List of States and their Dance Forms

The majority of the time, dancers sing their own parts while being accompanied by musicians playing various instruments. Each style of folk dance has its own distinctive rhythm and costume; some of the costumes are extremely vibrant and intricately designed, featuring a variety of jewels and patterns. The following is a list of various state and folk dances that are helpful in preparation for various examinations such as the UPSC, State PSC, SSC, and other similar competitions.

A Compilation of Indian Dance Styles, Including Both Folk and Classical Dances from Each State in India

The cultural history of India is renowned around the world. The nation’s character can be summed up in a word: diversity. One of the most revered aspects of our culture is the art form known as Indian dance.

Classical dance and folk dance are the two primary categories that can be used to broadly categorise dance styles in India.

According to the folklore of the area in which they were developed, these dance styles are indigenous to a specific region of India.

This article will provide a brief overview of the many different types of Indian dance, both classical and folk. The various types of dance that are practised in India are an essential part of the IAS exam’s art and culture curriculum.

A question regarding Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam was included in the preliminary examination for the Civil Services in 2012 that was administered by the UPSC. In 2014, UPSC questioned candidates regarding Sattriya dance. Let’s take a look at some of the questions that were asked about classical dances in years past by the UPSC.

Forms of Dance Performed in India

Both classical dance and folk dance hold an important place in Indian culture. The origin of the dance is the primary distinction between folk dance and classical dance.

There is a profound connection between classical dance and the Natya Shastra, in which the distinguishing characteristics of all of the different types of classical dance are described in detail.

On the other hand, folk dance is rooted in the regional culture of a particular country, ethnic group, or geographical area and developed over time.

India’s Rich Tradition of Classical Dance

Natya Shastra is the source from which the classical dance form originated. According to the source and the scholar, there are eight different forms of classical dance that can be found in India.

The addition of Chhau to the roster of classical dances maintained by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in India brings the total number of classical dances to nine.

The following is a list of the eight fundamental technicalities that are expressed through classical dance:

Shringar: Love

Hasya means funny, and Karuna means sorrow.

Raudra: Anger Veer: Heroism

Bhayanak: Fear Bibhats: Disgust

Adbhoot: Wonder

The following is a list of folk dances from various states in India:

 India is well-known for its diverse cultural traditions and extensive cultural heritage. From the earliest times to the most cultured communities, people have always found ways to express themselves through dance.

In India, there are a variety of dance styles, but the majority of them fall into one of two categories: classical dance or folk dance. According to the oral history of the area, the origin of these dance forms can be traced back to various regions of India.

Folk dances of India- State-Wise List

State                         Folk Dances

Andhra Pradesh       ➤ Kuchipudi,

                                   ➤ Vilasini Natyam,

                                   ➤ Andhra Natyam, 

                                   ➤ Bhamakalpam, 

                                   ➤ Veeranatyam, 

Assam                       ➤ Bihu, 

                                   ➤ Bichhua, 

                                   ➤ Natpuja, 

                                   ➤ Maharas, 

                                   ➤ Kaligopal, 

Bihar                       ➤ Jata-Jatin, 

                                   ➤ Bakho-Bakhain, 

                                   ➤ Panwariya, 

                                   ➤ Sama Chakwa, 

                                   ➤ Bidesia.

Gujarat                     ➤ Garba, 

                                  ➤ Dandiya Ras, 

                                  ➤ Tippani Juriun, 

                                  ➤ Bhavai.

Haryana           ➤ Jhumar, 

                                  ➤ Phag, 

                                  ➤ Daph, 

                                  ➤ Dhamal, 

                                  ➤ Loor, 

➤ Gugga, 

➤ Khor, 

➤ Gagor.

Himachal Pradesh

➤ Jhora,

➤ Jhali, 

➤ Chhathi, 

➤ Dhaman, 

➤ Chhapeli, 

➤ Mahasu, 

➤ Nati, 

➤ Dangi.

Jammu and Kashmir

➤ Rauf, 

➤ Hikat, 

➤ Mandjas, 

➤ Kud Dandi Nach, 

➤ Damali.

Karnataka

➤ Yakshagan, 

➤ Huttari, 

➤ Suggi, 

➤ Kunitha, 

➤ Karga, 

➤ Lambi.

Kerala

➤ Kathakali (Classical), 

➤ Ottam Thulal, 

➤ Mohiniattam, 

➤ Kaikottikali.

