Rani Machaiah from Karnataka was awarded the Padma Shri for her contribution to popularising ___________ in and outside Karnataka.

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Ummathat.
· Rani Machaiah is a renowned cultural icon from Karnataka who was awarded the Padma Shri for her significant contributions to popularizing Ummathat, a traditional dance form of the Kodava community.
· Ummathat is a traditional folk dance of the Kodava (Coorg) community in Karnataka.
· This dance is usually performed by women during festivals and celebrations.
· It involves graceful movements, vibrant costumes, and traditional music.
· Ummathat is an integral part of Kodava culture, often performed during important community gatherings and festivals like Puttari (harvest festival).
Facts to remember:
· Karadi Majalu is another folk dance form from Karnataka.
· This dance includes bear (Karadi) imitation performances, where dancers dress in bear costumes and enact playful scenes.
· Kunitha is a traditional dance form found in various parts of Karnataka.
· There are several variations of Kunitha, each with unique styles and instruments, such as the Dollu Kunitha, which involves drums.