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Question

With which of the following countries is ‘Khon’, the masked drama dance performance depicting the glory of Lord Rama, associated?

This question was previously asked in
SSC Stenographer 2020-21 Previous Year Paper (15-Nov-2021) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

Thailand

Understanding Khon: The Masked Drama Dance

The question asks about the country associated with 'Khon', a specific type of masked drama dance performance. This performance is known for depicting the glory of Lord Rama, primarily based on the Ramayana epic.

What is Khon Dance?

Khon is a traditional Thai masked dance. It is characterized by its elaborate costumes, distinctive masks worn by most characters (except for the human lead male), and the use of narrators and a chorus who provide the story and dialogue. The performers move in a highly stylized manner, combining dance steps with mime and martial arts elements.

Key characteristics of Khon include:

  • It is a masked drama performance.
  • It primarily depicts stories from the Ramakien, the Thai national epic derived from the Indian Ramayana.
  • Lord Rama and his adventures are central to the performances.
  • It is a highly refined art form with a long history.

Identifying the Country Associated with Khon

Based on historical and cultural evidence, Khon is deeply rooted in the traditions of one specific country among the options provided.

  • Vietnam: Vietnam has its own rich traditions of dance and theatre, but Khon is not a prominent form associated with it.
  • Indonesia: Indonesia has diverse forms of dance and theatre, including those related to the Ramayana (like Wayang Kulit or various dance dramas in Java and Bali). However, Khon is not native to Indonesia.
  • Japan: Japan has unique masked theatre forms like Noh and Kyogen, but these are distinct from Khon and unrelated to the Ramayana in this context.
  • Thailand: Khon is widely recognized as a traditional performing art of Thailand. It is considered one of the country's most iconic cultural treasures. The Ramakien epic, which forms the basis for Khon performances, is the national epic of Thailand.

Therefore, the masked drama dance performance 'Khon', depicting the glory of Lord Rama, is associated with Thailand.

Revision Table: Khon Dance and Related Countries

Art Form Description Associated Country
Khon Masked drama dance depicting Ramakien (Ramayana) Thailand
Wayang Kulit Shadow puppetry, often depicting Ramayana/Mahabharata Indonesia, Malaysia
Noh Theatre Traditional masked drama Japan

Additional Information on Khon and Thai Culture

Khon holds significant cultural importance in Thailand. Historically, it was a court entertainment, performed only for royalty. In modern times, efforts have been made to preserve and promote Khon, and it is performed for the public. The performances require immense skill, rigorous training, and dedication from the performers. The masks themselves are intricate works of art, each representing a specific character from the epic, such as demons, monkeys (like Hanuman), or celestial beings.

The Ramakien epic is a cornerstone of Thai literature and culture, influencing various art forms besides Khon, including murals in temples and other traditional dances.

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