INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCES — ORIGIN, FEATURES AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCES — ORIGIN, FEATURES AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

1. Introduction

• Indian classical dance combines nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressive dance) and natya (dramatic representation).
• Classical traditions draw upon ideas associated with the Natyashastra, attributed to Bharata Muni, and later regional traditions.
• For examination purposes, the eight widely recognised classical dance forms are Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Sattriya and Mohiniyattam. (Sangeet Natak Akademi)

2. Bharatanatyam — Tamil Nadu

• Bharatanatyam developed in Tamil Nadu and has strong links with temple and court traditions.
• It is characterised by precise geometric postures, strong footwork, hand gestures or mudras, facial expression and rhythmic movement.
• The dance combines devotion, storytelling and abstract rhythm.
• Rukmini Devi Arundale played an important role in its twentieth-century revival and institutionalisation.

3. Kathak — North India

• Kathak developed in northern India from traditions of travelling storytellers known as kathakars.
• It later flourished under temple, court and especially Mughal-Awadh patronage.
• Major features include rapid footwork, spins or chakkars, expressive storytelling and rhythmic improvisation.
• The Lucknow and Jaipur gharanas are especially important, while Birju Maharaj became one of its most celebrated modern exponents. (Sangeet Natak Akademi)

4. Odissi — Odisha

• Odissi developed in Odisha and is strongly associated with temple traditions and the worship of Jagannath.
• Its distinctive posture includes tribhanga, in which the body bends at three points, and chowka, a square stance.
• Sculptural poses, graceful torso movements and expressive abhinaya are central to the form.
• NCERT learning material identifies items such as Mangalacharan, Batu, Pallavi and Moksha within Odissi training. (NCERT)

5. Kathakali — Kerala