Introduction
- Indian classical dance is an umbrella term for dance styles whose theory and practice can be traced back to the Sanskrit text Natya Shastra.
- There are eight classical dances including Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Oddisi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam.
- A folk dance is a traditional dance that is passed down from generation to generation.
- It is a reflection of the culture and history of the people who perform it.
Body
Classical Dance Forms Rooted in Religion and Mythology
- Bharatnatyam: It’s known as the fire dance, and its movements mimic a flickering flame. The performer’s right hand takes the form of the OM symbol, using the ‘Kataka-Mukha Hasta’ mudra. The dancer begins by invoking God and concludes by seeking blessings.
- Kuchipudi: It embodies a deep yearning to unite with God. Most Kuchipudi performances are based on stories from the Bhagavata Purana, with themes inspired by Vaishnavism, such as Radha-Krishna narratives.
- Kathakali: Narrating episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata represents eternal fight between good and evil.
- Mohiniyattam: Mohiniyattam generally narrates the story of the feminine dance of Vishnu (Mohini – a Lord Vishnu avatar).
- Odissi: The dance form gets its name from the ‘Odra Nritya’ referenced in the Natya Shastra. It was mainly practiced by the ‘maharis’ and was supported by the Jain king Kharavela. It is also influenced by Vaishnavism.
- Manipuri: It traces its mythological origins to the celestial dance of Shiva and Parvati in the valleys of Manipur, accompanied by the local Gandharvas. It gained prominence with the advent of Vaishnavism in the 15th century when Krishna became the central theme of this dance form.
- Sattriya: Modern form of Sattriya dance was introduced by the Vaishnava saint Sankaradeva in the 15th century in Assam. Sattriya performances emphasize the devotional aspects of dance and narrate mythological stories of Lord Vishnu.
- Kathak: Traces its origins to the Ras Leela of Brajbhoomi and gets its name from the ‘Kathika,’ or storytellers, who narrated epic tales using gestures and music. During the Mughal era, however, the dance form evolved into a more sensual style.
Folk Dance Forms Rooted in Regional Traditions
- Bhangra (Punjab): Originally performed by farmers as a harvest festival during Baisakhi.
- Bihu (Assam): A folk dance performed during harvest season celebrating the Bihu festival, which marks the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring.
- Ghoomar (Rajasthan): Performed by women during auspicious occasions like weddings.
- Garba (Gujarat): Performed during the Navratri festival. This dance form encapsulates the essence of Gujarat, from its agrarian society to its deeply-rooted spirituality.
- Chhau (Eastern India): Performed in eastern India; uses rigorous martial movements to narrate mythological stories. Chhau mirrors the martial traditions and local folklore of these regions.
- Lavani (Maharashtra): Part of the cultural rites during weddings in Maharashtra. By narrating tales of love and valour.
- Paika (Jharkhand): A typical dance of the Munda community of Jharkhand, and thematically represents rituals connected with preparations for war.
- Kalbelia (Rajasthan): A fascinating dance is performed by the women of the nomadic Kalbelia community whose primary occupation is rearing snakes and trading in snake venom.
Conclusion
- Indian classical dances, rooted in the Natya Shastra and deeply connected to religion and mythology, and folk dances, reflective of regional traditions and cultural histories, together showcase the diverse and rich performing arts heritage of India.
Legacy Editor Changed status to publish June 10, 2025