| Rooted in Hindu musical theatre, the classical dances of India or Shastriya Nritya seem to have evolved since the ancient times and have acquired a new dimension. |
each of which can be traced to different parts of the country. Each of these dance form represents the culture of a particular region or group of people. India is a land of multiple languages, culture and traditions. Natya Shastra, which is regarded as the fifth Veda.
The classical dances of India mainly focus on the Navarasas
or emotions - Hasya Rasa, Raudra Rasa, Bibhatsa Rasa, Bhayanaka Rasa, Vira Rasa, Sringara Rasa, Karuna Rasa, Adbhuta Rasa and Shanta Rasa. There are 8 classical dances of India that has got recognition from the Sangeet Natak Academy of India.
Types of Classical Dances of India
Traditionally performed as an expressive dance-drama form of religious performance art, the classical dances of India relates to Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism along with pan-Hindu epics. It also relates to Vedic literature, or a folksy entertainment that includes story-telling from Sanskrit or regional language plays. Discussed elaborately below are the 8 classical dances of India.
Bharatnatyam: Considered to be a ‘fire dance’, the classical dance form of Bharatnatyam includes the element of air, water, earth and sky. The movements of a Bharatnatyam dancer reflect the mysterious display of the abstract element of fire. It is originated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. It is unique to the Dravidian culture of South India. In the ancient days, devdasis or temple dancers Rukmini Devi Arundale was influential in bringing it to the attention of the West. There are several religious mythologies associated with the origin of this dance form. It got its name from sage Bharata who was entrusted with the work of writing Natya Shastra following the instructions of Lord Brahma.
Kathak: A dance of northern India, Kathak is often a dance of love. From 16th century onwards it absorbed certain features of Persian dance and Central Asian dance which were imported by the Mughal era. There are 3 major gharanas of Kathak from which performers today draw their lineage: the gharanas of Jaipur, Lucknow and Varanasi The movements include intricate footwork accented by bells worn around the ankles. Like other Indian dances it began as a temple dance.
Kathakali: Originated from south-western India, from the state of Kerala, The name of this dance form has its origin in Malayalam, where the word Katha means story and Kali means play. This dance form draws inspiration from the Ramayana and stories from Shaiva traditions. Kathakali is traditionally performed by boys and men,which have different implication and are used to portray evil or good with colour variations. Women and saints are portrayed with lustrous yellowish faces.
Kuchipudi: Performed to both Carnatic and Hindustani music, Kuchipudi is a form of dance-drama which adapts Natya, Nritta and Nritya. It originated in Andhra Pradesh and presents scenes from mythological tales and Hindu epics. It has been accompanied with instruments like mridanga, mandala and a pair of cymbals.
Manipuri: Used to be a temple dance form and has a close association with the religious and social framework of Manipur. It is religious in nature and depicts Hindu deities Radha and Lord Krishna. Musical instruments like Pena, bansuri and small cymbals are used. The dress worn by the female dancers are called patloi, and the lehenga is called Kumin with mirror work woven into gorgeous designs and layered with a transparent silk.
Mohiniattam: Another classical dance of India that evolved in the state of Kerala. The name comes from a mythical character Mohini, an enchantress, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Odissi : The dance form of Odissi is indigenous to the eastern state of Odishaand is predominantly a dance performed by women. Nritya and Abhinaya are the 2 most interesting highlights of Odissi. The different elements of Odissi dance style are Mangalacharna, Batu Nritya, Pallavi Nritya and Abhinaya.
Sattriya: It originated in the state of Assam and has a history dating back to almost 500 years old theatre tradition nourished in the Vaishnava Monasteries of Assam. The dance form has been extracted from a massive organisation of theatrical activities which constitutes the Ankiya Bhaona form. To know more visit here : Classical Dances of India
