How Many Classical Dances Are There In India?

by Wholesomestory Johnson 46 views

Hello there! I'm here to help you understand the vibrant world of Indian classical dances. You asked about the number of classical dances in India, and I'm going to provide a clear, detailed, and correct answer to your question. Let's dive in!

Correct Answer

According to the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the official body for performing arts in India, there are eight recognized classical dance forms in India.

Detailed Explanation

India's cultural heritage is incredibly rich, and dance plays a vital role in expressing this richness. Indian classical dances are not just about graceful movements; they are a blend of storytelling, music, costumes, and expression. The Sangeet Natak Akademi, which is the apex body for the performing arts in India, recognizes eight dance forms as classical.

These dance forms have evolved over centuries, originating from various regions of India and are rooted in ancient Sanskrit texts such as the Natya Shastra, which is considered the foundational treatise on performing arts.

Let's explore each of these eight classical dance forms in more detail:

Key Concepts

  • Natya Shastra: A comprehensive ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, encompassing theatre, dance, and music. It provides a detailed analysis of various aspects of performance, including abhinaya (expression), rasa (aesthetic flavour), and bhava (emotion).
  • Abhinaya: The art of expression in Indian classical dance. It involves using facial expressions, hand gestures (mudras), and body movements to convey emotions and tell stories.
  • Rasa: The aesthetic flavour or essence that a performance evokes in the audience. The Natya Shastra identifies various rasas, such as shringara (love), hasya (humor), karuna (pathos), and raudra (anger).
  • Mudras: Symbolic hand gestures used in Indian classical dance to communicate meaning and tell stories.

The Eight Classical Dance Forms

  1. Bharatanatyam: Originating from Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam is known for its precise movements, fixed upper torso, and use of mudras to tell stories. It is characterized by its strong rhythmic footwork and intricate hand gestures. The costumes are elaborate, and the music typically involves Carnatic instruments and vocals.
    • Origin: Tamil Nadu
    • Key Features: Precise movements, rhythmic footwork, mudras, and expressive facial expressions.
    • Costume: Elaborate sarees with gold embellishments.
  2. Kathak: Kathak originated in North India, and it is distinguished by its fast footwork, spins, and rhythmic patterns. The dance form often involves storytelling through expressions and is typically accompanied by Hindustani classical music and the sound of ghungroos (ankle bells). The dancers use the entire stage to create a dynamic performance. Kathak evolved in the royal courts and temples of North India.
    • Origin: North India
    • Key Features: Fast footwork, spins, rhythmic patterns, and storytelling.
    • Costume: Flowing costumes with intricate designs and ghungroos.
  3. Kathakali: Kathakali hails from Kerala and is known for its elaborate makeup, vibrant costumes, and expressive facial gestures. The dancers use a complex system of mudras to communicate stories from Hindu epics. The performances are typically accompanied by percussion instruments like the chenda and maddalam, and the music has a dramatic feel. It is also recognized for its large headgear and face paint which is very attractive.
    • Origin: Kerala
    • Key Features: Elaborate makeup, vibrant costumes, and expressive facial gestures.
    • Costume: Ornate costumes and distinctive makeup.
  4. Odissi: Odissi comes from Odisha and is characterized by its graceful movements, sculpturesque poses, and focus on tribhangi (the body bent at three points). The dance form is known for its lyrical quality and the portrayal of devotion and grace. The music often includes the mridangam and vocals that tell stories of deities. This dance form has a deep connection with the temples of Odisha.
    • Origin: Odisha
    • Key Features: Graceful movements, sculpturesque poses, and focus on tribhangi.
    • Costume: Traditional silk sarees with elaborate jewelry.
  5. Kuchipudi: Kuchipudi originates from Andhra Pradesh and is known for its dramatic narrative style, the use of vibrant colors, and the inclusion of speech. The dance often involves a thali (a brass plate) dance and dancing with a pot on the head. The music is a blend of Carnatic and regional influences. Kuchipudi is both dance and drama, with storytelling as a core element.
    • Origin: Andhra Pradesh
    • Key Features: Dramatic narrative style, vibrant colors, and storytelling.
    • Costume: Bright and colorful costumes with elaborate jewelry.
  6. Manipuri: Manipuri comes from Manipur and is known for its graceful movements, lyrical quality, and focus on devotion. The dance form often involves the use of gentle movements, flowing costumes, and storytelling through expressions. Manipuri is known for its devotional themes, particularly the worship of Lord Krishna. The music is often accompanied by the pung (a drum) and vocals.
    • Origin: Manipur
    • Key Features: Graceful movements, lyrical quality, and devotional themes.
    • Costume: Colorful skirts and veils with unique headgear.
  7. Mohiniyattam: Mohiniyattam hails from Kerala and is known for its graceful, swaying movements and feminine grace. The dance form is characterized by its gentle, lyrical quality and is performed in a solo format. Mohiniyattam's name comes from the word