Dances of India

India is a land of diversities. Various climatic conditions have made India a diverse country. In all spheres
of Indian life diversities are clearly visible. These diversities have made the Indian culture a unique one.
Like all other aspects of life, the dance forms of India are also varied and different. There are many types
of dance forms in India, from those which are deeply religious in content to those which are performed on
small
occasions.
The Indian dances are broadly divided into Classical dances and folk dances. The Classical dances of
India are usually spiritual in content. Though the folk dances of India are also spiritual and religious in
content but the main force behind the folk dances of India is the celebratory mood. Dances are a form of
coherent expression of human feelings. Like the Indian culture, Indian classical dances are equally
diverse in nature. There are numerous classical dance forms in India and innumerable folk dances. Each
dance form can be traced to different parts of the country. Each form represents the culture and ethos of a
particular
region
or
a
group
of
people
The most popular classical dance styles of India are Bharatnatyam of Tamil Nadu, Kathakali and
Mohiniattam of Kerala, Odissi of Orissa, Kathak of Uttar Pradesh, Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh and
Manipuri
of
Manipur.
Indian
Classical
Dances
India has thousands of year old tradition of fine arts and classical and folk music and dances. Some of the
world-famous dance forms that originated and evolved in India are Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali,
Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam and Odissi. All these dance forms use basically the same 'mudras' or
signs of hand as a common language of expression and were originally performed in the temples to
entertain
various
Gods
and
Goddesses.
Indian
Classical
Dancers
Indian classical dance has a distinct character that reflects the great cultural and traditional endeavor. The
forms of Indian dance have transcended beyond the fences and socio-cultural hindrances. Exponents of
the Indian classical dance believe that it has the caliber of creating a new and disciplined lifestyle. The
Indian Classical Dance is often regarded as the form of worship and meditation. The performers of Indian
Classical Dance, despite of the background and forms, have played a crucial role in presenting India to
the
forefront
of
the
World
stage.
Indian
Folk
Dances
India is a land of varied cultures and traditions. Diversities in all spheres make the Indian culture quite
unique. Indian folk and tribal dances are product of different socio-economic set up and traditions. Indian
folk and tribal dances are simple and are performed to express joy. In India we have festivals and
celebrations virtually every day. This has added to the richness of Indian culture. Since every festival is
accompanied by celebration, folk dances have become an integral part of our social milieu.

Dances of India

Indian Classical Dances

Bharatnatyam
Kathak
Kathakali
Kuchipudi
Manipuri
Mohiniattam
Odissi
Indian Classical Dancers
Mallika Sarabhai
Pandit Birju Maharaj
Rukmini Devi Arundale
Shovana Narayan
Sonal Mansingh
Uday Shankar
Yamini Krishnamurthy
Indian Folk Dances
Central India
East India
North East India
North India
South India
South West India
West India

Bharatnatyam Dance
Bharatnatyam is one of the most popular classical Indian dances. Bharatnatyam is more popular in South
Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Bharatnatyam dance is almost 2,000 years old. It is believed
that Bharatnatyam was revealed by Lord Brahma to Bharata, a famous sage who then codified this
sacred dance in a Sanskrit text called the Natya Shastra. The Natya Shastra is one of the fundamental
treatises on Indian drama and aesthetics. Natya Shastra divides dance into two distinct forms- nritta, and
nritya. In nritta, focus is on mastery of abstract hand gestures and movements, whereas the dancer
employs a complex system of hand signals and body language to depict emotional expressions in nritya.
The Bharatnatyam dance flourished in the Hindu temples of South India. The temple dancers (Called
Devadasis or servants of god) flourished under royal patronage and religious devotion. The Devadasi
system became an integral part of South Indian temple ritual. Slowly and gradually the Devadasi system
went into disrepute due to economic and social conditions attached to it. The credit of reviving and
popularizing the Bharatnatyam in its present form goes to Rukmini Devi, who gave it new life and
respectability. Bala Saraswati, the queen of Bharatnatyam also deserves accolades for her work and
efforts
to
popularize
Bharatnatyam.
At present Bharatnatyam is an immensely popular classical dance form of India. The present form of
Bharatnatyam dance was evolved by Poniah Pillai of Tanjore and his brothers. Formats of Bharatnatyam
consist of Alarippu (invocation), Jathi Swaram (note combinations) Shabdam (notes and lyrics), Varnam
(a combination of pure dance and abhinaya) lighter items like Padams and Javalis (all erotic) and finally
the thillana (again pure dance). Bharatnatyam is considered the mother art of most of the other classical
dances of India and inspires many art forms like sculpture, painting,
and icon-making.

