Ancient Indian Dance: Video 1: IKS Dance

**Ancient Indian Dance: Video 1 -- 30 minutes -- Module 17** Hello students. You may have got a little idea about today's topic. As a part of Indian Knowledge system, we are going to study in detail about Indian dance and various aspects related to it. Starting from its cultural importance till its...

**Ancient Indian Dance: Video 1 -- 30 minutes -- Module 17** Hello students. You may have got a little idea about today's topic. As a part of Indian Knowledge system, we are going to study in detail about Indian dance and various aspects related to it. Starting from its cultural importance till its relevance in global context. Indian music and dance have deep roots that date back thousands of years. In fact, they are an integral part of Indian culture and have been passed down from generation to generation. You will get an idea about its impact on society and culture, when we will learn about evolution of these Indian dances. Indian dance has a long and storied history, with ancient texts like the NatyaShastra detailing the intricacies of various dance forms. From the graceful movements of Bharatanatyam to the energetic footwork of Kathak, Indian dance is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the country. Each dance form has its own set of gestures, postures, and expressions, making them unique and distinct. (Unit 1) In Indian tradition, the dance has been considered as a part of ritual. Let's take few examples. One of the folk dances of India which is widely considered as ritual dance is Garba. This energetic dance comes from the state of Gujarat and is often performed during the Navratri festival. Talking about the Indian classical dances, Bharatantyam is a classical dance form which originates from the temples of Tamil Nadu. There are specific dance performances like Mallari, which used to be performed in front of God's procession. Another prominent example id Odissi. The classical dance of Odissa has been performed in the procession of Jagannath Rathayatra. (Unit 2 -- point 6)  Now, Let's have a short introduction of Indian Classical Dance. Classical Indian Dance is a form of dance that originates from the classical periods of Indian culture. This type of dance is usually performed in classical music and typically features elaborate costumes, lavish sets, and dramatic movements. Its prominent features are hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to communicate story and emotion. It is an excellent way to experience the intricate details and beauty of traditional Indian culture. When talking about the origin of classical dance, it emerged from the Natya Shastra. There are total eight classical dance forms. These are as follows : Bharatanatyam : Tamilnadu Katahk : uttar Pradesh Odissi : Orissa Manipuri : Manipur Kuchipudi : Andhrapradesh Mohiniattam : Kerala Kathakali : Kerala Sattriya : Asam Recently, Chhau has been included by the Cultural Ministry of India in the list of Indian classical dances. Therefore, there are a total of 9 classical dance forms.(Unit 5.1) Let\'s dive deep into the fascinating world of dance theory with a topic that is truly the foundation of classical dance - Natyashastra. Natyashastra is the earliest literature on music and drama -- written somewhere around 500 BC by Bharata Muni. The title is a combination of two Sanskrit words -- Natya and Shastra. Natya refers to technique of dance and drama, and shastra refers to science.  It contains 36 chapters. These chapters give instructions on almost all aspects of theatre and dance -- theatre building, the stage, the theory of poetry, the use of the voice, make-up, costume, acting styles and dance technique. About 5 chapters are dedicated to discussing dance technique specifically. There are three aspects to dance. The first being Nritta or pure dance where movements are sculpted in space and time. The second is Nritya which focusses on facial expression and gesturing to tell a story. The third element Natya is a combination of Nritta and Nritya. Basic units of movement called the 'Karanas' are described by Bharata in Chapter 4 of the Natya Shastra. These are 108 in number. Basic units of movement called the 'Karanas' are described by Bharata in Chapter 4 of the Natya Shastra. These are 108 in number.  sarangapani temple ( Source : [[https://ashwinisrivatsan.blog]](https://ashwinisrivatsan.blog)) ( Unit 5.2) The topic of Natyashastra is incomplete without discussing the concept of Rasa i.e. the emotional essence of dance. The word Rasa is derived from the root '**rasah**' meaning sap or juice, taste, flavour, or relish. The success of a performance is measured by whether or not the audience has an experience of specific Rasa. According to Bharata Rasa are eight in number. These are the primary sentiments which are  They are : - - - - - - - - Shanta was added as the ninth at a later stage.  ( Unit 8.4) Now, Let's discuss important information about major forms of Indian classical Dance. 