2013 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I

Question 79: History and Culture

In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

aOne leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
bFacial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters
cMovements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story
dA little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

Tribhanga is a graceful standing pose in Indian dance and sculpture in which the body bends at three places, the neck, waist and knee, so that the head, torso and hips lean in alternating directions, with one leg bent. It is a basic posture of Odissi and is seen in sculptures of deities and Bodhisattvas. The other options describe abhinaya and mime, and the expression of shringara, not this pose.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Correct. One leg bent and the body curved oppositely at waist and neck.
  • (b) Wrong. This describes symbolic characterisation using face, hands and make-up.
  • (c) Wrong. This describes abhinaya, expression through body, face and hands.
  • (d) Wrong. This describes the expression of love or eroticism, not the pose.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.