Kathak Dance
Kathak is one of the most important classical dances of India. Kathak is said to be derived from the word
katha, meaning "the art of storytelling." The Kathak dance form originated in north India and was very
similar to the Bharatnatyam dance form. In ancient India, there were Kathakars or bards who used to
recite religious and mythological tales to the accompaniment music, mime and dance.
Under the influence of Persian and Muslim traditions Kathak dance assumed the form of courtly
entertainment. Under the patronage of medieval rulers and Nawabs a class of dancing girls and
courtesans emerged to entertain the palaces and courts. Medieval traditions imparted Kathak a distinct
Hindu-Muslim texture. Thus, with the passage of time Kathak went on changing its form and character.
This
change
was
also
reflected
in
the
dress
of
Kathak
dance.
During the nineteenth century Kathak enjoyed a revival and gained prominence among the kings and
zamindars (feudal lords) not only as a form of entertainment but also as a classical art form. Slowly and
gradually Gharanas or schools of Kathak emerged. The Jaipur Gharana of Kathak emphasized technical
mastery of pure dance. In the court of Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Oudh (a student of Kathak), Kathak
dance emphasized dramatic and sensuous expression and developed into a distinct style called the
Lucknow Gharana. This Gharana is said to have originated with Wajid Ali Shah's court dancer Thakur
Prasadji.
Kathak dances are performed straight-legged and the ankle bells worn by the dancers are skillfully
controlled. In Kathak dance the emphasis is more on footwork as against hasta mudras or hand
formations in Bharatnatyam dance. Kathak dance can be performed by both men and women. A Kathak
dancer is not required strictly to stick to fixed steps and stages in. He or she can change the sequence of
steps to suit his or her skill and style of dancing. Modern exponents of Kathak dance are Birju Maharaj
and Uma Sharma.

Kathakali Dance

Kathakali is the classical dance form of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means "Story-Play". Kathakali
is known for its heavy, elaborate makeup and costumes. In fact, the colorful and fascinating costumes of
Kathakali have become the most recognized icon of Kerala. Kathakali is considered as one of the most
magnificent theatres of imagination and creativity. Kathakali dance presents themes derived from the
Ramayana,
the
Mahabharata
and
other
Hindu
epics,
mythologies
and
legends.
The dance aspect of Kathakali consists of pure dance (nritya) as well as mime (abhinaya). Initially
Kathakali was thought to be the sole domain of men but now women also perform the dance. Like all
other dance forms Kathakali has also undergone changes over the time. In Kathakali emphasis is given
more on aharya abhinaya, the use of costumes, ornaments and facial make-up. It is interesting to note
that Kathakali is the only Indian dance form in which the entire body, both skeleton and muscles, down to
even the smallest facial muscle are used to portray emotion. When Kathakali dance is being performed
the text of the drama or the story is sung for the dancer and is the baseline for his/her interpretation.
In Kerala and some other south Indian states Kathakali performance is a major social event, which starts
at dusk and continues all through the night. The Kathakali tradition dates back to the 17th century. It was
Mahakavi Vallathol Narayan Menon, who gave Kathakali its present form. He was the founder of the
Kerala
Kala
Mandalam.
Kathakali Costumes The most distinctive characteristic of Kathakali is its dance costume. In Kathakali the
makeup is very intricate and the costumes are very large and heavy. There are several kinds of Kathakali
costumes namely, Sathwika (the hero), Kathi (the villain), Minukku (females), and Thatti. Each character
in Kathakali dance is immediately recognizable by characteristic makeup and costume. The Kathakali
makeup is so heavy that it looks like a mask.

