Classical dances of India started around 200 BCE in India as a joyful and celebratory activity, often in devotion to Hindu deities. Many performances are choreographed to retell stories of the gods and other historical accounts. All styles of Indian classical dance are vibrant, expressive, and spiritual. Dance performances usually occur at festivals, universities, and various cultural events.

This topic Classical Dances of India is essential from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination. It falls under the Art and Culture Section of General Studies Paper 1 (Preliminary) and General Studies Paper 1 (Mains). In this article, we shall discuss the different Classical dances in India. We will also discuss the Rasas of Indian Classical Dance, their importance, and the current status of Indian Classical Dances.

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Classical dances of India refers to a traditional form of artistic expression. It is characterized by its adherence to established principles, techniques, and repertoire. It encompasses various regional styles. It has a strong emphasis on storytelling, symbolism, and grace. These dances captivate audiences with their beauty and storytelling. 

8 Classical Dances of India

Different classical dances of India display different forms that have developed in various parts of India, each with distinctive nuances. However, the Natya Shastra's fundamental laws and regulations govern all of these dance styles, with the central tenet being that a guru is the only person who can truly impart knowledge. The guru imparts knowledge of the various traditions or sampradayas to the disciple. The core of Indian classical art is the 'guru-shishya parampara.' There are currently eight classical dance styles practiced in India, according to Sangeet Natak Akademi. 

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Rasas of Indian Classical Dance

The Rasas of Indian Classical Dance are the emotional expressions or sentiments conveyed through performance. Rooted in the Natya Shastra, there are nine Rasas (Navarasa) like love (Shringara), anger (Raudra), and joy (Hasya), which help dancers communicate stories and connect with the audience. The rasas of Indian Classical Dance are mentioned in the table given below.

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History And Evolution of Classical Dances in India

The history and evolution of classical dances of India trace back to ancient temples and scriptures like the Natya Shastra, written over 2,000 years ago. These dance forms evolved as spiritual expressions, blending storytelling, music, and rhythm, and were preserved through generations across diverse Indian regions.

• According to Bharata's Natya Shastra, Lord Brahma combined elements from the four Vedas to form the fifth Veda, known as Natya Veda, after being asked by the Gods to create a pastime.
• With words from the Rig Veda, gestures from the Yajur Veda, music from the Sam Veda, and emotions from the Atharva Veda, the Natya Veda combines dance, drama, and music.
• This demonstrates the spiritual significance dance holds in Indian cultural tradition.
• Indian mythology is rife with examples of dance styles and expressions, from Shiva's tandava dance, which symbolizes the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction, to Parvati's feminine response.
• The importance of dance as a form of social entertainment is also highlighted by the engravings of community dancing at Bhimbetka and the sculpture of a Harappan dancing girl made of bronze.
• In Bharata's renowned work Natyashastra, a thorough and vivid treatise on the various facets of Indian classical dance, dance was first mentioned in writing.
• The work, which was probably put together between 200 BC and 200 AD, goes into great detail about the ornaments, stage, costumes, techniques, postures, feelings, and even the audience.
• According to Bharata Muni, dance is the "complete art." It encompasses all other art forms, including music, sculpture, poetry, and drama.

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UPSC Previous Year Question on Indian Classical Dance

• Q) How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances? (CSE 2012)
• Dancers occasionally speak dialogues in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatnatyam.
• Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatnatyam, but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movement.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: 1 only

The aspects and components of Indian Classical Dance include Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natya (dramatic storytelling). Key elements like mudras (hand gestures), abhinaya (expression), and raga-tala (melody and rhythm) work together to convey emotion and narrative. According to Natya Shastra, Indian classical dance comprises two fundamental elements.

• Lasya: This word means grace, bhava, rasa, and abhinaya. It represents dance as an art form's feminine characteristics.
• Tandava: This dance is more focused on rhythm and movement and is symbolic of the male aspects of dance.

According to Nandikeshwara's renowned treatise on dance, the Abhinaya Darpan (c. 5th–4th century BC), an act can be further subdivided into three fundamental components:

• Nritta: This term describes the fundamental dance movements that are rhythmically performed but lack emotion or mood. It is the movement of the limbs of the body and face.
• Natya, a Hindi word that means dramatic representations, alludes to the elaborate story of the dance recital.
• Nritya: The expression of sentiment and feelings through dance is called Nritya. It incorporates mime and various forms of expression, such as dance mudras. The use of the hand and face is essential in conveying multiple emotions.

