Classical Dances of India

Bharatanatyam originated in Tamil Nadu and is one of the oldest classical dance forms. It evolved from Devadasi traditions in temples and was revived in the 20th century by Rukmini Devi Arundale.

Kathakali from Kerala is known for its elaborate facial makeup called 'Chutti', large costumes, and dramatic eye movements. It depicts stories from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Kathak is the classical dance form of North India, particularly associated with Uttar Pradesh. It developed in the courts of Lucknow and Jaipur and combines Hindu and Islamic influences.

Odissi is the classical dance form of Odisha, deeply associated with the Jagannath temple in Puri. It is one of the oldest surviving dance forms, with sculptures seen in the Udayagiri caves dating to 2nd century BCE.

Mohiniyattam is the classical dance form of Kerala. The name means 'Dance of the Enchantress' (Mohini). It is performed by women and is known for its graceful, swaying movements.

Sattriya was recognized as the eighth classical dance form by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000. It originated in the Vaishnava monasteries (Sattras) of Assam, founded by the saint Sankaradeva in the 15th century.

Kuchipudi originated in the village of Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh. It combines dance, music, and acting to depict stories from Hindu scriptures. Traditionally performed by male Brahmin priests, it later included female performers.

Odissi is characterized by the 'Tribhangi' posture where the body bends at three points — neck, torso, and knee. This S-shaped stance gives Odissi its distinctive sculptural quality.

The Natyashastra was written by Bharata Muni, estimated to be between 200 BCE and 200 CE. It is the most comprehensive ancient Indian treatise on performing arts and covers dance, music, and drama.

Manipuri dance, from Manipur in Northeast India, primarily depicts stories of Radha and Krishna (Vaishnavism). It is characterized by soft, circular movements and colorful costumes called 'Potloi'.

E. Krishna Iyer is often credited as the 'Father of Bharatanatyam' for his role in reviving and legitimizing it in the early 20th century when it was stigmatized. Rukmini Devi Arundale also played a major role in its revival.

Bharatanatyam evolved from the Devadasi tradition where women dedicated to temple service performed as a form of worship. It was suppressed during colonial rule but revived in the 1930s.

The Natyashastra describes the nine Rasas (emotions) — Shringara, Hasya, Karuna, Raudra, Vira, Bhayanaka, Bibhatsa, Adbhuta, and Shanta. These form the emotional vocabulary of all classical Indian performing arts.

In Kathak, the rapid, precise rhythmic footwork is called 'Tatkaar'. It is one of the distinguishing features of Kathak and creates complex rhythmic patterns that correspond to the tabla beats.

Mohiniyattam from Kerala is traditionally performed only by women. It is named after Mohini, the female avatar of Lord Vishnu who enchanted demons to recover the nectar of immortality (amrit).

The Pung (or Mridang) drum is the principal instrument used in Manipuri dance and music. Manipuri Pung Cholom is a distinct art form where male dancers play the drum while dancing.

Sattriya originated in the Sattras (Vaishnavite monasteries) of Assam, founded by the saint-reformer Sankaradeva in the 15th century. It was performed within the Sattra precincts as a devotional offering.

Abhinaya refers to the expressive aspect of classical dance — the art of communicating emotions and stories through facial expressions, gestures (mudras), body movements, and eyes. It is divided into Angika, Vachika, Aharya, and Sattvika.

Chhau is a semi-classical dance form of Eastern India (Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal) and is NOT listed among the eight classical dances recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, though it has UNESCO recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.