Q. In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters
Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story
A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism

Answer: (a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck

Tribhaṅga or Tribunga is a standing body position or stance used in traditional Indian art and Indian classical dance forms.
The techniques of movement are built around the two basic postures of the Chowk and the Tribhanga.
- The chowk is a position imitating a square – a very masculine stance with the weight of the body equally balanced.
- The tribhanga is a very feminine stance where the body is deflected at the neck, torso and knees.
Tribhanga consists of three bends in the body; at the neck, waist and knee, hence the body is oppositely curved at waist and neck which gives it a gentle “S” shape and is considered the most graceful and sensual of the Odissi positions.