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Eight Classical Dances of India - In Brief

India’s eight classical dances—Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, and Sattriya—each have unique styles rooted in ancient traditions. These dances reflect regional culture and spirituality through intricate movements, expressions, and music. Classical Dances of India are mentioned below in detail: 

Bharatanatyam

Fig: Bharatnatyam

• The origin of Bharatanatyam dates back more than 2000 years.
• The dance form has its roots primarily in Tamil Nadu.
• Initially, Bharatanatyam was the prerogative of female temple dancers.
• The various mudras associated with Bharatanatyam are
  • Pataaka (Flag).
  • Tripataaka (three colors)
  • Arth pataaka (Half of a flag)
  • Kartari Mukha (Scissors)
  • Mayurakhyo (A peacock)
  • Ardhachandra ( Half Moon)
  • Araala (Bent)
  • Shukatunda (Parrots head)
  • Mushti (Fist)
  • Shikara ( A peak)
  • Kapittha (Elephant Apple)
  • Kataka Mukha (Opening of girl, bird)
  • Suchi (Needle)
• There are mainly two commonly used styles in Bharatanatyam Costume for women:
  • Skirt (saree) style
  • Pyjama Style
• Dancers mainly wear costumes which are made of silk sarees with gold zari embroidery designs.
• The instruments used in Bharatanatyam are:
  • Mridangam, which is a double-sided drum,
  • Nadaswaram, a long type of oboe made from black wood,
  • Nattuvangam, cymbals
  • Flute
  • Veena
  • Violin
  • Manjira
  • Kanjira
  • Surpeti
• Some of the important features of Bharatanatyam are as follows:
  • Since Bharatnatyam is the manifestation of fire in the human body, it is frequently referred to as the “fire dance.” Bharatnatyam’s movements resemble dancing flames for the most part.
  • With a focus on mudras, the Tandava and Lasya components of dance are equally significant in this dance style.
  • One of the most significant mudras is the “KatakaMukha Hasta,” in which the three fingers are joined to represent “Om.”
• Famous dancers – Yamini Krishnamurthy, Lakshmi Viswanathan, etc.

Kathak

Fig: Kathak

• Kathak literally means ‘storyteller’.
• The kathakaras are a caste of storytellers who moved from place to place to disperse their art of storytelling. This led to the evolution of Kathak dance as early as 400 BCE.
• Kathak dance is performed in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
• The modern form of kathak dance gained popularity due to the efforts of Wajid Ali Shah.
• The salient features of the kathak dance are:
  • The dance is divided into Nritya and Nritta.
  • Though performed as a solo dance, group dance has gained popularity in recent times.
  • The key elements associated with Kathak dance are Amad, Thaat, and Tatkar.
  • Footwork has immense importance in kathak dance.
• The instruments used in kathak dance are:
  • Flute
  • Sarangi
  • Sitar
  • Tabla
  • Pankhwaj
• Costumes worn by kathak dancers range from sarees to Anarkali suits.
• Earrings, necklaces, and bindi have their unique importance in kathak performances.
• Various mudras associated with the kathak dance are:
  • Tripataka
  • Ardhapataka
  • Aral
  • Padmakosh
  • Sarpheesh among others
• Famous dancers associated with kathak dancers are- Janaki Prasad, Pandit Birju Maharaj, and Sitara Devi.

Kathakali

Fig: Kathakali

• The birthplace of Kathakali can be traced to Kerala, India.
• Two types of dance dramas, Ramanattam and Krishnattam, which depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, emerged in Kerala temples under the patronage of feudal lords, which is believed to have been the precursor to Kathakali.
• The various navarasam associated with kathakali are given as follows:
  • Sringaram (Love)
  • Hasyam (Comedy)
  • Karunyam (Pity)
  • Raudhram (Ferocity)
  • Veeryam (Heroism)
  • Bhayanakam (Fearfulness)
  • Bheebatsam (Disgust)
  • Albhutham ( Wonder)
  • Shantham (Peace)
• The musical instruments used in Kathakali dance are listed below:
  • Chenda,
  • Maddalam and
  • Edakka
• Some of the features of the kathakali are as follows:
  • The dance form is mainly performed by male dancers.
  • The rasas, which are used to tell the story in Kathakali, are portrayed by raising and lowering the eyebrows. Thus, eye movement finds immense importance in Kathakali.
  • The dance form is practised in open-air theatres on rough mats or temple grounds. The lush vegetation of the state serves as a backdrop for kathakali performances.
  • Brass lamps are used to provide lighting in open-air theatres.
• Famous dancers of Kathakali are – Guru Kunchu Kurup, Gopi Nath, Late Shankaram Namboodiri, etc.

