UPSC Prelims 2006 · General Studies
Question 53: History and Culture
Who among the following was presented with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna Award, 2005 for her lifetime achievement in dance?
AnswerThe answer is (a).
The Sangeet Natak Akademi's Ratna Sadasya (Akademi Fellowship) is its highest honour, given for lifetime achievement. The key names Chandralekha, the Chennai-based dancer and choreographer who broke from traditional Bharatanatyam to create a new, experimental dance idiom. Tanjavur Balasaraswati had died in 1984, so she could not have been honoured in 2005; Uma Sharma is a Kathak dancer, and Yamini Krishnamurthy is known for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Correct per the key: Chandralekha, the Chennai-based choreographer.
- (b) Balasaraswati died in 1984, long before 2005.
- (c) Uma Sharma is a Kathak dancer; the key does not credit her with the 2005 award.
- (d) Yamini Krishnamurthy is a Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer; not the 2005 awardee per the key.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2006, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.