Different Classical Dances in India

In India, the art of dancing has a long and illustrious history that dates back thousands of years. We can find the evidence of dancing in virtually all major historical sources, including excavations and inscriptions, chronicles, genealogy of kings and artists, literary sources, sculpture and painting from various historical periods, and more. Dance played a vital role in the religious and social lives of the Indian people.

Classical Dances Origin 

The majority of traditional dance styles have their origins in temples. The primary goal was to engage in worship. Even though each dance genre originated in a different place, their roots are the same. 

We can trace the term’s origins to the Sanskrit text Natya Shastra. The first compilation of Natya Shastra dates from between 200 BCE and 200 CE.

As time progressed, artists improvised numerous classical dances, resulting in creating the modern forms we see today. Today, Indian classical dances are quite popular worldwide, especially in the United States.

Aspects of Dance

• Tandava: Movements that convey the characteristics of a man, as demonstrated by rhythm, heroic attitude, and style.  
• Lasya: Movements exhibit the feminine characteristics represented by soft, lyrical, and elegant styles.

Rasanubhuti: The 9 Rasas

The Rasanubhuti is the culmination of all classical dance forms of India. The Natya Shastra mentions these nine rasas.

Classical Dances of India

In contrast to folk dances, classical dances are concerned with technicalities and stringent restrictions. 

The Abhinaya Darpan of Acharya Nandikeshawara, Sharangdev’s Sangeeth Ratnakar (Nartanadhyaya), and the Natya Shastra serve as the foundation for the intricacies of all traditional dance styles. They include body movements, rasa, bhava, etc.

According to the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India, there are nine classical dances.

Bharatnatyam

• Bharatanatyam is a type of dance that incorporates the elements of Bhava, Rag, Ras, and Taal.
• In Hindu temples in southern India, devadasis performed this dance form. Devadasis were temple ladies presented to God as offerings.
• Bhava (Bha) refers to emotions, while Rag (Ra) stands for musical notes. Taal (Ta) symbolises rhythm, and Natyam is the Sanskrit word for drama.  

Kathak 

• Amazing spins, nazakat, and padhant are all hallmarks of Kathak (Chanting of bols, toda, tukdas by the dancers themselves during performance). 
• Themes of Kathak include Ramayana, Mahabharat, and Krishna.
• Kathak dance has four main Gharanas or Schools, named after the regions where they grew. These schools are Jaipur, Lucknow, Raigarh, and Benares. Each has a distinct interpretation and repertoire that distinguishes them.

Odissi

• This traditional dance form with Bhakti ras was part of God’s devotion at Jagannath temples.
• It has Lasya and Tandav.
• Traditional Odissi includes Maharis (Devadasis) and Gotipua (performed by men).

Kuchipudi

• Tirtha Narayana Yati and his disciple Siddhendra Yogi founded the contemporary Kuchipudi.
• Kuchipudi’s range is similar to Bharatanatyam.
• The dancer performs on top of the brass plates and occasionally a pot on the head in a Kuchipudi speciality called Tarangam. It distinguishes the dance form.

Kathakali

• Ancient martial arts and sports influence Kathakali’s movements.
• It is famous for its lavish costumes, exquisite make-up, face masks, and jewellery.
• Unlike other classical dances, Kathakali developed in Hindu princely courts and theatres.

Mohiniattam

• Mohiniattam is a soothing dance influenced by Lasya.
• It is feminine and mainly done by women.
• The word Mohini refers to Lord Vishnu’s lovely female incarnation.

Manipuri

• Manipuri is a spiritual dance-drama that depicts Radha’s love for Krishna through Raaslila.
• Manipuri combines Indian and Southeast Asian cultures. Tandav or Lasya is a Manipuri dance form.
• The female dancers wear long stiff skirts with ornate decorations. They wear a traditional veil over the hair, draping gently over the face.

Sattriya

• Sangeet Natak Akademi declared Sattriya Classical Dance in 2000. Scholars credit the contemporary form of Sattriya to the 15th century Bhakti Movement.
• Themes include Radha-Krishna and other mythology. Dancers also perform Sankardev’s plays.
• Bhokots/Monks traditionally perform them in a public hall or Namghar.

Chhau

• Chaaya, meaning shadow, picture, or mask, is the Sanskrit term for Chhau.
• It combines folk, tribal, and martial arts.
• The Chhau comes in three varieties from three regions. Each type has its own characteristic, pattern, performance style, and adornment.

Conclusion 

The cultural riches of India are well-known. An important component of Indian culture is the performance of traditional dances. The majority of classical dance styles had their genesis in temples. Its primary focus was worship. 

Despite their disparate origins, all of the world’s dance forms share a common ancestry. Over time, numerous traditional dances were improvised by artists, resulting in the current forms. India’s classical dance forms are now well-known throughout the world.