Archaeological evidence of which of the following dance forms dating back to the 2ndcentury BC was found in the caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 4 i.e. Odissi.
Archaeological evidence of Odissi dance dating back to the 2nd century BC has been found in the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves in Odisha. These caves, associated with the Jain king Kharavela, contain carvings and sculptures depicting graceful dance postures that are strikingly similar to the movements of Odissi. This suggests that the dance form has ancient roots in temple rituals and spiritual practices. The reliefs show dancers in tribhanga posture, which remains central to Odissi even today. These findings establish Odissi as one of the oldest surviving classical dance forms of India with deep cultural and religious significance.