Kuchipudi Dance
Kuchipudi is one of the classical dance forms of the South India. Kuchipudi derives its name from the
Kuchipudi village of Andhra Pradesh. In the seventeenth century the Kuchipudi village was presented to
the Brahmins, who were experts in staging dance and drama. Kuchipudi exhibits scenes from the Hindu
Epics, legends and mythological tales through a combination of music, dance and acting. Like other

classical dances, Kuchipudi also comprises pure dance, mime and histrionics but it is the use of speech
that
distinguishes
Kuchipudi's
presentation
as
dance
drama.
Carrying a fine combination of Natya, Nritta and Nritya, Kuchipudi was never a solo affair and required a
number of performers. Kuchipudi was performed in the open air by performers who were given a vigorous
training in abhinaya, music, dancing and singing. In its early form, the female roles were played by boys
and young men of beautiful looks. The director (called Sutradhar) played the most important role. He
combined the role of conductor, dancer, singer, musician, comedian, all in one. The Kuchipudi
performance started with orchestral music which included Mridanga, Madala and a pair of cymbals. To
bless the performance invocation of a deity was done. All this was followed by announcement of the
theme
of
the
play
and
introduction
of
characters
by
the
sutradhar.
In modern times the Kuchipudi dance is considerably different than it originally used to be. Most of the
performances are solo, done by female dancers. Today the expressional numbers are sung by the
danseuse herself instead by the vocalists in the background of the stage. The invocation of deity part has
also been done away with as Kuchipudi has become more secular in its presentation. Today there is
predominance of 'sringar' or erotic essence. Another notable facet of modern day Kuchipudi is the dilution
of
drama
component.
Kuchipudi has many features that are common to other classical dances of India. Kuchipudi carries the
sensuousness and fluidity of Odissi with the geometric line of today's Bharata Natyam. As in all other
classical dance forms of India, the Kuchipudi dance is both interpretive and lyrical, making use of abstract
dance sequences as well. Kuchipudi dance retains its devotional character with stress on dramatic
outlook. It is because of these qualities and features Kuchipudi dance enjoys great popularity and is
recognized as one of the leading classical dance styles of India.

Manipuri Dance
Manipuri is one of the six major classical dances of India. Manipuri dance is indigenous to Manipur, the
North eastern state of India. The Manipuri dance style is inextricably woven into the life pattern of
Manipuri people. The most striking part of Manipur dance is its colorful decoration, lightness of dancing
foot, delicacy of abhinaya (drama), lilting music and poetic charm. The Manipuri dance form is mostly
ritualistic and draws heavily from the rich culture of the state of Manipur. Costumes used in the Manipur
dance
are
colorful
and
the
music
carries
a
quaint
charm.

Manipuri dance is entirely religious and aims at gaining spiritual experience. The Manipuri dance is not
only a medium of worship and delight but also essential for all socio-cultural ceremonies of Manipuri
people. Looking from a religious and artistic point of view the Manipuri Classical dance is said to be one
on
the
purest,
modest,
softest
and
mildest
and
meaningful
dances.
Manipuri Dance is a common name and envelopes all the dance-forms of Manipur. Thus, Manipuri dance
can be called a basket of various dances. According to legends the original creator of Manipuri dance was
Radha and Krishna. This Rasa Leela dance is said to be repeated by Shiva and his consort, Goddess
Uma in Lasya style (in Manipur). It is interesting to note that the same dance (Rasa-dance) was
performed for the third time by two mortal human beings, princess Toibi and Khamba of Manipur. The
dance
performed
by
these
two
lovers
is
known
as
Lai
Haraoba.
The most important facet of Manipuri culture is that it has preserved the ancient ritual based dances and
folk dances along with the later developed classical Manipuri dance style. Of all the classical categories,
the 'Ras Leela' (a greatly evolved dance drama, choreographed on 'Vaishnavite Padavalis') is the utmost
expression of artistic genius, devotion and excellence of the
Manipuri people.

