The Natya Shastra, which describes the distinctive characteristics of each classical dance style, has a long history with classical dance.However, folk dance draws its ideas from the rich fabric of local traditions that cover multiple nations, ethnic groups, and geographic places.Celebrations of agricultural harvests and social events like weddings often end with folk dancing. In contrast to classical dances, which are usually executed by skilled or experienced dancers who worked for years developing their technique, folk dances come from specific regions and have frequently been passed down through the years. in addition to its eight classical dances. Classical And Folk Dances Of India showcase a diverse array of expressions and cultural identities
Classical Dance in India
It is originated with the Natya Shastra, an ancient manual on performing arts. Scholars share that the nation has eight classical dance styles. The Cultural Ministry of India has welcomed Chhau, bringing the total number of traditional dance styles to eight.These classical forms, along with the rich tapestry of folk dances, collectively represent the diverse spectrum of Classical & Folk Dances of India.
8 Basic Emotions in Classical Dance
Classical dance expresses 8 basic emotions or ‘rasas’:
- Shringar: Love
- Hasya: Humorous
- Karuna: Sorrow
- Raudra: Anger
- Veer: Heroism
- Bhayanak: Fear
- Bibhats: Disgust
- Adbhoot: Wonder
The States of Origin for Indian Classical Dances
Understanding the states of origin for various Indian classical dances helps for static GK topics, as well as checks like the UPSC.
| Classical Dance | State of Origin |
| Bharatnatyam | Tamil Nadu |
| Kathak | Uttar Pradesh |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh |
| Odissi | Odisha |
| Kathakali | Kerala |
| Sattriya | Assam |
| Manipuri | Manipur |
| Mohiniyattam | Kerala |
For more detailed information on Indian classical dances and other static GK topics, check out the linked articles.
Bharatanatyam
- Bharatanatyam is a traditional dance from Tamil Nadu, South India. It is called as ‘Daasi Attam’.
- Instruments used: mridangam, flute, violin, veena, and nattuvangam.
- Famous dancers include Mallika Sarabhai, Yamini Krishnamurthy, Alarmel Valli, Padma Subrahmanyam, Rukmini Devi, and Arun Dale.
Manipuri Dance
- the Manipuri is a traditional dance that developed in Manipur, Northeast India.
- Instruments used: ping and cymbals.
- Guru Bipin Singh, Rajkumar Singhajit Singh, Darshana Jhaveri, and Sohini Ray are well-known dancers.
Odissi
- Odissi is a classical dance from Odisha that originated in temple rites.
- Instruments used: mardala, harmonium, flute, sitar, violin, and cymbals.
- A number of well-known dancers are Sanjukta Panigrahi, Minati Mishra, Kumkum Mohanty, Padmashree Pankaj, Prasad Das, Sanjukta Panigrahi, Oopalie Oparajita, and Sangeeta Das.
Kathak
- Kathak is a classical dance from Northern India that combines Hindu and Muslim influences. It sprang from the narrative tradition of ancient India’s kathaks.
- Instruments used include tabla, sarangi or harmonium, and manjira.
- Famous dancers include Shambhu Maharaj, Sitara Devi, Birju Maharaj, Roshan Kumari, Saswati Sen, Rohini Bhate, and Shovana Narayan.
Kuchipudi
- Origin: Kuchipudi is the classical dance of Andhra Pradesh in South India, originating from a village named Kuchipudi.
- Music : The dance is accompanied by Carnatic music.
- School: Natya Tarangini is a well-known school for Kuchipudi.
- Instruments Used: Mridangam, violin, flute, tambura.
Kathakali
- Kathakali is a traditional dance style from Kerala, South India.
- Chenda, madalam, chengila, idakka, and shankhu were the instruments used.
Sattriya Dance
- Sattriya dance is a traditional Indian dance type that originated in the sattras (monasteries) around the 16th century. Shankaradeva (1449-1586), the saint and reformer, popularized the Vaishnava faith at this time. Sattriya is a different style of traditional Indian dance that involves a sophisticated language of hand gestures (hasta), footwork (pada karma), movement and emotion (Nritta and Abhinaya), and a repertory based on Krishna devotion.
Mohiniyattam
- Origin: Mohiniyattam is a classical solo dance form from Kerala, named after ‘Mohini’, the celestial enchantress from Hindu mythology.
- Famous Dancers: Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, Gopika Varma, Sunanda Nair, Hymavathy, and Neena Prasad.
Folk Dance Forms of India
Folk dances in India are highly culturally important, often expressing the daily routines, rituals, and festivals of rural communities.
Historical Context.
Sanskrit literature from the middle ages recorded a number of group dances, including Hallisaka, Rasaka, Dand Rasaka, and Charchari. The Natya Shastra, a fundamental work on performing arts, describes group dances done by women as a precursor to play.
Folk dances play an important part in maintaining India’s rich cultural history by providing insights into the customs and lives of many groups across the country.
Types of folk dances in India:
| State | Famous Folk Dance Forms |
| Andhra Pradesh | Kolattam, Lambadi, Dhimsa |
| Assam | Bihu, Bagurumba, Sattriya |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Ponung, Aji Lamu |
| Bihar | Bidesia, Jata-Jatin |
| Chhattisgarh | Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Karma |
| Goa | Ghode, Shigmo, Dekhni |
| Gujarat | Garba, Dandiya Ras |
| Haryana | Jhumar, Phag, Gugga |
| Himachal Pradesh | Nati, Dangi, Jhali |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Rauf, Hikat, Dumhal |
| Jharkhand | Sohrai, Karma, Paika |
| Karnataka | Yakshagana, Kunitha, Huttari |
| Kerala | Kaikottikali, Thappattam |
| Maharashtra | Lavani, Lezim, Koli |
| Manipur | Thang Ta, Pung Cholom |
| Meghalaya | Nongkrem, Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem |
| Mizoram | Cheraw, Khuallam |
| Nagaland | Chong, Khaiva |
| Odisha | Ghumura, Chhau, Savari |
| West Bengal | Gambhira, Baul, Jatra |
| Punjab | Bhangra, Giddha |
| Rajasthan | Ghoomar, Kalbeliya |
| Sikkim | Singhi Chham, Tamang Selo |
| Tamil Nadu | Kummi, Kolattam |
| Tripura | Bizu Dance, Gajan |
| Uttar Pradesh | Raslila, Nautanki |
| Uttarakhand | Garhwali, Kajri |
| Lakshadweep | Lava, Kolkali |
These dance forms are integral to the cultural identity and traditions of their respective states, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of Indian folk culture.
Also Read : Dance To Perfection: Explore The Finest Dance Classes In Chandigarh
Frequently Asked Questions on Indian Dance Forms
Q1. What exactly is Karagattam?
Karagattam is a traditional Tamil Nadu folk dance performed to honor the Goddess of Rain.
Q2 What is Gujarat’s traditional dance?
Ans. Garba is a dance, religious, and social festival that created in Gujarat, India. Garba is a communal circle dance popular in Gujarat, India’s northwestern state. The term “garba” is also used to describe the occasion at which the garba is performed.
Q 3: What is the distinction between Kathak and Bharatanatyam?
The main difference between Kathak and Bharatnatyam is that Bharatnatyam is a South Indian dance style that start in the state of Tamil Nadu, whereas Kathak is a Northern Indian dance form that developed in Hindu temples. Kathak and Bharatnatyam are two traditional dance types from India.