Kuchipudi

Fig: Kuchipudi

• The South-East Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is home to the classical dance style known as Kuchipudi.
• The village in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district is where this dance style first appeared. The dance form is known to have been named after the Andhra Pradesh village of Kuchelapuram.
• The dance was initially performed by the Brahmins. However, with the passage of time, others, too, started taking part in Kuchipudi performances.
• The various mudras associated with Kuchipudi are as follows:
  • Pathakam
  • Tripathakam
  • Ardhapathakam
  • Kartarimukham
  • Mayuram
  • Alapadmam
  • Bramharam
  • Mukulam
  • Hamsasya
  • Sandamsham
• The name for the costumes used by males is known as Bagalbandi. Women typically dress alike as in Bharatanatyam, donning a colourful and vibrant saree.
  • In order to enhance the dress’ beauty during movement, it has a fan-shaped pleated fabric in the front. The belt, which the women wear around their waists, is also part of the dress.
• The musical instruments used in the Kuchipudi are as follows:
  • Mridangam,
  • Cymbals,
  • Veena,
  • Flute
  • Tambura
• Some of the features of Kuchipudi are as follows:
  • The earthly elements in the Kuchipudi dance form can be seen as the human frame.
  • It is typically performed by a group and demands difficult foot movements.
• Famous dancers associated with Kuchipudi dance are – Radha Reddy and Raja Reddy, Yamini Krishnamurthy, etc.

Manipuri

Fig: Manipuri

• The mythological origin of the Manipuri dance style can be traced to the celestial dance of Shiva and Parvati in the Manipur valleys, along with the local “Gandharvas.”
• With the advent of Vaishnavism in the 15th century, dance rose to prominence.
• The dance is practised in the northeastern state of Manipur.
• The dance form is performed mainly by Females.
• The various mudras associated with manipuri are listed below:
  • Potaka,
  • tripitaka,
  • ordopotaka,
  • kotokamukh,
  • Sondongsa,
  • mrigashirsha,
  • hongsashya,
  • olopollob,
  • bhruksa,
  • angush,
  • ardhachandra,
  • kurak,
  • Mushti.
• The female dancers wear “patloi” dresses. The lehenga is called “Kumin,” and it is intricately woven with mirrors and zari work into beautiful designs. It is layered with transparent silk, also known as “Pasuan.”
  • The choli is also embroidered with zari, silk, or gota. They wear a transparent odhni on their heads, covering their faces, allowing the dancer’s expression and emotion to be seen. Gopis are usually dressed in red, whereas Radha is dressed in green. Krishna, the male dancer, is dressed in saffron.
• The male performers wear a dhoti, kurta, and turban, which is white in colour, apart from a shawl folded on the left shoulder.
• The musical instruments associated with Manipur are under:
  • Drums
  • Cymbals
  • String instruments
• Some of the features of Manipuri dance are as follows:
  • Ras Leela is a common theme in Manipuri dance recitals (Radha-Krishna love romance).
  • It symbolizes the feminine side of dance, i.e., the Lasya component of dance, as an art form.
• Famous dancers associated with Manipuri dance are – Nayana, Suverna, Ranjana, and Darshana.

Mohiniyattam

Fig: Mohiniyattam

• Mohiniyattam originated from the word ‘Mohini,’ which means beautiful woman, and ‘attam’ means dance.
• It is also known as the Dance of an Enchantress.
• Mohiniyattam is a solo dance performance by women that was further developed by Vadivelu in the 19th century and rose to prominence under the rulers of Travancore in the present state of Kerala.
• The various mudras associated with Mohiniyattam are as follows:
  • Asamyukta Mudra
  • Samyukta Mudra
  • Samana Mudra
  • Misra Mudra
• The dancer wears a white or off-white plain saree with bright gold or gold laced coloured brocade embroidered in its borders, which is complemented by a matching choli or blouse.
• The various musical instruments associated with Mohiniyattam are listed below:
  • Mridangam or Madhalam (barrel drum),
  • Idakka (hourglass drum),
  • flute,
  • Veena, and
  • Kuzhitalam (cymbals).
• Some of the features of Mohiniyattam are as follows:
  • A Mohiniyattam performance represents the element of air.
  • Atavakul, or Atavus, is a collection of 40 fundamental dance movements.
• Some of the famous dancers associated with Mohiniyattam are – Sunanda Nair, Kalamandalam Kshemavathy, etc.