Mohiniattam Dance
Mohiniattam is a classical dance form of Kerala. Mohiniattam is derived from the words "Mohini" (meaning
beautiful women) and "attam"(meaning dance). Thus, Mohiniattam dance form is a beautiful feminine
style with surging flow of body movements. Mohiniattam dance in Kerala developed in the tradition of
Devadasi
system,
which
later
grew
and
developed
a
classical
status.
Mohiniattam is a solo female dance (in a single costume), where musical melody and the rhythmical
swaying of the dancer from side to side and the smooth and unbroken flow of the body movement is the
striking feature. The Mohiniattam dance focuses mainly on feminine moods and emotions. Usually, the
theme of Mohiniattam dance is "sringara" or love. Subtle subjects of love are executed with suggestive
abhinaya, subtle gestures, rhythmic footwork and lilting music. The legend of Vishnu as "Mohini", (the
enchantress)
forms
the
core
of
Mohiniattam
dance.

The credit for reviving the Mohiniattam dance in the nineteenth century goes to Swati Tirunal. Swati
Tirunal was an enlightened ruler of Travancore (Southern Kerala) and promoted the study of Mohiniattam.
Swati Tirunal composed many of the musical arrangements and vocal accompaniments that provide
musical background for the Mohiniattam dancers. The noted Malayalam poet Vallathol, who established
the Kerala Kalamandalam dance school in 1930, also played an important role in reviving the Mohiniattam
dance
form.
The performers of Mohiniattam dance usually wear an off-white colored sari with gold brocade borders.
Hairs of the dancer are gathered in a bun and decorated with jasmine flowers. The Mohiniattam dancer is
adorned with Gold Jewellery including necklaces, bangles, waistbands and anklets. The tinkling of the
Jewellery produces music as the dancer performs the dance. Mohiniattam dance is accompanied by
musical instruments like violin, Veena and Mridangam and the dancer narrates episodes from the epics
and legends through elegant steps, rhythmic movements of her arms and amazing facial expressions.
The Hastha Lakshandeepika is a classical text and forms the basis of hands and arms movement in
Mohiniattam.

Odissi Dance
Odissi is one of the famous classical Indian dances from Orissa state. The history of Odissi dance is
almost two thousand years old. Odissi is a highly inspired, passionate, ecstatic and sensuous form of
dance. Like most of the South Indian classical dances of India Odissi too had its origin in the Devadasi
tradition. The state of Orissa has a great cultural history. The rulers of this region built magnificent
temples, which became the center of art and culture. It was around these temples that Odissi, one of
India's
scintillating
dance-forms
was
born,
nurtured
and
nourished.
In its present form Odissi is a well established and codified classical dance form of India. Odissi is
considered a dance of love, joy and intense passion, pure, divine and human. Over a period of time three
schools of Odissi dance developed, they are- Mahari, Nartaki, and Gotipau. The Mahari system traces its
roots in the Devadasi tradition. The dance form of Odissi that developed in royal courts is called the
Nartaki tradition. In the Gotipau tradition of Odissi dance young boys dress up in female attires and enact
female
roles.

Before the 17th century Odissi dance was held in great esteem due to patronage and support of local
rulers and nobles. During this period even the royalty was expected to be accomplished dancers.
However, the scenario changed after the 17th century. The dancing girls were thought of as prostitutes
and from here the social position of dancers began to decline. During the colonial period too the position
of
Odissi
dance
suffered
due
to
anti-nautch
attitude
of
the
British.
With India gaining independence there began great efforts to revive the classical Indian dances. The
government came to realize the role of cultural heritage in creating a national identity. A number of people
and experts took initiatives for the reconstruction and popularization of Odissi dance. Some of the notable
are Guru Deba Prasad Das, Guru Mayadhar Raut, Guru Pankaj Charan Das, Guru Mahadev Rout, Guru
Raghu
Dutta
and
Guru
Kelu
Charan
Mahapatra.
One of the most distinguishing features of Odissi dance is the Tribhangi. The notion of Tribhang divides
the body into three parts, head, bust and torso. The postures dealing with these three elements are called
Tribhangi. This concept has created the very characteristic poses which are more twisted than found in
other classical Indian dances. Mudra is also an important component of Odissi dance. The term Mudra
means "stamp" and is a hand position which suggests things. Odissi themes are almost religious in nature
and mostly revolve around Krishna.

