GK Questions & Answers : Indian Classical Theatre & Drama

1.  The term theatre derived from which word:
A. Threatron
B. Theatron
C. Threatingon
D. Throtitleon

Answer: B
Explanation:The word ‘theatre’ has been derived from the Greek word, ‘theatron’ meaning ‘a place for viewing’ and ‘theamai’ meaning ‘to see’, ‘to watch’ or ‘to observe’. Hence, B is the correct option.

2. Which of the following caves is the most ancient evidence of theatre?
A. Sitabenga Cave and Jogimara Cave of Raigarh hill
B. Bhimbetka rock shelters
C. Ellora Caves
D. Borra Caves

Answer: A
Explanation: The Sitabenga Cave and Jogimara Cave of Raigarh hill  of the Madhya Pradesh reflects most  ancient evidence of theatre where a man plays with drum and another dances in tiger mask on the a theme taken from Indus Valley Civilisation. Hence A is the correct option.

3. Which of the following is the most famous and ancient book of drama in India?
A. Natyamandap
B.  Karpoor Manjari
C. Natyashastra of Bharata Muni Lord Brahma
D. None of the above

Answer: C
Explanation: Natyashastra of Bharata Muni Lord Brahma is the most and ancient book for drama in India. According to Bharata muni, Lord Brahma was creator of classical form of theatre and took elements from various sources such as dialogue from Rigveda, music from Samveda, acting from Yajurveda and Ras from Atharvaveda. Hence C is the correct option.

4. Which of the following is not types of Natyamandap according to the Bharata Muni?
A. Vikrisht
B. Chaturasra
C. Trayashra
D. Vikramorvsaiyam

Answer: D
Explanation: Vikramorvasiyam is a five-act Sanskrit play by ancient Indian poet Kalidasa who flourished in the 4th Century CE, on the Vedic love story of king Pururavas and an Apsara, a celestial nymph named Urvashi. Hence, D is the correct option.

5. Which of the following is the oldest theatre in India?
A. Laffed Faire
B. Athenaeeum and Chaurang Theatre
C. Athen Theatre
D. None of the above

Answer: A
Explanation: The first European theatre was started in India even before the Battle of Plassey. The second theatre opened in 1795 named Laffed Faire. Hence, A is the correct option.

6. Who among the following established ‘Hindi Theatre’ at Kolkata?
A. Prasanna Kumar Thakur
B. Bhartendu Harishchandra
C. Habib Tanvir
D. Balraj Sahni

Answer: A
Explanation: In 1831 AD, Prasanna Kumar Thakur established ‘Hindu Theatre’ at Kolkata and staged Wilson’S English translation of Bhavabhuti’s ‘Uttararamcharita’ thus laid the foundation for the Modern theatre in India. Hence, A is the correct option.

7. When was the Indian People’s Theatre Association established?
A. 1943
B. 1944
C. 1945
D. 1946

Answer: A
Explanation: The Indian People’s Theatre Association was established in 1943. It played important role in the growth and development of theatre in India. Hence, A is the correct option.

8. Who among the following was started the theatre culture in Odisha?
A. Dharmvir Bharati
B. Mohan Rakesh
C. Rama Shankar Rai
D. Bhisham Sahni

Answer: C
Explanation: Theatre culture in Odisha was started by Rama Shankar Rai (1860-1910 AD). Manoranjan Das nurtured and accelerated this tradition. Hence, C is the correct option.

9. Who among the following is known as Shakespeare of Persian theatre?
A. Agha Hashar Kashmiri
B. Sheila Bhatia
C. Habib Tanvir
D. Both A and B

Answer: A
Explanation: Agha Hashar Kashmiri is known as Shakespeare of Persian theatre. Hence, A is the correct option.

10. Which of the following is the most ancient classical/Sanskrit play written by Ashwaghosh?

A. Sariputra Prakaran
B. Naganada
C. Ratnavali
D. Abhigyan Shakuntala

Answer: A
Explanation: Sariputra Prakaran is the most ancient classical/Sanskrit play written by Ashwaghosh. It is based on Buddhist scripture. Hence, A is the correct option.