Uttarakhand PCS (Pre) 2021

Regional Dance and Drama

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which South Indian dance tradition was firstly developed during the time of Vijaynagar?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The Vijayanagar Empire was a massive patron of performing arts, facilitating the evolution of folk traditions into highly stylized classical forms like Yakshagana.

Explanation Yakshagana is a traditional theater form from Karnataka that depicts stories from the Bhagavat Purana and the epics. It was heavily patronized by the Vijayanagar and Golconda rulers. The form was later systematized in the 17th century by Siddhendra Yogi, retaining its signature elaborate costumes and Carnatic-influenced music.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Yakshagana originated as a 'folk' art that gained 'courtly' status during the Vijayanagar era.
Logic 2: While Bharatanatyam is older, its specific institutional development is more closely linked to the Tanjore courts. Yakshagana’s primary regional development as a distinct drama form is uniquely tied to the Vijayanagar cultural sphere.

Active Recall

Question

What is the primary theme of Yakshagana performances?

Answer

Mythological stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas, performed as heroic dance-dramas.

Core Insight

Yakshagana represents a bridge between 'Marga' (classical) and 'Desi' (folk) traditions in the Deccan region.