Mallika Sarabhai
Born: 1954
Contributions
Mallika Sarabhai, a multifaceted personality, is a noted Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer. She has
immensely contributed to the fields of acting, writing and publishing. She is a social activist and has
participated in many socio-developmental projects initiated by the United Nations. Mallika Sarabhai has
also received the "French Palme D'or'', the highest civilian award of
France.

Pandit Birju Maharaj

Born: February

4,

1938

Contributions
Birju Maharaj is a leading exponent and torch-bearer of the Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Lucknow. He is the
only son and disciple of Shri Achhan Maharaj and is a familiar face of Indian Kathak dance all over the
world. He has performed in almost all the countries of the globe. He is a wonderful singer with a strong
grip over, Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan and Ghazals. He gave his first performance at the age of seven. Pandit
Birju Maharaj is not only a Kathak dancer but also a sensitive poet
and captivating orator.

Rukmini Devi Arundale

Born: February
Passed

29,
Away: February

1904
24,

1986

Contributions
Rukmini Devi Arundale was a reputed dancer and choreographer of Bharatnatyam, an Indian classical
dance form. Her charismatic personality and contribution to the renaissance of Indian Classical music
attained her niche in the arena of Indian culture. It is believed that Rukmini Devi had declined the chair of
the President of India, once offered by Morarji Desai, the then Prime Minister of India. Rukmini Devi was
also known for her efforts towards the protection of animal rights
and their welfare.

Shovana Narayan
Contributions
Shovana Narayan is a Kathak Maestro and an outstanding dancer.
She is an incarnation of the great artistic and social traditions of
India. She created a new and innovative style of performing arts by
enriching it with a deeper and wider canvas of expression and
dimensions. She has been awarded with Padmashri in 1992 and Sangeet Natak Academy Awards in
1999.

Sonal Mansingh
Born: May

1,

1944

Contributions
Sonal Mansingh is an eminent Indian classical dancer and a leading exponent of Bharatnatyam,
Kuchipudi, and Chhau. Besides being a dancer, Sonal Mansingh is a well-known choreographer, teacher,
orator and a social activist. For her contributions in the field of "Classical dancing" she has received
accolades from many national and international organizations. She was the youngest recipient of Padma

Bhushan, in 1992. In 2003, Sonal became the first Indian woman dancer to be awarded with Padma
Vibhushan.

Uday Shankar
Born: December
8,
Passed
Away: September

26,

1900
1977

Contribution
Uday Shankar initiated a unique movement of revival of classical dances in 1930. Though he had no
formal training in any classical form, his presentations were creative. Uday Shankar used the essence of
various traditions and techniques in his dance dramas and succeeded in presenting an integrated
composition. The government of India awarded Uday Shankar with
the coveted "Padma Vibhushan.

Yamini Krishnamurthy
Born: 1940
Contributions
Yamini 'Poornatilaka' Krishnamurthy, better known as Yamini Krishnamurthy is a renowned Kuchipudi and
Bharatnatyam dancer. She is also considered as the torch-bearer of the Kuchipudi form of dance. She
started her career with a dance performance in 1957, at the age of seventeen years. Yamini led an
eventful dancing career and has been honored with Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the government
of India.

