Indian Dance Forms Overview

Folk and Classical Dance Forms

• Folk dances lack defined steps and are performed during specific rituals.
• There are 8 classical dance forms recognized by the Sangeet Natak Academy; referred to as 9 by the Ministry of Culture, including Chhau.
• Origin of classical dances is found in the Natya Shastra written by Bharat Muni.
• Dances categorized into Nritta (pure dance) and Nritya (expressive dance combining pure movement and expression).
• Abhinaya Darpan outlines movements and expressions in dance, signifying its deep-rooted cultural heritage.
• Bharatnatyam, also known as Dasiattam or Sadir attam, is a prominent classical dance of Tamil Nadu.

Folk Dances of Tamil Nadu

• Notable folk dances include Kalattam, Silambattam, Oyilattam, Devarattam, Kudirai Attam, Kummi, and Kavadi Attam.
• Kavadi Attam is dedicated to the worship of Murugan, the Tamil God of War.

Folk Dances of Telangana

• Significant folk dances include Lambadi, Ghimsa, Gusadi, Bonalu, and Mathuri.

Folk Dances of Tripura

• Key dances include Hojagiri (performed by the Reang tribe), Bijhu (during Kojagiri Purnima), and others such as Hai Hak, Maimata, Garia, Lebang, and Sangrai.

Folk Dances of Uttar Pradesh

• Prominent dances are Charkula, Raslila, Khyal, Nautanki, Kajri, Ramlila, and Dadra.

Folk Dances of Uttarakhand

• Dances include Chhapeli, Chanchari, Jhora, and Chholia.
• Chhapeli is characterized by rhythmic tapping with sticks.

Folk Dance of West Bengal

• Gambhira is a notable folk dance expressing local traditions.

Martial Dances of India

• Includes Lathi (Punjab/West Bengal), Gatka (Punjab), Silambam (Tamil Nadu), and others such as Kalaripayattu (Kerala) and Mallakhamba (Madhya Pradesh).

Other Notable Folk Dances

• Dandiya Raas depicts the mock fight between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura.
• Ummatt-aat is a dance performed in the Coorg region.
• Lava is a well-known folk dance from Minicoy Island.
• Kummattikali is a popular mask dance from South Malabar.
• Chari Dance involves women balancing lighted diyas on their heads, commonly performed in Rajasthan.
• Ratwa ni Gher is associated with the Ratwa Tribe during Holi celebrations.

Classical Dance: Odissi

• Odissi is a classical dance from Odisha, emphasizing grace and storytelling.
• Pankaj Charan Das is known as the father of modern Odissi, with significant exponents including Leela Mohanty and Kelucharan Mohapatra.
• Odissi's structure includes elements like Mangalacharan, Batu Nritya, Pallavi, Tharijham, and Moksha.

Classical Dance: Kathak

• Originating from Uttar Pradesh, Kathak derives its name from "katha," meaning story.
• It integrates Persian elements and is performed in Thumri music and Urdu ghazals, historically patronized by Mughal royalty.
• Major Gharanas include Banaras and the lineage of the last Nawab of Awadh.

Explore the diverse world of Indian dance forms in this quiz. Learn about the main categories, classical dances recognized by the Sangeet Natak Academy, and the significance of the Natya Shastra. Differentiate between dance techniques like Nritta and Nritya, and uncover the symbolism of Bharatnatyam.