SSC CPO 2025 PYQ — Question 60

Answer: Option (D) is correct.
Explanation:

• Kathakali is a prominent classical dance-drama form of Kerala. It is renowned for its elaborate costumes, heavy makeup, and symbolic masks. Option (D) is incorrect because Kathakali is not a 'silent performance.' Although the lead actor/dancer does not speak or sing personally, live singing in the Sopanam musical style is an integral part of the background accompaniment. The singers recite the Attakatha (the play's script), while the dancers bring the story to life through hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions.
• This dance form employs the Ilakkalam technique, wherein rhythmic percussion instruments—such as the Chenda and Maddalam—are played in accompaniment to the vocalist's singing. Therefore, stating that the performance contains no vocal elements is factually incorrect.

Additional Points:

• Costumes: Characters are categorized based on their nature or temperament such as Pacha (noble/heroic), Kathi (villainous/arrogant), and Thadi (bearded characters).
• Gestures (Mudras): The art form utilizes 24 primary hand gestures (mudras) that serve as the foundation for the entire narrative dialogue.
• History: Kathakali evolved around the 17th century, drawing upon the earlier dance-drama styles of Ramanattam and Krishnanattam.
• Culture: Traditionally, it is an all-night performance that was historically staged within temple precincts.

Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
1. Question: In Kathakali, what type of characters does Pacha (the green color) represent?
Answer: Sattvic (virtuous) and noble characters (such as Rama and Yudhishthira).
2. Question: Which musical instruments are primarily used in a Kathakali performance?
Answer: Chenda, Maddalam, Ilathalam, and Chengila. 3. Question: On which two Indian epics is Kathakali dance primarily based?
Answer: The Ramayana and the Mahabharata.