👯♀️ Overview
Indian classical dance traces its theoretical roots to the Natya Shastra, attributed to sage Bharata (compiled roughly between 200 BCE and 200 CE), which systematised the principles of drama, dance, music and aesthetics (rasa theory). The Sangeet Natak Akademi currently recognises eight classical dance forms, each rooted in a distinct regional and devotional tradition.
👯 The Eight Classical Dance Forms
- Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu): One of the oldest forms, historically performed by Devadasis in temples; codified by the Tanjore Quartet in the 19th century. Characterised by fixed upper torso, bent legs, and intricate footwork (adavus).
- Kathak (Uttar Pradesh): Evolved from storytelling traditions (kathakars), later refined in Mughal courts; known for fast spins (chakkars) and rhythmic footwork (tatkar) synced with tabla.
- Kathakali (Kerala): A dance-drama form with elaborate costumes and face make-up depicting mythological themes, distinguished by codified hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions.
- Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh): Named after the village of Kuchipudi in Krishna district; historically a dance-drama performed by Brahmin men, now widely performed by women, known for its fluid grace and occasional tarangam (dancing on the rim of a brass plate).
- Odissi (Odisha): One of the oldest forms, linked to temple sculpture (particularly Konark and Puri), marked by the distinctive tribhangi (thrice-bent) posture.
- Manipuri (Manipur): Rooted in Vaishnavite themes (Radha-Krishna, Raas Leela), gentle and lyrical in movement, with minimal footwork and ornate costume (Kumil skirt).
- Mohiniyattam (Kerala): A solo dance form performed traditionally by women, meaning "dance of the enchantress," graceful and lyrical, closely related to Bharatanatyam and Kathakali.
- Sattriya (Assam): Originating in the Vaishnavite monasteries (sattras) established by Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th–16th century; recognised as a classical dance form by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000, the most recent addition.
🎭 Major Folk Dance Traditions
Alongside the classical forms, India has a vast repertoire of regional folk dances, each tied to specific festivals, seasons or communities — e.g. Bhangra and Giddha (Punjab), Garba and Dandiya (Gujarat), Bihu (Assam), Ghoomar (Rajasthan), Chhau (Odisha/Jharkhand/West Bengal, a semi-classical martial dance form), and Perini Sivatandavam (Telangana), among many others.
🎯 Exam Angle
Prelims frequently tests matching each classical dance to its state of origin and its defining feature (e.g. tribhangi → Odissi, tarangam → Kuchipudi, chakkars → Kathak). Mains rewards situating dance forms within the broader theme of India's intangible cultural heritage and its state patronage/preservation efforts.
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