0Indian Dance: A Comprehensive Overview for UPSC
Indian dance is one of the oldest cultural traditions of the subcontinent, reflecting religious beliefs, regional identities, aesthetic philosophies, and socio-cultural evolution. Broadly, Indian dances are classified into Classical Dances (based on Natya Shastra, codified rules, and guru-shishya parampara) and Folk Dances (community based, spontaneous, linked to festivals and local traditions).
I. Classical Dances of India
Classical dance forms draw heavily from Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra, Abhinaya Darpana, and temple traditions. They focus on rasa, bhava, tala, mudras, and stylised movements.
1. Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)
•One of the oldest classical dances, developed in temples by Devadasis.
•Features nritta, nritya, natya, geometric body lines, and expressive abhinaya.
•Music: Carnatic; Costume: Silk sari, jewellery.
•Themes: Shaivite and Vaishnavite; choreographies like Alarippu, Varnam, Padam.
2. Kathak (Uttar Pradesh)
•Origin: Kathakars or storytellers of North India.
•Influences: Bhakti movement, Mughal court culture.
•Features: Spins (chakkars), tatkaar (footwork), thumri-based abhinaya.
•Gharanas: Lucknow, Jaipur, Benaras.
3. Kathakali (Kerala)
•A dance-drama blending dance, music, and martial arts.
•Known for elaborate makeup (paccha, kari, kathi), masks, and colourful costumes.
•Themes: Mahabharata, Ramayana; Musical style: Sopana sangeet.
4. Mohiniyattam (Kerala)
•Feminine, graceful (lasya-dominated) dance.
•Associated with the legend of Vishnu’s Mohini avatar.
•Costume: White sari with golden border; music: Manipravalam.
5. Odissi (Odisha)
•Originated in temples, especially at Puri and Konark.
•Features tribhanga posture, sculpturesque poses.
•Known for Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda compositions.
6. Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
•Origin: Kuchipudi village; once performed by male Brahmin troupes.
•Features: Fast rhythm, dramatic elements, dance on the rim of a brass plate (Tarangam).
7. Manipuri (Manipur)
•Devotional dance centered around Vaishnavism.
•Gentle movements, floating costumes, Raslila tradition.
•Highly spiritual and non-dramatic.
8. Sattriya (Assam)
•Codified by Srimanta Sankardev in Vaishnava monasteries (Sattra).
•Uses khol, cymbals, and devotional themes from Bhagavata Purana.
II. Folk Dances of India
Folk dances represent the cultural diversity of communities, seasonal cycles, and social life. They are energetic, ritualistic, and community-based.
North India
•Bhangra & Giddha (Punjab): Harvest dance, energetic rhythm.
•Rouf & Dumhal (J&K): Row formation by women; ceremonial dance by men.
•Hurka Baul & Jhora (Uttarakhand): Community and seasonal dances.
East India
•Chhau (Odisha, Bengal, Jharkhand): Martial folk-dance, mask-based (Purulia) and mask-less (Mayurbhanj).
•Bihu (Assam): Spring festival dance; fast steps and youthful energy.
•Jhumur (Jharkhand/West Bengal): Pastoral communities.
West India
•Garba & Dandiya (Gujarat): Navratri dances symbolizing feminine Shakti.
•Ghoomar (Rajasthan): Performed by Bhil and Rajput women; graceful spins.
•Lavani/Tamasha (Maharashtra): Powerful rhythmic dance with dholki.
South India
•Yakshagana (Karnataka): Dance-drama with colourful makeup.
•Kolattam (Tamil Nadu): Stick dance.
•Theyyam (Kerala): Ritual dance representing deities.
Central India
•Gaur Dance (Madhya Pradesh): Performed by Gond tribes.
•Saila & Karma (Chhattisgarh): Tribal dances celebrating nature.
Northeast India
•Naga dances (Nagaland): Warrior tradition and tribal festivals.
•Bamboo Dance / Cheraw (Mizoram): Rhythmic stepping between bamboo poles.
III. Significance of Indian Dance
1. Cultural and Religious Value
•Preserves mythological narratives, temple rituals, and regional traditions.
•Embodies bhakti, spirituality, and communal identity.
2. Social and Community Bonding
•Folk dances strengthen local identities, seasonal festivals, and social cohesion.
3. Aesthetic and Philosophical Importance
•Classical dances explore rasa theory, symbolism, and Indian aesthetic thought.
4. Role in National Integration
•Dance festivals like Khajuraho, Konark, Natyanjali, Surajkund Mela promote cultural unity.
5. Global Recognition
•UNESCO has recognized forms like Odissi, Kathak, Bharatanatyam performers internationally.
•Indian diaspora preserves and spreads these dance traditions worldwide.
Conclusion
Indian dance, both classical and folk, represents India’s rich civilizational heritage, spiritual depth, regional diversity, and artistic excellence. For UPSC, it is important to understand the origin, features, costumes, musical traditions, major exponents, and the socio-cultural context of each dance form.
