Question

Which dance form uses Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda extensively in its repertoire?

• A. Kathak
• B. Bharatanatyam
• C. Odissi
• D. Manipuri

Hint:

{Odissi dance frequently interprets verses from Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda}, depicting the love of Radha and Krishna.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Gita Govinda, composed by the 12th-century poet Jayadeva, is a lyrical Sanskrit work that describes the divine love between Krishna and Radha. The text is widely used in the repertoire of the classical dance form Odissi, which originated in the state of Odisha.
Step 1: Understand the relationship between Odissi and Gita Govinda.
Many Odissi dance performances interpret verses from Gita Govinda through expressive movements and abhinaya (facial expressions and gestures).
Step 2: Historical significance.
The compositions of Gita Govinda have long been associated with temple traditions in Odisha, especially the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Step 3: Eliminate other options.

• Kathak developed mainly in North India and Mughal courts.
• Bharatanatyam originated in Tamil Nadu and emphasizes Tamil devotional compositions.
• Manipuri focuses on Raslila traditions but does not primarily rely on Gita Govinda.

Thus, the dance form that extensively uses Gita Govinda is Odissi.