24/08/2019 classical dances of India - GKmojo
Protected: classical dances of India
The classical dance forms recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the
Ministry of Culture are:
Bharatanatyam, from Tamil Nadu.
Kathak, from Uttar Pradesh.
Kathakali, from Kerala.
Kuchipudi, from Andhra Pradesh.
Odissi, from Odisha (Oldest among all)
Sattriya, from Assam.
Manipuri, from Manipur.
Mohiniyattam, from Kerala.
1. Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest Indian classical dance forms, dating back more than
5000 years.
Performed primarily by Devadasis, this dance form depicts the aspects of love,
devotion and erotica.
Bharatanatyam is a highly technical dance form and requires 6-7 years of rigorous
training and practice to reach the stage of Arangetram (debut stage performance).
It is danced to Carnatic Music- a southern style of music usually performed by a
small ensemble of musicians.
Women wear a customized traditional sari and adorn traditional pieces of jewellery
like, ‘Jumka’ (earrings), ‘Nathni’ (nose ring), ‘Oddiyanam’ (waistband), etc, in order
to dress up like Hindu Goddesses. The jewellery set consists of 12-13 pieces of
ornaments that are a must to wear while performing Bharatanatyam. The costume
for men is a simple dhoti.
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24/08/2019 classical dances of India - GKmojo
2. Kathak
Kathak is a form of Indian classical dance that dates back to the 3rd and the 4th centuries.
The name is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Katha’, or story. Hence, a story is exhibited
through the graceful, rhythmic and agile movements of the dancer.
There are different styles of Kathak called the Gharanas (which literally
means the house of the Guru). Lucknow Gharana (In the present day, Pt. Birju
Maharaj ji is the torchbearer of this Gharana), Jaipur Gharana, Benares Gharana
and Raigarh Gharana.
Kathak is performed to a primary percussion instrument (usually a Tabla) or orally
recited beats. One or more string instruments like Sitar, Santur, Sarangi, Sarod,
Tanpura, and many more accompany the tempo progression.
The costumes for each Gharana differ to an extent. However, they mainly consist of
long flowy Kurta and ‘Churidaar’ (called Anarkali) for the woman, and a simple
dhoti for men, with or without a ‘Kurta’ (long traditional shirt). In some styles of
Kathak, women wear a long flowy skirt and blouse with a long scarf.
Both men and women wear ‘Ghunguroos’ or Ankle- bells, as they are the
prerequisite to this dance form.
3. Kathakali
Even though Kathakali originated in Kerala, but perhaps today Kerala is known through
Kathakali. The spectacularly beautiful and colourful costumes and the elaborate and heavy
makeup has come to be recognised as an icon of Kerala.
Kathakali, as the name suggests is a story-play. “Katha” meaning story and “Kali”
meaning drama.
It comprises music, vocal performers, choreography and hand and facial gestures
with ancient Indian martial arts and other athletic traditions of South India.
In most of its presentation, the dance form depicts the eternal conflict between God
and Evil.
The expression of Rasas through eye and eyebrow movements is the most
remarkable feature of Kathakali and needs strenuous training to perform.
4. Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi is a combination of music, dance and drama, exhibiting the scenes from Hindu
epics, mythological tales and popular legends. Originating in the Southern Indian state of
Andhra Pradesh, it derives its name from a village in the state named as Kusselavapuri.
A blend of lasya and tandava elements, this dance form is known for its quick
footwork, a spirited narrative, expressive eye movements and a dramatic
characterization.
A performer of this dance has to not only be a good dancer but an actor and singer
too, skilled in Sanskrit and Telugu.
Combining the elements of speech, mime and dance, Kuchipudi is an intensive
dance form and it takes a good 7-10 years to master this art.
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The men wear an Agnivastra (dhoti) and female dancers wear brilliantly coloured
saris with a pleated fan stitched in front to help highlight the footwork and very
light makeup.
5. Manipuri
Manipuri dance is counted among the major classical dance forms of India. The dance
form can be traced back to Natya Shastra and depicts the love between Radha & Krishna.
It is considered to be the most spectacular execution of the Ras-Lila.
Named after the North Eastern state of India- Manipur- the dance form is also
known as Jagoi. It is a vivid mix of Indian and Southeast Asian culture.
Performed by a team of men and women, the dance involves fluid and graceful
movements giving greater emphasis to hand and upper body gestures.
The dance is performed on soothing devotional music. Being a religious dance it
aims to express spiritual values.
The dancers wear a colourful ethnically embroidered and ornamented dress called
“Patloi” which is intrinsically designed to floor the onlookers.
6. Mohiniyattam
Performed exclusively by women, Mohiniyattam is a traditional & graceful dance which
celebrates the essence of Indian femininity and is one of the most loved classical dances of
India. It originated in the 16th century Kerala but flourished only in the 19th century.
Mohiniyattam is meant to be performed as a solo recital depicting the theme of
shringar or love.
Grace & beauty are the core components of this dance form. The language used
during the dance is a beautiful and soft mix of Sanskrit and Malayalam.
The dancers are dressed in ethereal attire and jewellery. A simple white saree with a
golden border known as “Kerala Kasavu Saree” is worn. It is the only saree used for
this dance.
It is said that Lord Vishnu disguised himself as Mohini, an enchantress to lure the
asuras (demons) away and save Lord Shiva. The dance is said to be a
commemoration to this great mythological event and was initially performed by
Devadasis in the temples of ancient Kerala
7. Odissi
Last in our list is Odissi, one of the most ancient dance forms from India. Odissi can be
traced back to 1st century BC, originating in the state of Odisha formerly Orissa. It is
deemed to be one of the most passionate, sensuous and ecstatic dance forms.
Odissi is one of the few dance forms which was performed predominantly by
women.
Based on Vaishnavism, this dance form gives great importance to Lord Jagannath-
lord of the universe and is a medium of expressing spiritual ideas and religious
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24/08/2019 classical dances of India - GKmojo
stories.
Some of the main elements of this dance form are “Tribhanga” (a bent posture
based on the Tribhangi concept of using head, chest and pelvis area to exhibit
movement styles), “Mangalacharan” (the beginning of dance),
“Batunirtya” (comprising dance), “Pallavi” (facial expression and representation of
the song), “Tarijham” (pure dance before the conclusion).
The dancers are colourfully dressed with makeup and jewellery. They wear beautiful
local silk (pattasari) sarees.
8. Sattriya
The Sattriya dance form was introduced in the 15th century A.D by the great
Vaishnava saint and reformer of Assam, Mahapurusha Sankaradeva as a powerful
medium for propagation of the Vaishnava faith.
The dance form evolved and expanded as a distinctive style of dance later on.
This neo-Vaishnava treasure of Assamese dance and drama has been, for centuries,
nurtured and preserved with great commitment by the Sattras i.e.
Vaishnava maths or monasteries.
Because of its religious character and association with the Sattras, this dance style
has been aptly named Sattriya.
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