Classical Dances of India, Updated 2023-24 List

Aditi Sinha July 20, 2023 11:26 6884 0

Classical Dances of India

Classical Dances of India: Classical dances of India are an integral part of the country’s rich cultural heritage. These dances have a long history that dates back thousands of years and are deeply rooted in Indian mythology, religious traditions, and regional customs. They are considered to be expressions of devotion, storytelling, and aesthetic beauty.

India has several major classical dance forms, each with its own distinct style, technique, and repertoire. Let’s explore some of the prominent classical dances of India.

The 8 Classical Dances of India

India is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and a significant aspect of this heritage is its classical dances. The country boasts a diverse range of eight major classical dance forms, each originating from different regions and carrying its unique essence. The 8 classical dances of India, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, and Sattriya, are the epitomes of grace, storytelling, and devotion.

With intricate footwork, expressive gestures, elaborate costumes, and mesmerizing music, these dances encapsulate the depth of Indian mythology, religious traditions, and regional customs. Through their performances, these classical dances preserve and showcase the captivating beauty of India’s cultural tapestry, captivating audiences worldwide.

8 Classical Dances of India with States list

India’s classical dances embody the country’s rich cultural tapestry, enchanting audiences with their grace, storytelling, and devotion. The eight major classical dance forms – Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, and Sattriya – each possesses a distinct character and origin.

Indian Classical Dances List
S.No	Name of Classical Dance	Place of Classical Dance
1	Bharatanatyam	Tamil Nadu
2	Kathak	Northern India
3	Kathakali	Kerala
4	Kuchipudi	Andhra Pradesh
5	Manipuri	Manipur
6	Mohiniyattam	Kerala
7	Odissi	Odisha
8	Sattriya	Assam

Classical Dances of Indian States: Significance

Each classical dance form has its own unique style, costumes, music, and regional variations, reflecting the diverse cultural traditions of different parts of the country. The classical dances of India not only showcase artistic and aesthetic beauty but also serve as a means of preserving and passing on the country’s cultural heritage from one generation to another.

Significance of Famous Dance Forms of India
Dance Forms	Significance
Bharatanatyam	Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most widely practiced classical dance forms of India. It preserves and showcases the cultural heritage, mythology, and spirituality of Tamil Nadu. Through intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures, and facial expressions, Bharatanatyam tells stories and conveys emotions. It promotes physical fitness, discipline, and body coordination. Bharatanatyam serves as a medium of devotion and artistic expression, captivating audiences with its aesthetic beauty and cultural significance.
Kathak	Kathak, a classical dance form originating from Northern India, combines storytelling, dance, and music. It reflects the cultural fusion of Hindu and Muslim traditions. Kathak is known for its swift footwork, intricate spins, and graceful movements. It conveys emotions, depicts narratives from Indian epics, and celebrates love, devotion, and spirituality. Kathak promotes rhythm, improvisation, and artistic expression, captivating audiences with its dynamic and expressive performances.
Kathakali	Kathakali, a classical dance-drama from Kerala, is renowned for its vibrant makeup, elaborate costumes, and exaggerated facial expressions. It tells stories from ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Kathakali combines elements of dance, music, and acting, creating a visual spectacle for the audience. It requires rigorous training in mudras (hand gestures), facial expressions, and intricate movements. Kathakali preserves cultural traditions, showcases its rich mythology, and captivates viewers with its unique and dramatic storytelling.
Kuchipudi	Kuchipudi, a classical dance form from Andhra Pradesh, combines graceful movements, intricate footwork, and fast-paced rhythms. It originated as a temple dance and later evolved into a solo performance art. Kuchipudi showcases mythological stories, devotional themes, and social narratives. It combines pure dance, storytelling, mime, and music. Kuchipudi preserves cultural traditions, celebrates regional heritage, and captivates audiences with its dynamic and expressive style.
Manipuri	Manipuri, a classical dance form from Manipur, embodies the region’s cultural heritage, spirituality, and martial arts traditions. It features fluid movements, intricate footwork, and expressive hand gestures. Manipuri depicts stories from the life of Lord Krishna and regional folklore. It showcases the beauty of nature, love, devotion, and the unity of body, mind, and soul. Manipuri dance preserves cultural traditions, fosters community identity, and captivates viewers with its grace and lyrical expressions.
Mohiniyattam	Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form from Kerala, is known as the “dance of the enchantress.” It emphasizes feminine grace, delicate movements, and subtle expressions. Mohiniyattam showcases themes of love, devotion, and spirituality. It combines rhythmic footwork, expressive hand gestures, and emotive storytelling. Mohiniyattam preserves Kerala’s cultural heritage, celebrates the beauty of womanhood, and mesmerizes audiences with its lyrical and captivating performances.
Odissi	Odissi, a classical dance form from Odisha, showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage and temple traditions. It is characterized by fluid movements, sculpturesque poses, and intricate hand gestures (mudras). Odissi depicts stories from Hindu mythology, particularly those of Lord Krishna. It emphasizes both feminine grace (lasya) and masculine vigor (tandava). Odissi dance preserves cultural traditions, reflects devotion, and captivates viewers with its expressive and visually captivating performances.
Sattriya	Sattriya, a classical dance form from Assam, originated in the Vaishnavite monasteries (Sattras) of the region. It is closely associated with the religious traditions and culture of Assam. Sattriya showcases devotion, storytelling, and mythological narratives, particularly those of Lord Krishna. It combines graceful movements, rhythmic footwork, and intricate hand gestures. Sattriya dance preserves the cultural heritage of Assam, promotes spiritual expression, and captivates audiences with its elegant and emotive performances.

