinaya Darpanam

Answer explanation

Nadhikeshwara in his book Abhinaya Darpanam has explained the rules of dance called as Naatyakramam

What are the characteristics of the heroine known as?

• Paatra Bahihpranaah

• Paatra Lakshnam

• Natalakshanam.

• Neechanatya Lakshanam

Answer explanation

Characteristics of the heroine is known as Paatra Lakshnam

What are the characteristics of the bells known as?

• Kinkini Lakshanam

• Apaatra Lakshanam

• Natalakshanam

• Neechnatya Lakshanam

Answer explanation

Characteristics of bells is known as  Kinkini Lakshanam

How many divisions of audience are mentioned in Sabha Lakshanam

• 2

• 9

• 6

• 7

Answer explanation

The audience must comprise the following 7 division which is called Saptaanga.

•Vidvamsah- Scholar

•Gaayakah- Singers

•Kavayah-Poet

•Bhattah-Elder

•Parihasakah-joker/clowns

•Itihasgnah-Historian

Puranagnah-mythologist

According to Abhinaya Darpanam, which metal cannot be used to make the anklets for dance?

• Brass

• Silver

• Copper

• Iron

Answer explanation

According to Abhinaya Darpana the characteristic features of bells are:

Bells should be made out of metals like brass, silver or copper. Their jingling sound should be very melodious. They should be very well shaped and attractive to look just like tiny stars in the sky.

What does the Paatra Antahpranaah talk about?

• Internal Requisites of dance

• External Requisites of Dance

• Characteristics of the Heroine

• Characteristics of the anklets

Answer explanation

•Nandikeshwara gives the characteristic features of the ten internal requisites (Paatra Antahpranaah) of dance as follows:

Quality of agility, firmness, perfect body line,

well poised turns, a gleaming glance, Untiredness, Intellect,

devotion and sincerity, oratory skill and ability to sing

What is the first thing that should be done at the beginning of any dance performance?

• Salutation

• Tattadavu

• Arranging flowers

• None of these

Answer explanation

Salutation should be done right in the first part of the program. Nandikeshwara states that a dance performance that begins without offering salutation to God, Guru and Sabha is called Neecha Natya or unsacred dance.

In how many different ways can a Hasta be held in Bharatanatyam?

• 10

• 14

• 12

• 5

Answer explanation

There are 12 Prana Lakshanas in Bharatanatyam .

In dance, the way a Hasta Mudra is held, is divided into 12 Prana Lakshanas or 12 different ways of holding a hand.