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Various scriptures, manuscripts, and excavations provide evidence that classical dance forms existed in India. The dances provide a quick overview of Indian culture and traditions. There are two main types of dance forms: classical dance and folk dance. Classical dance is closely related to the Natya Shastra, whilst folk dance is derived from the local tradition of a specific state. In this section, we shall look at Indian classical dances from different regions that portray their culture.
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About Indian Classical Dances
India is a place of rich culture and heritage. Our country is widely recognised for its dance India is a land of rich culture and heritage. Our country is well-known for its dancing traditions, which are deeply rooted in our Hindu heritage. Classical dance is closely linked with the Sanskrit term ‘Natya Shastra’, a text composed by Bharat Muni. This scripture is a source of artistic inspiration, influencing dance, music, and literature.
There are two main components to Indian traditional dances: Tandava and Lasya. Tandava relates to the motions and rhythms of dance, whereas Lasya refers to grace, bhava (expression), and rasa. Rasa is generally described in nine forms, which include Shringar (Love), Veer (Heroism), Karuna (Pathos), Hasya (Humour), Raudra (Anger), Bhayanak (Fear), Bibhats (Disgust), Adbhoot (Wonder) and Santa (Peace). The other aspects of Indian Classical Dance are Natya, Nritta, and Nritya.
- Natya: It is the dramatic aspect of dance, such as imitating a character and their body language.
- Nritta: It refers to the basic dancing motions.
- Nritya: It refers to the expressive component of dance, such as mudras or gestures.
There are various forms of Indian Classical Dance from various regions that depict their cultural backgrounds. However, the Sangeet Natak Academy, the primary organisation responsible for the preservation of Indian arts, only recognises eight forms of dance. Let us look at these dancing forms in depth.
Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu)
Bharatnatyam originated in Tamil Nadu and is considered one of India’s oldest forms of dance.
- This dance form was performed by Devadasis at temples.
- The women who perform this dance form wear a traditional silk sari with gold zari embroidery, jewellery, and ghungroos.
- It was earlier known as the Sadiraattam before being renamed Bharatnayma in 1932.
- This dance form is performed to Carnatic music and is characterised by a fixed upper torso, bent legs, precise footwork, hand motions, and facial expressions.
- This dance form’s themes are religious and devotional, depicting mythical stories such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharat.
Kathak (Uttar Pradesh)
Kathak originated from the state of Uttar Pradesh, which is mainly a part of North India.
- This dancing style involves a storytelling narrative.
- This dance form emerged during the Mughal rule, combining Persian and Hindu traditions. It is done with Hindustani classical music.
- Individuals performing this dance form dressed in a lehenga, choli (blouse), and dupatta (veil), as well as heavy jewellery and ghungroos for rhythmic motions.
- Kathak depends on the precise motions of footwork, spins, and expressive gestures. This dance form mostly tells stories about epics, Persian poetry, and courtly love.
Also Read: Traditional Art Forms of India: Folk Art
Kathakali (Kerala)
Kathakali is the dance form of Kerala which originated from temple and folk arts.
- This dance form dates back to the 17th century and depicts mythological stories, particularly those from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- This dancing style is defined by its elaborate makeup, vibrant clothes, big headgear, and face masks.
- This is performed to Carnatic music using percussion instruments, with an emphasis on rigorous physical training, detailed facial expressions, and hand gestures.
Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
Kuchipudi is the state dance performed in the village of Kuchipudi in Andra Pradesh from where it got its name.
- Kuchipudi is a dance-drama originally performed by male Brahmins.
- Kuchipudi shares similarities with Bharatnatyam and follows Carnatic music but with regional variations.
- This blends dance and acting, and it consists of a narrative element based on Hindu stories about Lord Krishna.
Also Read: Origin, Evolution, Dress, Elements and Famous Artists
Manipuri (Manipur)
As the name suggests, Manipuri is the dance form of the Indian state Manipur representing its folk traditions.
- This dance has a strong connection with the state’s festivals and rituals.
- Women perform these dance forms in long skirts known as phaneks, while men wear dhotis and turbans.
- Manipuri is performed to Manipuri classical music, with instruments such as the pung (drum) and pena.
- This dance is distinguished by soft, delicate movements, with an emphasis on hand gestures and facial expressions.
- It shows narratives from Vaishnav stories, with a focus on Radha and Krishna.
Also Read: Mohiniyattam Dance: A Grace of Kerala
Mohiniyattam (Kerala)
Mhiniyattam is the dance form of Kerala which derived its name from Mohini, an enchantress incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
- Devadsis have traditionally performed this dance form in Kerala.
- It is thought that Mohini performed this dance to distract demons and ensure the distribution of the immoral drink (Amrit) among the gods.
- It is a dance associated with females, with an emphasis on softness and delicate movements.
- Women performing this dance form, wear white and gold saris, with minimal jewellery and hair put in a bun.
- This dance is performed in the Carnatic music style and depicts devotional and romantic themes.
- Mohiniyattam can be recognised by its graceful motions, beautiful footwork, and expressive eyes.
Odissi (Odisha)
Odissi is the dance form of the Indian state Odisha, which is performed at the temples mainly.
- Initially, Odissi is performed by Maharis, also known as temple dancers.
- This dance form’s clothes consist of silver jewellery and carefully crafted silk saris.
- This dance style is distinguished by the Tribhangi (three-bend) posture, precise footwork, expressive gestures, and classical Odissi Classical music.
- This dance form’s theme is mainly devotional, dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
Also Read: What are the Different Dances forms of India?
Sattriya (Assam)
Sattriya dance originated in the Vaishnavite monasteries (sattras) of Assam.
- This dance form dates back to the 15th century created by saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardeva.
- This dance form is performed in traditional Assamese attire, complete with jewellery and ghungroos.
- These are the devotional dances performed in monasteries, which combine dance, drama, and song to convey stories from the Bhagavata Purana and other Vaishnavite texts.
- This dancing style is performed in classical Assamese music.
According to sources, India has eight classical dance forms. However, the Cultural Ministry of India has added Chhau to the list of classical dance forms, bringing the total to nine. Each of these dance traditions reflects India’s cultural and historical diversity, highlighting the artistic expression through dance.
FAQs
Rasa is the emotions evoked during the dance performance. Rasa is generally described in nine forms, which include Shringar (Love), Veer (Heroism), Karuna (Pathos), Hasya (Humour), Raudra (Anger), Bhayanak (Fear), Bibhats (Disgust), Adbhoot (Wonder) and Santa (Peace).
Bharatnatyam is the oldest classical dance in India, originated in Tamil Nadu. It was earlier known as the Sadiraattam before being renamed Bharatnayma in 1932. This dance form was performed by Devadasis at temples to Carnatic music.
According to sources, India has eight classical dance forms. However, the Cultural Ministry of India has added Chhau to the list of classical dance forms, bringing the total to nine.
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