Order these classical Indian dance forms by their earliest documented mentions, starting with the earliest:

1. Bharatanatyam
2. Kathak
3. Mohiniyattam
4. Manipuri

Question

Order these classical Indian dance forms by their earliest documented mentions, starting with the earliest:

1. Bharatanatyam
2. Kathak
3. Mohiniyattam
4. Manipuri

Accepted Answer

**Solution:**

1. **Bharatanatyam** is one of the oldest classical dance forms, with documented mentions dating back to ancient texts like the Natya Shastra (circa 2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE).

2. **Kathak** evolved later, with origins traced to northern India and mentions appearing prominently in medieval times (around 10th-12th century CE).

3. **Manipuri** dance is documented from around the 15th century CE, linked to the region of Manipur.

4. **Mohiniyattam** is believed to have developed later, with documented mentions from the 16th century CE onwards in Kerala.

Thus, the chronological order by earliest documented mention is:

**Bharatanatyam (1) → Kathak (2) → Manipuri (4) → Mohiniyattam (3)**

**Answer:** 1–2–4–3

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