1. It is one of the oldest classical dance forms that originated in the temples of South India. The name "Bharatanatyam" is derived from "Bharata" (representing bhava, raga, and tala) and "Natyam" (meaning dance) in Hindu tradition. History of Bharatanatyam Bharatanatyam traces its roots back to the temples of Tamil Nadu, where it was performed as a devotional offering to the gods. The dance form\'s origins can be found in the Natya Shastra, an ancient treatise on performing arts. Over the centuries, Bharatanatyam has evolved into a refined and sophisticated art form that tells stories from Hindu mythology and epics.The theoretical foundation of Bharatanatyam is found in the ancient text "Natya Shastra" by Bharata Muni, dating between 200 BCE to 200 CE. Every element of Bharatanatyam is infused with symbolism and meaning. The gestures, known as \"mudras,\" represent various emotions, objects, and characters from Hindu mythology. The dance movements themselves tell stories of love, devotion, and the triumph of good over evil. Through Bharatanatyam, dancers can connect with the divine and express their innermost thoughts and feelings. The Costume and Musical Instruments  The Bharatanatyam costume includes Saree, South Indian jewellery and hairstyle as shown in the picture. Bhratanatyam needs Carnatic style of music. The prominently used musical instruments are mridangam, nattuvangam, flute, violin and sometimes ghattam. The instrument looking like cymbals are known as Nattuvangam. The nattuvangam player accompanies the dancer throughout the performance by playing rhythmic choreography on nattuvangam.  Some eminent Bharatanatyam exponents are Rukmini Devi Arundale,. Meenakshi Pillai,. Mrunalini Sarabhai, Padma Subramanyam, Yamini Krishnamurthy, etc.. ( Unit 5.3 ) 2. Kathak originated in Northern India and has its roots in the ancient Hindu temples where dancers would portray tales of gods and goddesses through intricate footwork, graceful hand gestures, and expressions. One of the hallmarks of Kathak is its complex footwork known as tatkar, where dancers create rhythmic patterns by striking their feet on the ground at lightning speed. The graceful twirls and spins, called chakkars, add an element of hypnotic beauty to the performance. The intricate hand gestures, known as mudras, convey emotions and tell stories without uttering a single word. The combination of footwork, spins, and gestures creates a mesmerizing visual spectacle that leaves viewers spellbound. Costumes and Jwellery  The flowing skirts, embellished with intricate embroidery, twirl and swirl with every movement, adding to the drama and grandeur of the performance. The elaborate gold jewelry, from delicate anklets to ornate necklaces, glint and sparkle under the stage lights, enhancing the allure and grace of the dancers.  Music and Instruments Tabala, Pakhvaj and Sitar. The dance needs Hindustani style of music The unique feature is that the dancer has themselves recite the beats and present them choreographically. It is known as Padhant. ( Unit 5.4) 3. This art form dates back to the 17th century and is believed to have been influenced by Hindu mythology and traditional Indian dance forms. It combines elements of dance, music, and drama to tell captivating stories from ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It is known as pantomime i.e. a drama without a word. One of the most striking features of Kathakali is its elaborate costumes and makeup. The performers, known as Kathakali artists, spend hours getting ready before a performance. The makeup, called chutti, is an intricate process that involves applying colorful pigments to create exaggerated facial features that help convey the emotions of the characters.   The costumes are equally impressive, with vibrant colors and intricate designs that add to the visual spectacle of the performance. From the elaborate headgear to the flowing skirts, every detail is carefully crafted to enhance the storytelling and bring the characters to life.  Now, let\'s talk about the movements in Kathakali. This dance form is known for its stylized gestures and expressions, which are used to convey a wide range of emotions and narratives. The performers use a combination of hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements including leg extensions, jumps and leaps to communicate with the audience and bring the characters to life. We can imagine how difficult it would be to do such movements with such a heavy costume. [[https://youtu.be/RqG7-jZ4UfE?si=D75mNO1sfsce9mZw]](https://youtu.be/RqG7-jZ4UfE?si=D75mNO1sfsce9mZw) Another key aspect of Kathakali is its music and rhythm. The performances are accompanied by traditional Kerala percussion instruments like the chenda and the maddalam, which create a powerful and dynamic sound that adds to the drama and intensity of the performance. The music sets the tone for the storytelling and helps create an immersive experience for the audience. In addition to the music and dance, Kathakali also incorporates vocal elements in the form of songs and recitations. The performers use their voices to convey the emotions of the characters and enhance the storytelling, adding another layer of depth and complexity to the performance. The music used is known as soppan music. ( Unit 5.5 ) Lets learn in short about some other dance forms like Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, and Manipuri. Odissi, a dance form that originated in the state of Odisha. Known for its graceful movements, fluid gestures, and elaborate footwork. The dancers embody various characters from Hindu mythology and enact stories through their expressions and movements. The music accompanying Odissi is usually classical, with instruments like the sitar, flute, mardala and tabla. One of the unique features of Odissi is its distinctive tribhangi posture, where the body is bent in three places -- the neck, waist, and knee. This creates a mesmerizing visual effect that is truly captivating to watch. One of the unique feature is the integration of Hindustani and Carnatic music. Next up, we have Kuchipudi, a dance form that hails from the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The movements in Kuchipudi are sharp and precise. The dancers have to sing and dance at the same time. Another interesting aspect of Kuchipudi is the use of a Tarangam, where the dancer balances a pot filled with water on their head while performing complex footwork on plate. This requires immense skill and control, making Kuchipudi a truly unique and challenging dance form. Kuchipudi requires Carnatic style of music  Moving on to Mohiniattam, a graceful and elegant dance form that originates from the state of Kerala. Mohiniattam is known for its delicate movements, subtle expressions, and lyrical storytelling. The dancers in Mohiniattam wear beautiful white and gold costumes, adorned with traditional jewelry and flowers.  