Among the following famous Indian danseuses, who is not primarily known as an exponent of the Odissi classical dance style?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Yamini Krishnamurthy

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
India has several classical dance styles such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and others. Many legendary artistes are strongly associated with one or two of these forms. This question tests awareness of which renowned danseuse is not primarily linked with the Odissi dance tradition that originated in Odisha.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question lists four famous Indian female dancers.
- Three of them are closely identified with Odissi dance, one is not.
- The task is to find the dancer whose main reputation lies in other classical forms.
- We assume basic knowledge of Indian classical arts and their leading exponents.


Concept / Approach:
The key is to pair each name with the classical style most often mentioned with it. Sanjukta Panigrahi and Madhavi Mudgal are iconic Odissi dancers. Sonal Mansingh is also a major exponent of Odissi along with Bharatanatyam. In contrast, Yamini Krishnamurthy is celebrated mainly for virtuosity in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi rather than Odissi. Therefore, she is the one who is not primarily associated with Odissi.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Odissi is a classical dance form from Odisha with its own distinct style and repertoire. Step 2: Link Sanjukta Panigrahi with Odissi, as she is widely hailed for pioneering this style on national and international stages. Step 3: Recall that Madhavi Mudgal is a leading contemporary Odissi exponent and guru. Step 4: Remember that Sonal Mansingh is closely associated with both Odissi and Bharatanatyam. Step 5: Recognise that Yamini Krishnamurthy is chiefly famous for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, not for Odissi, and select her as the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
As an additional check, students can recall that many articles and biographies describe Yamini Krishnamurthy as a legendary Bharatanatyam dancer who also mastered Kuchipudi. Her performances, awards and titles usually highlight these forms. On the other hand, Sanjukta Panigrahi, Madhavi Mudgal and Sonal Mansingh frequently appear in discussions on Odissi development and teaching. If a dancer is mentioned in most sources primarily for styles other than Odissi, that dancer fits the condition "not an exponent of Odissi" in the sense of main specialisation.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sanjukta Panigrahi is one of the earliest and most influential Odissi performers, so she clearly belongs to Odissi tradition.
Madhavi Mudgal is recognised as a senior Odissi guru and performer and is strongly tied to that style.
Sonal Mansingh, though versatile, has a major body of work and recognition in Odissi as well as Bharatanatyam, and is often listed among key Odissi exponents.
Therefore these three options cannot be correct for the requirement "not an exponent of Odissi".


Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to think that because Sonal Mansingh is also known for Bharatanatyam, she is not an Odissi dancer. In reality she is a leading exponent of both. Another error is simply guessing without pairing each artiste with her core dance style. To avoid confusion, students should learn two or three major contributions or dance forms associated with each important classical dancer so that such questions become straightforward.


Final Answer:
Yamini Krishnamurthy

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion