Dances of Ancient India

• Indian classical dances are among the finest expressions of India’s cultural, spiritual and artistic heritage.
• They developed from ancient temple traditions, ritual practices, devotional movements and royal patronage.
• Classical dance combines dance, drama, music, rhythm, expression and storytelling.
• Its theoretical foundation is mainly derived from Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra and other classical texts like Abhinaya Darpana.
• In India, eight classical dance forms are officially recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

 Origin and Theoretical Foundation

• Indian dance is traditionally considered to have a divine origin.
• According to tradition, Brahma created the Natya Veda, also called the fifth Veda.
• Natya includes dance, drama and music.
• The elements of Natya were drawn from the four Vedas:

Element of Natya	Taken From
Pathya / words	Rigveda
Abhinaya / gestures	Yajurveda
Geet / music	Samaveda
Rasa / emotions	Atharvaveda

 

 Basic Concepts of Indian Classical Dance

Concept	Meaning
Nritta	Pure dance movements without expression or story.
Nritya	Expressive dance using rhythm, gestures and emotions.
Natya	Dramatic representation through dance, music and acting.
Abhinaya	Expression through body, face, eyes, gestures, costume and emotion.
Rasa	Aesthetic experience or emotion created in the audience.
Bhava	Emotion expressed by the dancer.
Mudra	Symbolic hand gesture used to communicate meaning.
Tandava	Vigorous, powerful and energetic movement, associated with masculine force.
Lasya	Graceful, delicate and expressive movement, associated with feminine charm.

 

 Criteria for Recognition as a Classical Dance

A dance form is recognised as classical when it has the following features:

• It should have a foundation in Natya Shastra or allied classical treatises.
• It should contain the three elements of Nritta, Nritya and Natya.
• It should use the Rasa-Bhava framework.
• It should maintain a balance between Lasya and Tandava.
• It should have codified rules for postures, footwork, gestures and body movements.
• It should use a structured system of Abhinaya and Mudras.
• It should be transmitted through the Guru-Shishya Parampara.
• It should have themes from mythology, epics, devotion and philosophy.
• It should possess a distinct regional identity in music, costume, makeup and instruments.
• It should have historical continuity and institutional recognition.

 

BASIC ASPECTS OF DANCE; TANDAVA & LASYA

• Tandava denotes movement on rhythm i.e it emphasis on male characteristics of power, strength & firm aspect.

• Lasya denotes grace, bhava, rasa, & abhinaya which are more feminine

NRITTA VS. NATYA

• Nritta: consists of dance movement in their basic form.

• Natya: Includes expressions, through eye, hand & facial movements.

• Combination of ‘nritta’ & ‘natya’ becomes “Nritya.”

• Earliest evidence: Bronze dancing girl, Bhimbetka caves, Ajanta & Ellora caves.

• The classical dances are governed by rules of Natya Shastra & based on “Guru – Shishya parampara”.

• Sangeeta Natya Academy has given the status of 8 classical dances.

 

Eight Classical Dances of India

1. Bharatanatyam – Tamil Nadu

• Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India.
• It originated in Tamil Nadu and developed from the temple dance tradition.
• Earlier, it was known as Sadir and was performed by Devadasis in temples.
• It is also called the fire dance, as it represents energy, discipline and spiritual expression.
• Bharatanatyam gives importance to both Tandava and Lasya aspects.
• It is usually performed as a solo dance form.
• The dance is known for:
  • fixed body postures,
  • sharp footwork,
  • geometric movements,
  • expressive hand gestures,
  • facial expressions,
  • devotional themes.
• It is generally accompanied by Carnatic music.
• Themes are mostly taken from Hindu mythology, Bhakti tradition and temple culture.

2. Kathak – Uttar Pradesh

• Kathak originated in Uttar Pradesh.
• The word Kathak comes from Katha, meaning story.
• It began as a tradition of storytelling, where performers narrated religious and mythological stories through dance.
• It was influenced by the Vaishnavite Bhakti movement and later by Mughal court culture.
• Kathak is the only classical dance form closely associated with Hindustani music.
• It is known for:
  • fast footwork,
  • graceful spins,
  • rhythmic movements,
  • facial expressions,
  • hand gestures,
  • storytelling through dance.
• A special feature of Kathak is the Jugalbandi between the dancer and the tabla player.
• In the 19th century, Thumri music became closely associated with Kathak, especially during the time of Wajid Ali Shah of Lucknow.

3. Kathakali – Kerala

• Kathakali is a classical dance-drama form from Kerala.
• It combines music, dance, drama, costume and facial expression.
• It is known for its highly colourful costumes, painted faces and elaborate makeup.
• Traditionally, Kathakali was performed by male artists.
• The dancer does not speak during the performance.
• Communication is done through:
  • hand gestures,
  • facial expressions,
  • eye movements,
  • body movements.
• The language used in Kathakali songs is Manipravalam, a mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit.
• It is usually performed in open-air theatres.
• Themes are taken from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas.
• Kathakali mainly represents the eternal conflict between good and evil.

4. Mohiniyattam – Kerala

• Mohiniyattam is a graceful classical dance form of Kerala.
• The word Mohiniyattam means the dance of Mohini, the female form of Lord Vishnu.
• It is mainly a solo dance form.
• It is closely connected with Kerala’s temple traditions.
• Mohiniyattam gives more importance to Lasya, which means grace, softness and feminine expression.
• It is known for:
  • gentle movements,
  • slow circular body movement,
  • soft expressions,
  • controlled gestures,
  • graceful rhythm.
• Unlike many other dance forms, it has less emphasis on strong footwork.
• Musical instruments used include:
  • Edakka,
  • cymbals,
  • veena,
  • drums,
  • flute.
• The dance mainly expresses devotion, love and feminine grace.

5. Odissi – Odisha

• Odissi is a classical dance form from Odisha.
• It developed from the temple dance tradition and was performed by Maharis, who were female temple servants.
• It received early patronage from King Kharavela.
• Odissi is strongly influenced by the Vaishnava tradition of Odisha.
• Its major themes are related to Radha and Krishna.
• A unique feature of Odissi is the Tribhanga posture, in which the body bends at three points:
  • head,
  • torso,
  • knee.
• Odissi is known for:
  • sculptural poses,
  • graceful movements,
  • expressive gestures,
  • devotional themes,
  • lyrical beauty.
• Instruments used include:
  • Manjira,
  • Pakhawaj,
  • Sitar,
  • Flute.
• Symbolically, Odissi is associated with the element of water because of its fluid and graceful movements.

 

6. Kuchipudi – Andhra Pradesh

• Kuchipudi originated in Andhra Pradesh.
• It developed as a devotional dance-drama tradition.
• It was influenced by Vaishnavism and stories from the Bhagavata Purana.
• The dancers were traditionally known as Bhagavathalus.
• It received patronage from the Vijayanagara and Golconda rulers.
• Kuchipudi combines:
  • speech,
  • abhinaya,
  • pure dance,
  • music,
  • dramatic performance.
• A dancer may perform multiple roles in a single presentation.
• It is accompanied by Carnatic music.
• Instruments commonly used include:
  • violin,
  • mridangam,
  • flute,
  • cymbals.
• A special feature of Kuchipudi is Tarangam, where the dancer performs on the edge of a brass plate.

7. Sattriya – Assam

• Sattriya is a classical dance form from Assam.
• It originated in the Sattras, or Vaishnava monasteries of Assam.
• It was introduced in the 15th–16th century by Srimanta Sankaradeva.
• The dance was developed as a medium to spread the teachings of Vaishnavism.
• It is inspired by the Bhakti movement.
• Sattriya mainly depicts mythological stories related to:
  • Lord Vishnu,
  • Lord Krishna,
  • Bhagavata tradition.
• It combines dance, music, drama and devotional storytelling.
• Instruments used include:
  • Khol,
  • Manjira,
  • flute.
• Sattriya was earlier performed inside monasteries but later developed as a recognised classical dance form.

8. Chhau – Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand

• Chhau is a classical dance form practised in Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand.
• It combines elements of martial art, folk tradition, dance and drama.
• Chhau narrates stories from:
  • Ramayana,
  • Mahabharata,
  • Puranas,
  • folklore,
  • local legends.
• It is associated with Chaitra Parva, which marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season.
• Chhau performances are usually held at night in open spaces.
• It does not use vocal music; instead, the performance is based on instrumental music.
• Instruments used include:
  • Mohuri,
  • Turi-bheri,
  • Dhol,
  • Nagada,
  • Jhanj,
  • Shehnai.
• Chhau has three main styles:
  • Seraikella Chhau – Jharkhand,
  • Purulia Chhau – West Bengal,
  • Mayurbhanj Chhau – Odisha.
• Among these, Mayurbhanj Chhau is performed without masks.
• Chhau is known for powerful movements, heroic themes and martial energy.

 

Elements of Classical Dance

Element	Explanation
Natyashastra-based grammar	Classical dances follow codified rules of movement, expression, rhythm and aesthetics.
Nritta, Nritya and Natya	These three form the structural base of classical dance.
Abhinaya	Expression through body, speech, costume and inner emotion.
Rasa-Bhava	Emotional expression by the dancer creates aesthetic experience in the audience.
Mudras	Hand gestures used to communicate meanings and emotions.
Tala and Raga	Rhythm and melody guide the movement and performance.
Lasya and Tandava	Balance between graceful and vigorous movements.
Guru-Shishya Parampara	Traditional method of learning and transmission.

 Role of Sangeet Natak Akademi

• Gives official recognition to classical dance forms.
• Preserves traditional techniques and performance styles.
• Supports training through workshops and masterclasses.
• Promotes the Guru-Shishya Parampara.
• Provides scholarships, grants and fellowships.
• Organises national and international dance festivals.
• Documents performances and supports research.
• Honours outstanding artists through awards and fellowships.

 

FOLK DANCES OF INDIA

• Folk dances are traditional dances performed by local communities in different regions of India.
• They are closely connected with festivals, harvests, rituals, religious beliefs, martial traditions and community celebrations.
• Unlike classical dances, folk dances are generally less codified and are passed from one generation to another through community practice.
• They reflect the social life, customs, occupations, environment and cultural identity of different regions.
• Folk dances are usually performed in groups and are accompanied by local musical instruments, songs, clapping and rhythmic movements.

Major Folk Dances of India

1. Dalkhai – Odisha

• Dalkhai is a popular folk dance of Odisha.
• It is mainly performed during Dussehra.
• The dance is associated with community celebration and festive joy.
• It reflects the traditional rhythm, costume and cultural life of western Odisha.

2. Paika – Odisha

• Paika is a martial folk dance of Odisha.
• It developed from the warrior tradition of the Paikas, who were traditional soldiers.
• The dance includes martial movements, physical strength and war-like postures.
• It represents courage, discipline and military skill.

3. Danda Jatra – Odisha

• Danda Jatra is a traditional folk performance of Odisha.
• It combines dance, drama and music.
• The themes are generally related to Lord Shiva, harmony and brotherhood.
• It has both religious and social significance.

4. Dhap Dance – Odisha

• Dhap Dance is associated with the Kandha tribe of Odisha.
• It is performed during the Nirakhai festival.
• The dance reflects tribal culture, community participation and festive celebration.

5. Garba – Gujarat

• Garba is one of the most famous folk dances of Gujarat.
• It is mainly performed by women during Navratri.
• Women dance in a circular formation around a lamp or image of the goddess.
• It involves rhythmic clapping, circular movements and devotional songs.
• Garba symbolises devotion, feminine energy and celebration.

6. Dandiya Raas – Gujarat and Rajasthan

• Dandiya Raas originated in Gujarat and is also performed in Rajasthan.
• It is performed with decorated sticks called dandiyas.
• The dance symbolically represents the battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura.
• It is energetic, rhythmic and usually performed during Navratri.

7. Ghoomar / Gangaur – Rajasthan

• Ghoomar is a famous folk dance of Rajasthan.
• It is traditionally performed by women.
• The dance is associated with grace, circular movements and colourful attire.
• It is linked with the Bhil tribe and later became popular in royal and community celebrations.
• Gangaur-related performances are connected with devotion and celebration of goddess traditions.

8. Kalbelia – Rajasthan

• Kalbelia is performed by women of the Kalbelia community of Rajasthan.
• It is famous for movements that resemble the motion of a snake.
• The dance reflects the traditional lifestyle of the Kalbelia community.
• It is recognised by UNESCO as an important cultural tradition.

9. Tarangamel – Goa

• Tarangamel is a folk dance of Goa.
• It is performed during Dussehra and Holi.
• The dance celebrates the youthfulness and festive spirit of the region.
• Performers wear colourful costumes, often giving a rainbow-like visual effect.

10. Bhangra and Gidda – Punjab

• Bhangra is a popular folk dance of Punjab, generally performed by men.
• It is associated with harvest celebrations and joy.
• Gidda is the female counterpart of Bhangra.
• Both dances are energetic and involve rhythmic movements, clapping and folk songs.

11. Jhoomar – Punjab

• Jhoomar is a traditional folk dance of Punjab.
• It is performed mainly during harvest celebrations.
• The dance includes graceful arm movements and rhythmic body movement.
• It reflects the rural and agrarian culture of Punjab.

12. Gatka – Punjab

• Gatka is a martial folk tradition of Punjab.
• It is associated with Sikh gurus and Sikh martial culture.
• It involves wooden stick fighting that symbolically represents sword fighting.
• Gatka shows bravery, defence skills and physical discipline.

13. Jhumar – Haryana

• Jhumar is a folk dance of Haryana.
• It is also known as Haryanvi Gidda.
• It is generally performed by married women.
• The dance reflects joy, domestic life and social celebration.

14. Raibenshe – Bengal

• Raibenshe is a traditional folk dance of Bengal.
• It was earlier performed by the bodyguards of kings and zamindars.
• The word is associated with Raibansh, meaning a long bamboo.
• The dance reflects martial strength, courage and physical discipline.

15. Raslila – Uttar Pradesh

• Raslila is a devotional folk performance of Uttar Pradesh.
• It depicts the love story of Radha and Krishna.
• The performance combines dance, drama, music and devotion.
• It is deeply linked with the Vaishnava Bhakti tradition.

16. Dadra – Uttar Pradesh

• Dadra is associated with the court culture of Lucknow.
• It developed as a semi-classical and folk-oriented dance tradition.
• It is known for grace, rhythm and expressive presentation.

17. Jawara – Madhya Pradesh

• Jawara is a harvest dance of Madhya Pradesh.
• Women balance baskets of jowar on their heads while dancing.
• The dance reflects agricultural prosperity and festive joy.

18. Matki – Madhya Pradesh

• Matki is performed during weddings and festivals.
• Women balance earthen pots on their heads while dancing.
• It reflects grace, balance and rural festive culture.

19. Gaur Maria – Chhattisgarh

• Gaur Maria is a folk dance of the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.
• It is performed by the Bison Horn Maria tribe.
• The dance imitates the movements of a bison.
• It reflects tribal identity, nature worship and community celebration.

20. Raut Naach – Chhattisgarh

• Raut Naach is performed by the Yadav community of Chhattisgarh.
• It is mainly performed during Diwali.
• The dance is connected with devotion, cattle-rearing traditions and community celebration.