Odissi

Fig: Odissi

• The earliest reference to the Odissi dance can be found in the caves of Udayagiri-Khandagiri.
• The dance form gets its name from the ‘Odra nritya’ mentioned in Natya Shastra.
• It was primarily practised by the maharis’ and was supported by Jain King Kharavela.
• The mudras associated with the odissi dance are as follows:
  • Angusta (Thumb)
  • Tarjani (Fore Finger)
  • Madhyama (Middle Finger)
  • Anamika (Ring Finger)
  • Kanishta (Little Finger)
• Female dancers wear brightly colored saris made of local silk and embellished with traditional and local designs, such as the Bomkai Saree and the Sambalpuri Saree.
  • The front of the sari is worn with pleats or a separate pleated cloth stitched in front to allow the dancer to move freely while displaying excellent footwork.
  • The head, ear, neck, arms, and wrists are all adorned with silver jewellery.
• Ghunghru, or musical anklets, made of leather straps with small metallic bells attached, are wrapped around her ankles, and her waist is tied with an elaborate belt.
• The various musical instruments associated with odissi dance are:
  • Harmonium
  • Veena
  • Sitar
  • Tabla
  • Pakhawaj
  • Harmonium
  • Cymbals
  • Violin
  • Flute
  • Sitar
  • Swarmandal
• Some of the features of odissi are given below:
  • The Odissi dance form is unique in its depiction of grace, sensuality, and beauty. The dancers use their bodies to create intricate geometrical shapes and patterns. As a result, it is referred to as a “mobile sculpture.”
  • The water element is represented by the dance form.
• Some famous dancers associated with Odissi dance are – Guru Pankaj Charan Das, Guru Kelu Charan, Mohapatra, etc.

Sattriya

Fig: Sattariya

• Sattriya dance, in its modern form, was introduced in Assam by Vaishnava Saint Sankaradeva in the 15th century AD.
• The name Sattariya comes from the Vaishnava monasteries known as ‘Sattras,’ where it was primarily practised.
• The dance form finds mention in the NatyaShastra of Bharata Muni.
• It was influenced by the Bhakti Movement.
• The various mudras associated with Sattriya are as follows:
  • Pataka
  • Tripataka
  • Ardhapataka
  • Kartarimukha
  •  Mayur:
• The costumes worn in the Sattriya dance are divided into two categories based on gender: male costumes ]dhoti, chadar, and paguri (turban)] and female costumes [ghuri, chadar, and kanchi (waist cloth)]
  • Traditionally, the costumes were white or raw silk, with red, blue, and yellow accents for specific dance numbers.
• The various musical instruments used in Odissi dance are:
  • Khol
  • Cymbals
  • Flute
• Some of the features of the sattriya dance are as follows:
  • Male monks known as ‘Bhokots’ generally perform the dance in groups as part of their daily rituals or on festivals.
  • Sattriya recitals emphasize the devotional aspect of dance and explain mythological stories about Vishnu.
• Famous Odissi dancers are – Ghanakanta Bora, Jatin Goswami, etc.

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Importance of Classical Dances

Classical dances of India preserve the nation’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. They serve as a medium for storytelling, self-expression, and devotion, while promoting discipline, grace, and emotional depth in performers. The importance of Indian Classical Dance is given below:

• Local music and recitations in the local language or Sanskrit are a part of each of the dances' regionally specific traditions. Various styles, garb, and expressions represent the same fundamental concepts.
• To learn discipline and patience, two of the most crucial qualities in a child's development, a child who wants to learn dance must first put in a lot of work.
• The child develops physical stamina and maintains body control through dance movements. Additionally, it serves as a means of expressing private emotions and promotes self-confidence.
• Children are taught the value of India's rich literary and cultural heritage through mythology-based Indian classical dance.
• The ability of dance to showcase the frailties of society through different tools such as facial expressions, costumes, and rhythm has been its biggest strength.

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Current Status of the Indian Classical Dances

The current status of classical dances of India shows a revival and global appreciation, with increased interest among youth and support from cultural institutions. These dance forms are now showcased in festivals, taught in schools, and performed worldwide, blending tradition with modern appeal.

• India has a rich tradition of classical dance. The popularity of these dances can be gauged from the fact that not only Indian artists but also Western artists travel to India to learn about this rich heritage.
• Over the years, this dance has undergone minute transformation, surviving the onslaught of time and cultural shifts. While there have been many ups and downs in the history of classical dances, the ability to innovate helps prevent the paucity of time compounded.
• s redundancy while adding new dimensions to this art form.
• Despite this, classical dance forms in India face two significant challenges:
• The reduced attention of the audience compounds the paucity of time.
• Further, advancements in technology have reduced the importance placed on mudras.
• The second challenge that classical dances face is the lack of funding.
• Amid all this, the rise in popularity of classical dances among the younger generation provides a ray of hope for the survival of this rich tradition.

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Other Dance Forms of India

India is home to numerous folk and tribal dance forms like Bhangra, Garba, Ghoomar, and Lavani, which reflect regional traditions and community life. These vibrant dances are performed during festivals, harvests, and celebrations, showcasing India's diverse cultural heritage. Other dances found in India are provided in the table below.

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Facts to be known about Classical Dances for UPSC

Some important facts to be known about the classical dances of India for the UPSC exam are

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Conclusion

India’s religion and culture have long included dancing as an essential component. According to Indian mythology, the gods invented dance. Dancing is one of the most celebrated Hindu arts since it incorporates music, drama, shape, and line. The Indian government has a strategy of preserving and promoting Indian classical dances, which have a nearly 2000-year history both within India and outside of its borders.

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