Home » Prelims facts » Classical Dances of India

Classical Dances of India
Quickly Read Most Important Points about Classical Dances of India.
Build Your Basics
Free Mock Tests
Classical Dances of India - Most Important Points for Prelims
What are the Classical Dances of India ?
- Classical Dances of India are the traditional Indian dance forms whose origin can be traced from the Sanskrit text – ‘Natya Shastra’ by Bharata Muni.
- The 'Natya Shastra' is one of the the oldest surviving ancient Indian work on performance arts.
- It describes in detail the technique, postures, emotions, ornaments and even audience for dance performances.
What are most basic aspects of Indian Classical Dances ?
- 'Natya Shastra' defines two basic aspects of Indian Classical Dances - Lasya and Tandava.
- Lasya :
- It symbolizes the feminine features of a dance.
- It expresses happiness and is filled with grace and beauty.
- Tandava :
- It symbolizes the male aspect of dance.
- It also symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction.
What are the main components of Classical Dances ?
- There are three main components of Indian Classical Dances.
- Natya ( Dramatic element of the dance i.e. the imitation of characters)
- Nritya ( Expressional component i.e. Mudras or gestures)
- Nritta ( Pure dance movements in their basic form)
Who recognizes classical dances in India?
- Classical Dances in India are recognized by Sangeet Natak Academy and Ministry of Culture.
- The Sangeet Natak Academy recognizes eight Classical Dances :
- Bharatanatyam
- Kathak
- Kuchipudi
- Odissi
- Kathakali
- Sattriya
- Manipuri
- Mohiniyattam
- The Ministry of Culture recognizes nine Classical Dances. It includes 'Chhau' in its list of classical dances.
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.
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.