12 Questions
Which Indian state is known for the origin of the Kuchipudi dance genre?
Andhra Pradesh
What are the three components that make up Kuchipudi, a dance-drama form?
Nritta, Nritya, and Natya
What are the two main topics commonly classified in Bharatanatyam dances?
Shringara (romantic love) and Bhakti (devotion)
Which classical dance form is associated with the storytelling art of Kathakaras?
Kathak
Where did Odissi dance originate?
Orissa
What is the primary classical dance form of northern India?
Kathak
What is the significance of Sattriya dance in the realm of classical Indian dance?
It is a separate genre within classical Indian dance with an advanced vocabulary and a repertory based on Krishna devotion.
How did Kathakali emerge as a form of theatre art in Kerala?
Under the patronage of the prince of Karnataka, who created plays based on the epic Ramayana.
What distinguishes Manipuri dance from other classical Indian dance forms?
It is rooted in Vaishnava beliefs and divided into jagoi and cholom sections.
Why is Mohiniattam known as the dance of feminine grace?
Because it has grown out of performances associated with Kerala's temples and embodies feminine elegance.
What inspired the creation of Kathakali plays in Kerala?
The epic Ramayana and the patronage of the prince of Karnataka.
How did the Vaishnava faith influence the development of Sattriya dance in Assam?
It spread over the nation thanks to the saint and reformer Shankaradeva, leading to the production of dance in Assam's monasteries.
Study Notes
Bharatanatyam
- Based on performance and aesthetic ideas outlined in Bharata's Natyashastra
- Offers a large collection of songs in Telugu, Tamil, and Sanskrit
- Topics include human and heavenly love, classified as shringara (romantic love) and Bhakti (devotion)
- Music is part of the Carnatic system of music from southern India
Kathak
- Main dance of northern India
- Practiced extensively in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and regions of western and eastern India
- Related to the storytelling art of Kathakaras, who taught scriptures, epics, and puranic literature
Kuchipudi
- Originated in Andhra Pradesh, evolved significantly due to the Bhakti movement (7th century AD)
- Dance-drama consisting of Nritta, Nritya, and Natya
- Nritta: teermanams and jatis; Nritya: Sabdams; Natya: acting with Mudras for songs
Odissi
- Originated in Orissa, easternmost state of India
- Initially performed as part of temple duty by'maharis' (female temple employees)
- Reshaped as a theatre art in the 20th century, drawing from existing dance art, medieval sculpture, painting, and literature
Kathakali
- Emerged in 17th century Kerala, southern India, under patronage of the prince of Karnataka
- Based on stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, performed in Malayalam
- Most plays have been passed down over three centuries
Sattriya
- Refers to the dance and danced theatre produced in Assam's sattras (monasteries) during the 16th century
- A separate genre within classical Indian dance, with an advanced vocabulary of hand gesture, footwork, movement, and emotion
- Repertory based on Krishna devotion, influenced by Vaishnava faith and Shankaradeva (1449-1586)
Manipuri
- Emerged in Manipur, north-eastern India, rooted in Vaishnava beliefs of the Meiteis (Manipur valley people)
- Dance is divided into two sections: jagoi and cholom, matching the lasya and tandava parts mentioned in Sanskrit literature
Mohiniattam
- Originated in Kerala, southern India, named after the mythical enchantress Mohini
- Dance of feminine grace, grown out of performances connected with Kerala's temples
- Employs unique rhythms, using rhythmic syllables of the Maddalam drum, accompanied by the Edakka percussion instrument
Explore the rich traditions of classical Indian dances like Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Learn about the origins, music, themes, and styles of these two prominent dance forms in India.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
