What is Dance?
Dance is one of the most ancient and beautiful expressions of human emotion. It is not merely the movement of body parts, but a medium to display the feelings of the soul in harmony with music, rhythm, and melody. In India, dance is considered a crucial part of worshiping the divine, celebrating life, and preserving culture.
Origin of Dance in India
According to Indian mythology, when the Devas (gods) asked Lord Brahma for a form of communal entertainment that could be accessible to everyone and encompass the essence of all the Vedas, Brahma created the 'Natya Veda' (the Fifth Veda). He constructed it by extracting words (Pathya) from the Rigveda, music (Geet) from the Samaveda, gestures and acting (Abhinaya) from the Yajurveda, and emotions (Rasa) from the Atharvaveda. Sage Bharata Muni's 'Natya Shastra' is considered the most ancient and authentic text on Indian classical dance and arts. Lord Shiva's cosmic dance form, 'Nataraja', is regarded as the supreme symbol of dance.
Types of Indian Dances
Dances in India can be broadly classified into two major categories:
- Classical Dances: These are dances that strictly follow the intricate rules, principles, and theories laid down in ancient texts like the Natya Shastra. Learning them requires rigorous discipline and long practice under the traditional Guru-Shishya (Teacher-Disciple) system.
- Folk and Tribal Dances: These dances are deeply connected to the local culture, harvests, seasons, or festivals of specific regions, states, or tribes. They do not require strict classical rules; they are spontaneous expressions of joy and community celebration.
The 9 Classical Dances of India
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1. Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)
Oldest Classical Dance- Original Name: Sadir Attam (Dasi Attam), originally performed by Devadasis in Hindu temples.
- Origin: It is the oldest recorded classical dance form in India.
- Source of Rules: Mostly drawn from Abhinaya Darpana written by Nandikesvara.
- Elements: Bha (Bhava/Expression), Ra (Raga/Melody), and Ta (Tala/Rhythm).
- Sequence: Alarippu (Invocation), Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Varnam, Padam, and Tillana (Climax).
- Symbolism: Represents the element of Fire.
- Famous Exponents: Rukmini Devi Arundale (revived it), Yamini Krishnamurthy, Sonal Mansingh, Mrinalini Sarabhai.
2. Kathak (Uttar Pradesh)
Dance of Storytellers- Meaning: Derived from the word 'Katha', meaning 'story'.
- History: Evolved from ancient storytellers. It is the only classical dance strongly influenced by Mughal / Persian culture due to royal patronage.
- Characteristics: Intricate footwork, fast spins (Chakkars), and moving with straight knees. Ghungroos (ankle bells) play a vital role.
- Gharanas (Schools):
- Lucknow Gharana (Grace & Expression)
- Jaipur Gharana (Fast footwork)
- Benares Gharana
- Famous Exponents: Pt. Birju Maharaj, Lacchu Maharaj, Sitara Devi, Shovana Narayan.
3. Kathakali (Kerala)
Elaborate Makeup & Masks- Meaning: Katha (Story) + Kali (Play/Drama).
- Themes: Depicts tales from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
- Rules: Performers do not speak on stage. Dialogues are conveyed through intricate hand mudras and facial expressions (Navarasas).
- Makeup Details:
- Green (Pacha): Noble characters / Gods (Goodness)
- Red / Black (Katti/Thadi): Demons and evil characters
- Yellow (Minukku): Women or sages
- Symbolism: Represents the element of Sky (Ether). Traditionally performed by males (who also play female roles).
- Famous Exponents: Kalamandalam Gopi, Rita Ganguly.
4. Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
Dance & Singing- Origin: Originated from 'Kuchipudi' village in Krishna district. Tied closely with 'Bhagavata Mela' dance dramas.
- Difference: Visually similar to Bharatanatyam, but a distinct feature is that dancers sing and deliver dialogues while dancing.
- Famous Move 'Tarangam': The dancer performs complex steps while balancing on the edges of a brass plate with a pot of water on their head.
- Symbolism: Represents the element of Earth.
- Famous Exponents: Radha Reddy, Raja Reddy, Yamini Krishnamurthy.
5. Odissi (Odisha)
Tribhanga Posture- History: Mentions found in the Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves. Historically performed by 'Maharis' (Devadasis) and 'Gotipuas' (young boys).