21. Biraha / Viraha – Bihar

• Biraha is a folk performance of Bihar.
• It expresses the pain of separation, especially of women whose partners are away.
• Interestingly, it is traditionally performed by male performers.
• It reflects emotional expression, rural life and social themes.

22. Jat-Jatin – Bihar

• Jat-Jatin is a folk dance of Bihar.
• It depicts the love and quarrel of a married couple.
• The dance reflects rural domestic life, emotional relationships and social humour.

23. Burrakatha – Andhra Pradesh

• Burrakatha is a folk performance tradition of Andhra Pradesh.
• It narrates stories from the Puranas and other religious traditions.
• It combines storytelling, music and dramatic expression.

24. Butta Bommalu – Andhra Pradesh

• Butta Bommalu means “basket dolls.”
• It is a non-verbal folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
• Performers wear large doll-like costumes and entertain people through movements and music.

25. Kaikottikali – Kerala

• Kaikottikali is a traditional folk dance of Kerala.
• It is performed during Onam to celebrate the rich harvest.
• Women usually dance in a circle with rhythmic clapping.
• It is also linked with temple and festive traditions.

26. Padayani – Kerala

• Padayani is a ritual folk dance of Kerala.
• It is known for huge masks and dramatic movements.
• It has religious and temple-based significance.
• It is often described as a martial and ritualistic performance.

27. Chakyar Koothu – Kerala

• Chakyar Koothu is performed by the Chakyar community.
• It is a traditional temple performance.
• It combines narration, humour, mythology and dramatic expression.
• It is known for expressive storytelling.

28. Kummi – Kerala and Tamil Nadu

• Kummi is performed mainly during Pongal.
• It is usually performed by women.
• The rhythm is created through clapping instead of instruments.
• It reflects celebration, harvest and community participation.

29. Mayilattam / Peacock Dance – Kerala and Tamil Nadu

• Mayilattam is also called the Peacock Dance.
• It is performed by young girls dressed like peacocks.
• The dance imitates the graceful movements of a peacock.
• It reflects beauty, devotion and festive joy.

30. Kolkali-Parichakali – Kerala and Lakshadweep

• Kolkali-Parichakali is a martial folk dance tradition.
• It presents a mock enactment of fighting sequences.
• The dance combines rhythm, combat movements and group coordination.

31. Yakshagana – Karnataka

• Yakshagana is a famous folk theatre tradition of Karnataka.
• It combines dance, music and dialogue.
• It was influenced by the Vaishnava Bhakti movement.
• Themes are usually taken from epics and Puranic stories.
• Instruments include Maddale, Taala and Chande.

32. Bhootha Aradhana – Karnataka

• Bhootha Aradhana is a ritual folk tradition of Karnataka.
• It is associated with spirit or deity worship.
• The performance includes colourful costumes, music and ritualistic movements.
• It has deep religious and community significance.

33. Pata Kunitha – Karnataka

• Pata Kunitha is a religious folk dance of Karnataka.
• It is performed with long bamboo poles.
• It is especially associated with the Mysore region.
• Traditionally, it is performed by male dancers.

34. Bihu – Assam

• Bihu is the most famous folk dance of Assam.
• It is performed during the Bihu festival.
• It is a group dance with rapid hand movements and lively rhythm.
• It reflects joy, youthfulness, fertility and agricultural celebration.

35. Hojagiri – Tripura

• Hojagiri is performed by the Reang or Bru tribe of Tripura.
• It is known for balancing pots and other objects on the head.
• In this dance, mainly the lower part of the body moves while the upper body remains balanced.
• It reflects great skill, balance and tribal cultural identity.

Folk dances of India reflect the diversity of Indian society. They are connected with harvest, festivals, martial traditions, devotion, tribal customs, social life and regional identity. Each folk dance preserves the cultural memory of its community and adds richness to India’s performing arts tradition.