Sitara Devi, a doyen of _________ Dance, was hailed as the Queen of Kathak by Rabindranath Tagore.

The correct answer is Kathak.

Sitara Devi was a legendary exponent of Kathak dance — one of the eight classical dance forms of India — and she is widely regarded as one of the greatest Kathak dancers of the 20th century.

Why Kathak?
Kathak originates from the storytellers of ancient northern India known as Kathakas, who narrated mythological tales through expressive gestures, footwork, and rhythmic movement. Over centuries, it evolved into a full-fledged classical dance form, flourishing under the patronage of Mughal courts and later the Nawabs of Lucknow.

About Sitara Devi:
Sitara Devi (1920–2014) began training in Kathak from a very young age under her father, Sukhdev Maharaj, belonging to the prestigious Banaras gharana of Kathak. She became renowned for her lightning-fast footwork (tatkar), expressive abhinaya (emotive expression), and masterful command over laya (rhythm). Her performances were marked by breathtaking speed, grace, and dramatic power.

The Title "Queen of Kathak":
The Nobel laureate poet and polymath Rabindranath Tagore was so captivated by Sitara Devi's extraordinary artistry that he bestowed upon her the prestigious title — "Queen of Kathak". This recognition from such a towering cultural figure cemented her legendary status in Indian classical arts.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• Manipuri — A classical dance from Manipur in Northeast India; associated with dancers like Guru Bipin Singh.
• Odissi — A classical dance from Odisha; associated with exponents like Kelucharan Mohapatra and Sonal Mansingh.
• Sattriya — A classical dance from Assam, originating in the Vaishnavite monasteries called Sattras; associated with Maheswar Neog and others.

None of these are associated with Sitara Devi. Her entire life and legacy were devoted to Kathak, making it the only correct answer.