With reference to the death of Pandit Birju Maharaj, the famous kathak dancer, consider the following statements: Kathak is the only form of classical dance wedded to Hindustani or the North Indian music. Kathak is completely based on the Hindu culture alone. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q. With reference to the death of Pandit Birju Maharaj, the famous kathak dancer, consider the following statements:
1. Kathak is the only form of classical dance wedded to Hindustani or the North Indian music.
2. Kathak is completely based on the Hindu culture alone.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Notes:

Statement 1 is correct: Kathak is the only form of classical dance wedded to Hindustani or the North Indian music. Both of them have had a parallel growth, each feeding and sustaining the other. (Odissi dance uses Odissi music which is blend of Hindustani and Carnatic)

Statement 2 is incorrect: Kathak is the only classical dance of India having links with Muslim culture, it represents a unique synthesis of Hindu and Muslim genius in art.

Source: The Hindu

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