Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra is regarded as a maestro of which of the following Indian classical dance forms?

Introduction / Context:
India's classical dance traditions are closely associated with legendary gurus who revived and popularised them. Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra is one such towering figure. Exam questions frequently ask you to link famous gurus with the correct dance form, especially for well-known names like his.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The personality mentioned is Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.
• We must identify his classical dance form.
• Options are Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Kathakali.
• We assume basic familiarity with Indian dance heritage and key exponents.

Concept / Approach:
Kelucharan Mohapatra is universally recognised as one of the principal architects of the modern revival of Odissi dance. His training, choreography, and performances have made him synonymous with Odissi. Matching the guru to the dance form requires remembering such signature associations: for example, Birju Maharaj with Kathak, Kelucharan Mohapatra with Odissi, and so on.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra came from Odisha and worked extensively on an Odissi repertoire. Step 2: Recognise that he trained many famous Odissi dancers and helped codify the style. Step 3: Compare this information with the options: Kathak (North India), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Kathakali (Kerala). Step 4: Only “Odissi” matches both the geographic and stylistic association with Kelucharan Mohapatra. Step 5: Choose “Odissi” as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard cultural GK books and dance histories refer to Kelucharan Mohapatra as a legendary Odissi exponent. Many leading Odissi dancers cite him as their guru. Furthermore, awards and honours he received explicitly mention his contribution to Odissi dance. None of the other dance styles list him as a primary guru, making the association with Odissi clear and exclusive.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kathak: Generally associated with gurus like Birju Maharaj, not Kelucharan Mohapatra. Kuchipudi: A classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh with its own lineage of gurus; Kelucharan Mohapatra is not part of that core lineage. Kathakali: A stylised dance-drama tradition from Kerala; again, different exponents are associated with this form.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up classical dance gurus and select the wrong form simply because all names look “classical”. Another pitfall is confusing Odissi with other forms from eastern or southern India. To avoid this, create a mental map: match each guru with one clear dance form and state — such as Kelucharan Mohapatra with Odissi and Odisha. Repeated revision of such pairs helps you recall them instantly in the exam.

Final Answer:
Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra is a maestro of the classical dance form Odissi.