Classical Dances of India
Quickly Read Most Important Points about Classical Dances of India.
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Classical Dances of India - Most Important Points for Prelims
Bharatnatyam
Oldest classical dance.- State - Tamilnadu
- Also known as 'Ekaharya', as one dancer takes on many roles in a single performance.
- Symbolizes the element of fire as movements in Bharatanatyam resemble a dancing flame.
Kathak
- Traditional dance which traces its origin back to the Ras Leela of Brajbhoomi.
- State - Uttar Pradesh
- Derives its name from “Kathika” meaning storytellers.
- Only Indian classical dance having a synthesis of Hindu and Muslim traditions.
- Known for the development of different Gharanas (Lucknow, Jaipur, Raigarh, Banaras).
- Only classical dance based on Hindustani style of music.
- Important feature - 'Jugalbandi' ( A competitive play between the dancer and the tabla player ).
Odissi
State - Odisha - Symbolises the element of water.
- Two styles of traditional Odissi :
- Maharis (Devadasis or Temple Girls).
- Gotipua ( Performed by Boys).
- The dancers create intricate geometrical shapes and patterns with her body.
- It is characterized by various Bhangas (Stance) - Two basic postures are Chowk (imitating a square) and the Tribhanga.
Kathakali
State - Kerala - Blend of dance, music and acting ('Katha' meaning story and 'Kali' meaning drama).
- Symbolizes the element of sky.
- The dancers enact the roles (kings, gods, demons etc.) of the stories with particular make-up and costume.
Mohiniattam
State - Kerala- Classical solo dance performed by women.
- It is interpreted as the dance of ‘Mohini’, the female form taken by God Vishnu to kill Bhasmasura.
- Symbolizes element of air.
Kuchipudi
Originated in Kuchipudi village, Krishna district of modern Andhra Pradesh.- This dance form has emerged from a popular theatrical art ‘Kuchipudi Yakshagana’ .
- It comprises techniques such as dancing on the rim of a brass plate and with a pitcher full of water on the head called Tarangam.
Sattriya
State - Assam- Introduced by the great Vaishnava saint, Sankaradeva for propagation of the Vaishnava faith.
- It grew as a part of Vaishnav Bhakti Movement in Hindu Monasteries called ‘Sattra’ and has been preserved by them.
- Main themes of the dance are mostly on Radha-Krishna and other myths.
- Perform by both male and female.
Manipuri
State - Manipur- This dance gained prominence under the advent of Vaishnavism.
- Most popular forms of Manipuri dance are : Ras, Sankirtana and Thang-Ta.
- The themes in Manipuri are mostly influenced by Hindu Vaishnavism. The main theme revolves around Radha, Krishna and the gopis.
Chhau Dance
State - Jharkhand, West Bengal- Chhau is a blend of folk, tribal and martial arts.
- It has three different types originated from three different regions :
- Seraikella Chhau
- Mayurbhanj Chhau
- Purulia Chhau