Maharashtra

➤ Lavani, 

➤ Nakata, 

➤ Koli, 

➤ Lezim, 

➤ Gafa, 

➤ Dahikala Dasavtar

➤ Bohada.

Odisha

➤ Odissi (Classical), 

➤ Savari, 

➤ Ghumara, 

➤ Painka, 

➤ Munari, 

➤ Chhau.

West Bengal

➤ Kathi, 

➤ Gambhira, 

➤ Dhali, 

➤ Jatra, 

➤ Baul, 

➤ Marasia, 

➤ Mahal, 

➤ Keertan.

Punjab

➤ Bhangra, 

➤ Giddha, 

➤ Daff, 

➤ Dhaman, 

➤ Bhand, 

➤ Naqual.

Rajasthan

➤ Ghumar,

➤ Chakri, 

➤ Ganagor, 

➤ Jhulan Leela,

➤ Jhuma, 

➤ Suisini, 

➤ Ghapal, 

➤ Kalbeliya.

Tamil Nadu

➤ Bharatanatyam, 

➤ Kumi, 

➤ Kolattam, 

➤ Kavadi.

Uttar Pradesh

➤ Nautanki, 

➤ Raslila, 

➤ Kajri, 

➤ Jhora, 

➤ Chappeli, 

➤ Jaita.

Uttarakhand

➤ Garhwali, 

➤ Kumayuni, 

➤ Kajari, 

➤ Jhora, 

➤ Raslila, 

➤ Chappeli.

Goa

➤ Tarangamel, 

➤ Koli, 

➤ Dekhni, 

➤ Fugdi, 

➤ Shigmo, 

➤ Ghode, 

➤ Modni, 

➤ Samayi nrutya, 

➤ Jagar, 

➤ Ranmale, 

➤ Gonph, 

➤ Tonnya mell.

Madhya Pradesh

➤ Jawara, 

➤ Matki, 

➤ Aada, 

➤ Khada Nach, 

➤ Phulpati, 

➤ Grida Dance, 

➤ Selalarki, 

➤ Selabhadoni, 

➤ Maanch.

Chhattisgarh

➤ Gaur Maria, 

➤ Panthi, 

➤ Raut Nacha, 

➤ Pandwani, 

➤ Vedamati, 

➤ Kapalik, 

➤ Bharthari Charit, 

➤ Chandaini.

Jharkhand

➤ Alkap, 

➤ Karma Munda, 

➤ Agni, 

➤ Jhumar, 

➤ Janani Jhumar, 

➤ Mardana Jhumar, 

➤ Paika, Phagua, 

➤ Hunta Dance, 

➤ Mundari Dance, 

➤ Sarhul, Barao, 

➤ Jhitka, 

➤ Danga, 

➤ Domkach, 

➤ Ghora Naach.

Arunachal Pradesh

➤ Buiya, 

➤ Chalo, 

➤ Wancho, 

➤ Pasi Kongki,

➤ Ponung, 

➤ Popir, 

➤ Bardo Chham.

Manipur

➤ Dol Cholam, 

➤ Thang Ta, 

➤ Lai Haraoba, 

➤ Pung Cholom, 

➤ Khamba Thoibi, 

➤ Nupa Dance, 

➤ Raslila, 

➤ Khubak Ishei,

➤ Lhou Sha.

Meghalaya

➤ Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, 

➤ Nongkrem, 

➤ Laho.

Mizoram

➤ Cheraw Dance, 

➤ Khuallam, 

➤ Chailam, 

➤ Sawlakin, 

➤ Chawnglaizawn,

➤ Zangtalam, 

➤ Par Lam, 

➤ Sarlamkai/ Solakia, 

➤ Tlanglam.

Nagaland

➤ Rangma,

➤ Bamboo Dance, 

➤ Zeliang, 

➤ Nsuirolians, 

➤ Gethinglim, 

➤ Temangnetin, 

➤ Hetaleulee.

Tripura

➤ Hojagiri.

Sikkim

➤ Chu Faat Dance, 

➤ Sikmari, 

➤ Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion Dance, 

➤ Yak Chaam, 

➤ Denzong Gnenha, 

➤ Tashi Yangku Dance,

➤ Khukuri Naach, 

➤ Chutkey Naach, 

➤ Maruni Dance.

Lakshadweep

➤ Lava, 

➤ Kolkali, 

➤ Parichakali.

Conclusion

Another type of classical dance that originated in Kerala many years ago, its primary focus is “story-telling,” and its performances typically include passages from the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana (the two epics in Indian History).