Folk Dances of India

India is a land of varied cultures and traditions. Diversities in all spheres make the Indian culture quite
unique. Indian folk and tribal dances are product of different socio-economic set up and traditions. Indian
folk and tribal dances are simple and are performed to express joy. In India we have festivals and
celebrations virtually every day. This has added to the richness of Indian culture. Since every festival is
accompanied by celebration, folk dances have become an integral part of our social milieu. While there
are numerous folk and tribal dances, they are constantly improved. The skill and the imagination of the
dances
influence
the
performance.
Folk dances are performed for every possible occasion, to celebrate the arrival of seasons, birth of a
child, a wedding and festivals. The folk dances are extremely simple with minimum of steps or movement.
Indian folk dances are full of energy and vitality. Some dances are performed separately by men and
women while in some performances men and women dance together. On most occasions, the dancers
sing themselves, accompanied by artists with instruments. Each form of folk dance has a specific
costume and rhythm. Most of the costumes, worn for folk dances, are colorful with extensive jewels and
designs.
Central
India
Gaur dance is a popular folk dance of Madhya Pradesh dances. Gaur dance is popular in the Sing Marias
or Tallaguda Marias of South Bastar. Men put head-dresses with stringed 'cowries' and plumes of
peacock feathers and make their way to the dancing ground. Women ornamented with brass fillets and
bead necklaces with their tattooed bodies also join the gathering. The men beat the drums, tossing the
horns and feathers of their head-gears to the rising tempo that gives the dance a wilder touch.
East
India
Chhau is a popular folk dance of Bihar. Since masks form an important feature of this dance it is called
'Chhau', which means mask. All the Chhau performers hold swords and shields while performing. The
stages are decorated and brightly lit by torches, lanterns and flickering oil lamps. The musical instruments
used are the Dhol (a cylindrical drum), Nagara (a huge drum) and Shehnai (reed pipes). The Chhau
dance is performed by men and boys. Chhau dance is full of energy and strength. It is interesting to note
that the entire body of the dancer is engaged as a single unit. This body language of the dancer has to be
poetic
and
powerful.

North
East
India
Bihu is a popular folk dance of Assam is called Bihu. The Bihu dance is an integral part of the Bihu festival
of Assam. The Bihu festival is celebrated in mid-April, during the harvesting time and lasts for about a
month. Young men and girls perform the Bihu dance together to the accompaniment of drums and pipes.
Love forms the subject matter of the songs that are sung during the performance. The dances are
performed
in
circles
or
parallel
rows.
North
India
Dumhal is a popular dance of Kashmir. This dance is performed with long colorful robes, tall conical caps
(studded with beads and shells). Dumhal dance is accompanied by songs which the performers
themselves sing. It is supported by drums. There is an interesting tradition associated with Dumhal dance
where the performers of this dance place a banner into the ground at a fixed location and they begin to
men
dance
around
this
banner.
South
India
Padayani is one of the most colorful and popular dances of Southern Kerala. Padayani is associated with
the festival of certain temples, called Padayani or Paddeni. Such temples are in Alleppey, Quilon,
Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts. The main Kolams (huge masks) displayed in Padayani are
Bhairavi
(Kali),
Kalan
(god
of
death),
Yakshi
(fairy)
and
Pakshi
(bird).
South
West
India
Dollu Kunitha is a popular drum dance of Karnataka state. In the Dollu Kanitha dance, large drums are
adorned with colored clothes and hang around the necks of men. The songs used in this dance usually
have religious and battle fervor. The main emphasis is on quick and light movement of the feet and legs.
The Dollu Kunitha dance forms a part of the ritualistic dances of the Dodavas of Karnataka.
West
India
Dandiya is a popular folk dance of Rajasthan. Dressed in colorful costumes the performers play skillfully
with big sticks in their hands. Dandiya dance is accompanied by the musical instrument called the
'Meddale' played by the drummer in the centre. The Bhil tribal of Rajasthan perform a variety of dances.
All these folk dances correspond to the agricultural cycle. The Ghumer dance, Raika and Jhoria are some
examples of this type of dance. The Gher dance is a favorite and popular dance of the Mina tribe who are
similar to the Bhils while Valar is typical dance of the Garasias of Rajasthan.