- Devotion: Predominantly dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
- Signature Posture 'Tribhanga': This means 'three parts break'. The body is bent at the neck, torso, and hips, mimicking ancient temple sculptures.
- Symbolism: Represents the element of Water.
- Famous Exponents: Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Sonal Mansingh, Sanjukta Panigrahi.
6. Manipuri (Manipur)
Raas Leela- Origin: Traces its roots to the indigenous 'Lai Haraoba' festival. Prominent under Vaishnavite influence.
- Themes: Focuses primarily on the 'Raas Leela' (love play) of Radha and Krishna.
- Style: Unlike others, it is very soft and graceful. Dancers do not wear heavy ankle bells (ghungroos) and footwork is very light.
- Costume: Female dancers wear a unique barrel-shaped skirt called 'Potloi' or 'Kumil'. Includes 'Pung Cholom' (dancing while playing drums).
- Famous Exponents: Jhaveri Sisters (Nayna, Suverna, Ranjana, Darshana), Guru Bipin Singh.
7. Mohiniyattam (Kerala)
Solo Women's Dance- Meaning: 'Mohini' (Enchantress) + 'Attam' (Dance). Represents the Dance of the Enchantress.
- Mythology: Originates from the tale where Lord Vishnu took the female avatar 'Mohini' during the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan) or to defeat Bhasmasura.
- Performance: Performed exclusively by women as a solo dance. Known for sensuous and smooth, swaying movements.
- Costume: Dancers wear the traditional white or off-white Kasavu Saree with golden borders.
- Symbolism: Represents the element of Air.
- Famous Exponents: Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, Sunanda Nair.
8. Sattriya (Assam)
Bhakti Movement- Origin: Introduced in the 15th century by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer Srimanta Sankardev.
- Location: Traditionally performed in 'Sattras' (Vaishnavite monasteries) by monks to praise Lord Krishna.
- Features: Danced to musical compositions called 'Borgeet'. Usually performed as part of a theatrical performance called 'Ankiya Nat'.
- Recognition: Recognized as a classical dance by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in the year 2000.
- Famous Exponents: Guru Jatin Goswami, Sharodi Saikia.
9. Chhau (Jharkhand, Odisha, WB)
Martial Arts Dance- Recognition: Recognized as the 9th Classical Dance by the Ministry of Culture (though Sangeet Natak Akademi lists it separately).
- Style: It is a semi-classical Indian dance with strong martial arts and folk traditions.
- Three Sub-genres:
- Seraikella Chhau (Jharkhand): Uses masks.
- Purulia Chhau (West Bengal): Uses large, elaborate masks.
- Mayurbhanj Chhau (Odisha): Does not use masks.
- Themes: Stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata played out in open grounds, usually during spring festivals (Chaitra Parva).
- UNESCO: Incribed on the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
Major Folk Dances of India (State-wise)
| State / UT | Major Folk Dances |
|---|---|
| Assam | Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance |
| Gujarat | Garba, Dandiya Ras, Bhavai, Tippani Juriun |
| Rajasthan | Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Bhavai, Kachchhi Ghodi, Chari, Kathputli |
| Maharashtra | Lavani, Tamasha, Nakata, Koli, Gafa |
| Punjab | Bhangra (Men), Giddha (Women), Daff, Dhaman, Bhand |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Rouf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach |
| Kerala | Ottam Thullal, Kaikottikali, Theyyam |
| Chhattisgarh | Raut Nacha, Panthi, Karma, Sua, Pandavani, Kapalik |
| Madhya Pradesh | Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida |
| West Bengal | Baul, Kirtan, Jatra, Dhali, Gambhira |
| Uttar Pradesh | Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita |
| Jharkhand | Jhumar (Janani/Mardana), Paika, Phagua, Mundari, Sarhul, Domkach |
| Karnataka | Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga |
| Uttarakhand | Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila, Chappeli |
| Himachal Pradesh | Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi |
| Odisha | Savari, Ghumura, Painka, Munari, Gotipua |
| Bihar | Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama Chakwa, Bidesia |
| Meghalaya | Laho, Nongkrem |
| Mizoram | Cheraw (Bamboo Dance), Khullam, Chailam |