Study Guide · Chapter 5
Exam Traps — Frequently Confused Facts
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- Mohiniyattam vs Kathakali: Both are from Kerala, but Mohiniyattam is solo, lyrical, and traditionally performed by women, whereas Kathakali is a group dance-drama traditionally performed by men in elaborate make-up.
- Odissi vs Manipuri: Both are lyrical and graceful, but Odissi is characterised by the Tribhangi posture and sculpturesque poses, while Manipuri is softer, avoids sharp angularity, and is closely tied to Ras Lila.
- Sattriya is the most recently added classical dance (2000) — a favourite exam question ("Which is the youngest classical dance form of India?").
- Chhau is sometimes wrongly listed as a "ninth classical dance" in casual sources, but the Sangeet Natak Akademi's official classical list remains at eight; Chhau is officially classified as folk/tribal, though UNESCO-recognised.
- Kathak's three gharanas: Lucknow, Jaipur, Banaras — a commonly tested list.
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