East Indian Dances comprise
of an eye-catching combination of classical, folk and tribal dance forms that replicate the history of the region spanning over a time frame of hundred years.
As a result of developing over several eras, the dances of eastern India have
been catalysed by various factors.
East Indian Dances are the
outcome of several religious inspirations, cultural expressions, as well as entertainment.
Eastern India; coloured by the rainbow of cultural and linguistic
characteristics; even thrives to be a standalone barricaded by the shadow lines
of historical influences intermingled with the existing traditions of the land.
Eastern India had been the historical centre of the Kalinga, Sunga and Pala empires, who had the monopoly of the political reigns to
their kitty. The states also experienced the rule of Mughals and then the British empires that influenced the culture, music and tradition of eastern India a lot. Thus the major dances that emerged as the popular dance forms of the region
include several folk and tribal dances along with classical dance forms. Some of the East Indian Dances
are as follows:
Chhau Dance: Chhau Dance is one of the most renowned tribal martial dances of India. The dance is known as Seraikella Chhau in Jharkhand, Mayurbhanj Chhau in Odisha and Purulia Chhau in West Bengal.
Since the dance is supposed to have originated in the Purulia district of
Bengal, it is known as such in the state. Chhau masks have mainly human features slightly modified to suggest
what they are portraying. The performer's face being expressionless, the
dancer's body communicates the total exciting and psychological tensions of a
character. His feet have a sign language;
his toes are lively, functional, and expressive, like those of animal.
Gaudiya Nritya: The Gaudiya
Nritya is a classical Bengali Dance form, performed with drama, history, poetry, colour and music. It’s an
antique classical dance form originated in West Bengal, it’s mostly a temple
art meant for spiritual expression. To
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