Indian Classical Dance

Ravi K. Thakur | @ravi_pushpak | January 2, 2016

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Indian Classical Dance is an Array term used to represent a group of Dance
performed in different areas of India, which has originated from NATYA SASHTRA
written by Bharatha Muni (Sanskrit: नाट्य शास्त्र, Nāṭyaśāstra) around 200 BCE to
200 CE.

Natya Sashtra :- Natya means Classical Dance and Sashtra means Book so Natya
Sashtra is an ancient Indian treatise which describe three forms of art Dance Music &
Drama in systematic way containing 6000 slokas in Sanskrit language.

The Word Classical is introduced by Sangeet Natak Akademi, originated from

Sanskrit word "Shastriya". According to Natya Shastra previously Classical dances
are only performed inside the sanctum of the temple called Agama Nartanam
and Dances performed in royal courts to the accompaniment of classical music are
called Carnatakam. later these dances bought to perform on stages and now a days
on theaters.

The basic aspects of Indian classical dance are tandava and lasya which means
rhythm and grace respectively. The poses given are called mudras. Every Indian
classical dance form exhibits the navarasas (nine human emotions) in their own way.

List of Classical Dances in different regions in India and their Recognition ( Source
Ministry of Culture).

Recognition Recognition
by by
Dance form State(s) of origin
Sangeet Natak Ministry of
Akademi Culture

Bharatanatyam Tamil Nadu Yes Yes

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 Odisha, West Bengal,
Chhau No Yes
Jharkhand

Gaudiya Nritya West Bengal No No

Kathak Northern India (Uttar Pradesh) Yes Yes

Kathakali Kerala Yes Yes

Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh Yes Yes

Manipuri Manipur Yes Yes

Mohiniyattam Kerala Yes Yes

Odissi Odisha Yes Yes

Sattriya Assam Yes Yes

Thang Ta Manipur No Yes

The basic aspects of Indian classical dance are tandava and lasya which means
rhythm and grace respectively. The poses given are called mudras. Every Indian
classical dance form exhibits the navarasas (nine human emotions) in their own way.

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1. BHARATANATYAM is the most famous classical dance form of
India which was originated in TAMIL NADU state.
BHARATANATYAM came from the words BHARATA denoting bhava
(expression), raga (music) and tala (rhythm).This dance form was performed
by devadasis only in temples in ancient days. Later on it came to dance
schools and flourished. PANDANALLUR style and TANJAVUR style are
two styles of
BHARATANATYAM. FAMOUS
DANCERS: The famous dancers of BHARATANATYAM are Rukmini Devi,
T. BALASARASWATHI, MRINALINI SARABHAI, ANITA RATNAM and so
on.
2. KATHAKALI classical dance was born in the temples of Kerala. It was
originated from the words KATHA (means story) and KALI (means drama). It
is said that the ancient dance form of Kerala RAMANATTAM was evolved into
KATHAKALI. It was used to be performed in open air stages and was soon
brought to the theatres. FAMOUS DANCERS: The famous dancers of
KATHAKALI are GURU KUNCHU KURUP, KARUNAKARAN, GOPINATH,
RAMAN PILLAI etc.
3. KATHAK dance form was originated in Uttar Pradesh. It literally means
story telling through dance. It was highly influenced by VAISHNAVISM and
was associated with temples accompanied by keertans. During Mughal rule,
Persian style costumes were introduced into this form. It was greatly
flourished in GHARANAS of different cities.
FAMOUS DANCERS: The famous dancers of KATHAK are SITARA DEVI,
DAMAYANTI JOSHI, UMA SHARMA, MANISHA GULYANI etc.
4. KUCHIPUDI was named after its place of origin, KUCHELAPURAM, a
village in Andhra Pradesh. In ancient days it was only performed by male
Brahmins in temples for enacting puranas. Later on, it was brought on to the
stage and was patronised by Vijayanagara and Golconda rulers.
FAMOUS DANCERS: The famous dancers of KUCHIPUDI are VEMPATI
CHINA SATYAM, SWAPNA SUNDARI, CHINTA KRISHNA MURTHY etc.

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5. Mohiniyattam was named after a mythological story in which lord Vishnu
appeared as Mohini to save the amrita (nectar of immortality) & second time
to save Lord Shiva from Bhasmasura. It originated in Kerala around 16th CE.
6. Oddisi also known as Orissi is originated in Odisha in Natya Shastra it
is Odra-Magadhi around 1 BCE in the hill of Udaygiri near
Bhubaneswar.

Conclusion:- Indian Classical Dance is a lead role which represent

India's rich Ancient heritage culture. It attracts
many foreigners towards our glorifying Indian
Culture.

Source:- Wikipedia, www.indiaculture.nic.in, IAS.org.in

Witten and Edited BY:-

Ravi Kumar Thakur (Follow@ravi_pushpak on twitter).

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