Which of the following classical dance forms is especially famous as a traditional art of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu?

Introduction / Context:
Tamil Nadu has made a major contribution to Indian performing arts, and its most famous classical dance form is Bharatanatyam. General knowledge exams frequently test whether learners can correctly match each classical dance with its state of origin. This question checks your ability to identify Bharatanatyam as the classical dance especially associated with Tamil Nadu, rather than confusing it with other south Indian forms such as Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, or Kathakali.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The state of interest is Tamil Nadu.
• The options are four well known classical dance forms: Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Bharatanatyam, and Kathakali.
• The task is to pick the one that is traditionally linked to Tamil Nadu.
• We assume the standard classification used by Sangeet Natak Akademi and by most GK books.

Concept / Approach:
The concept is simple state dance pairing. Bharatanatyam is historically associated with the temples and courts of Tamil Nadu and is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India. Kuchipudi is associated with Andhra Pradesh, Mohiniattam with Kerala, and Kathakali also with Kerala. By recalling this mapping, we can easily identify Bharatanatyam as the correct answer for Tamil Nadu.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase classical dance of Tamil Nadu in the question. Step 2: Recall that Bharatanatyam originated in the temples of Tamil Nadu and is a key symbol of that state's culture. Step 3: Check each option: Kuchipudi belongs to Andhra Pradesh, so rule it out. Step 4: Mohiniattam and Kathakali both belong to Kerala, so remove them as well. Step 5: The remaining option, Bharatanatyam, perfectly matches Tamil Nadu. Step 6: Mark Bharatanatyam as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by recalling common mnemonic lists used in GK preparation, where Tamil Nadu is paired with Bharatanatyam, Kerala with Mohiniattam and Kathakali, Andhra Pradesh with Kuchipudi, Odisha with Odissi, and so on. Another cross check is that Chennai is an important centre for Bharatanatyam festivals and training institutions, reinforcing the connection between the dance and the state.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kuchipudi is wrong because it is recognised as the classical dance of Andhra Pradesh. Mohiniattam is wrong as it belongs to Kerala. Kathakali is also a classical dance of Kerala, famous for its elaborate makeup and dramatic storytelling. None of these styles are primarily identified as the classical dance of Tamil Nadu in standard references, which is why they serve as plausible but incorrect distractors.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up south Indian dance forms because all of them use Carnatic music and temple themes. A typical mistake is to think that any classical dance from the south could be from Tamil Nadu. To avoid this, always memorise precise pairings, for example: Bharatanatyam Tamil Nadu, Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh, Mohiniattam Kerala, Kathakali Kerala. Repeated revision of these small lists removes confusion in the exam hall.

Final Answer:
The classical dance especially famous in Tamil Nadu is Bharatanatyam.