The Carnatic music accompanying Mohiniattam is usually soothing and melodic, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere. One of the key features of Mohiniattam is the use of lasya, or the feminine aspect of dance, which emphasizes grace, beauty, and subtlety. The dancers in Mohiniattam often depict stories of love, devotion, and mythology through their movements, expressions, and gestures.  Last but not least, we have Manipuri, a traditional dance form from the northeastern state of Manipur. The costumes in Manipuri are colorful and vibrant, often featuring intricate embroidery and traditional designs. One of the unique features of Manipuri is the use of the Ras Lila, a dance drama that depicts the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. The dancers in Manipuri convey a sense of devotion, love, and spirituality through their movements and expressions, creating a mesmerizing and enchanting experience for the audience. Rabeendra Sangeet system is prominently used in Manipuri dance. ( Unit 5.6 )  Moving ahead, lets understand some other aspects related to Indian dance which highlights its importance. One of them is dance in social ceremonies. Dance plays a crucial role in social ceremonies as it serves as a form of cultural expression, storytelling, and emotional release. It allows individuals to connect with their heritage, express their emotions, and celebrate their unity with others. Dance also helps to create a sense of community and belonging among participants, strengthening their bonds and fostering a sense of togetherness. Over the period of time, we have witnessed the influence of Indian classical and folk dance in Bollywood movies as well. In recent years, people have started integrating Indian classical dances with contemporary styles which we popularly called as fusion. In a global context, Indian dance serves as a bridge between different cultures, bringing people together and celebrating the beauty of diversity. Indian dance has not only impacted socially, culturally or globally but also impacted education and personal development of individuals. Let's understand few aspects related to it.( Unit 9) In India, dance is not just a form of entertainment, but a way to connect with the divine. Many rituals and ceremonies in Indian culture incorporate dance as a means of invoking blessings and seeking guidance from higher powers. From classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak to folk dances like Garba and Bhangra, each style has its own rituals and traditions that are deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs. Dance as a spiritual practice offers a lot of benefits for our mind, body, and soul. As we surrender to the music and let ourselves be guided by its rhythm, we enter a state of flow where time seems to stand still, and our worries melt away. Dance also helps us release pent-up emotions and energy, allowing us to cleanse our spirit and come into alignment with our true selves. It is believed that When we dance, we are not just moving our bodies -- we are communing with the divine. ( unit 7.6) It\'s a form of meditation in motion, allowing us to quiet the thoughts of our minds and focus on the present moment. Just like meditation, dance allows you to be fully present in the moment, letting go of all distractions and worries. As you move your body to the rhythm of the music, you enter a state of flow where your mind, body, and soul are perfectly in sync. This harmonious union creates a sense of peace. ( Unit 8.5 ) There are numerous benefits of dance in terms of mental health. Research has shown that dancing releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that elevate your mood and reduce pain. Moreover, dance meditation has been found to increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, leading to feelings of happiness and well-being. Dance helps you in memory and concentration. It also prevents from dementia. By immersing ourself in these dances, we are connecting with our emotions on a deeper level, expanding your capacity for empathy and self-expression. Indian dance forms offer a therapeutic outlet for stress, anxiety, and emotional disturbances by allowing us to release pent-up emotions and find inner peace. ( Unit 9. 3 ) Lets take a quick recap of todays lecture. We have studied about Indian classical dance forms, the detailed information related to major dance forms of India, its role in social ceremony, education, culture, etc and lastly we tried to understand dance as a spiritual practice, meditation and its impact on mental health. We will study some more interesting aspects related to Indian Dance in next lecture. Thank You ! **-Ms. Akanksha Brahme** **Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology**