Indian Dance Forms Overview

Questions and Answers

What are the two main categories of dance forms mentioned, and how are they defined?

The two main categories are Folk Dance Forms, which have no specific steps and are performed during rituals, and Classical Dance, which includes structured techniques.

How many classical dance forms are officially recognized by the Sangeet Natak Academy, and what additional form is noted by the Ministry of Culture?

The Sangeet Natak Academy recognizes 8 classical dance forms, while the Ministry of Culture mentions a total of 9, including Chhau.

What is the significance of the Natya Shastra, and who authored it?

The Natya Shastra, authored by Bharat Muni, is significant as it serves as the foundational text for classical dance in India.

Differentiate between Nritta and Nritya as described in dance techniques.

<p>Nritta refers to pure dance that focuses on rhythm and movements, while Nritya combines pure dance with expressiveness and emotion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Bharatnatyam' symbolize, and what are its alternate names?

<p>Bharatnatyam symbolizes fire and is also known as Dasiattam and Sadir attam.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.