Which of the following sequences correctly arranges the classical Indian dances from the oldest historical origin to the most recent?
1. Manipuri
2. Kathak
3. Mohiniyattam
4. Bharatanatyam
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. 4 → 3 → 1 → 2.
Among the given classical dances, Bharatanatyam (4) is the oldest, with origins traced to ancient Tamil Nadu and references in texts like the Natya Shastra and temple sculptures of the Chola period. Next comes Mohiniyattam (3) from Kerala, which evolved around the 16th century, gaining prominence in temple dance traditions devoted to Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu. Manipuri (1) developed later in the 18th century in Manipur, especially under royal patronage during the Vaishnavite period. Kathak (2), though based on ancient storytelling traditions, reached its recognizable classical form comparatively later during the Mughal courts, making it the most recent in its codified structure.