Aspects of Classical Dances of India

Lasya and Tandava — Image Source: Bodyinmotion

In classical dance, particularly in the context of Bharatanatyam and some other Indian dance forms, the two basic aspects of classical dances of India are Lasya and Tandava. These aspects represent the contrasting energies and expressions within the dance form. Here are the explanations:

Lasya: Lasya embodies classical dance’s feminine, graceful, and delicate aspects. It represents beauty, charm, and abhinaya (expressional aspects). Lasya movements are characterized by fluidity, softness, and gentle expressions. It showcases the subtleties of emotions, love, devotion, and the lyrical aspects of the dance. Lasya is often associated with goddesses, heroines, and feminine characters in dance narratives.

Tandava: Tandava represents classical dance’s masculine, vigorous, and powerful aspects. It is characterized by dynamic movements, strong footwork, and energetic expressions. Tandava movements convey a sense of strength, power, and rhythmic precision. It symbolizes the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva and embodies the essence of creation, destruction, and the rhythmic cycles of life. Tandava movements often involve quick footwork, forceful gestures, and striking poses.

Together, Lasya and Tandava represent the harmonious balance of the feminine and masculine energies in classical dance, adding depth and variety to the performance. The dancer transitions between these aspects, expressing different emotions, characters, and themes, creating a captivating and vibrant portrayal on the stage.

Facts about Aspects of Classical Dance

The table below presents key facts related to the aspects of Classical Dance:

Indian Classical Dances Facts
What are the two basic aspects of Classical Dance?	There are two basic aspects of Natya Shastra: Lasya Tandava
What is Lasya?	Lasya embodies classical dance’s feminine, graceful, and delicate aspects. It represents beauty, charm, and abhinaya (expressional aspects).
What is Tandava?	Tandava represents classical dance’s masculine, vigorous, and powerful aspects. It is characterized by dynamic movements, strong footwork, and energetic expressions.
What are the three basic elements of a classical dance act?	The three basic elements of a classical dance act are Nritta, Natya, and Nritya: Nritta: Nritta represents pure dance movements and rhythmic patterns. It focuses on the technical aspects of the dance form, emphasizing footwork, body postures, and intricate gestures. Nritta showcases the dancer’s skill, precision, and mastery of the rhythmic patterns, creating a visually captivating display of movement and rhythm. Natya: Natya refers to the dramatic aspect of classical dance. It involves storytelling and portraying characters, emotions, and narratives through expressions, gestures, and body language. Natya combines elements of dance, acting, and mime to effectively convey the storyline and evoke the intended emotions and connections with the audience. Nritya: Nritya is the blend of Nritta and Natya, combining both pure dance and expressive elements. It encompasses rhythmic movements along with emotional and narrative expressions. Nritya integrates the technical brilliance of Nritta with the emotive storytelling of Natya, creating a harmonious synthesis that showcases the dancer’s technical proficiency and artistic expression. These three elements together form the foundation of classical dance, allowing dancers to express themselves through the beauty of movement, the power of storytelling, and the evocation of emotions, resulting in a comprehensive and captivating dance performance.
What is Guru-Shishya Paramapara?	Guru-Shishya Parampara in classical dance refers to the traditional system where the knowledge, techniques, and artistry of the dance form are imparted from a Guru (master) to the Shishya (disciple), fostering a close mentor-student relationship and ensuring the preservation and continuity of the dance tradition.

The 9 Rasas of Classical Dance

The 9 Rasas, also known as the Navarasas, are integral to classical dance and Indian aesthetics. Each Rasa represents a specific emotion or sentiment that can be expressed through facial expressions, body movements, and gestures. The 9 Rasas include Shringara (love), Hasya (laughter), Karuna (compassion), Raudra (anger), Veera (courage), Bhayanaka (fear), Bibhatsa (disgust), Adbhuta (wonder), and Shanta (peace). By skillfully evoking these Rasas, classical dancers bring depth, emotional resonance, and a powerful connection to their performances, captivating audiences and allowing them to experience the full spectrum of human emotions.

Classical Dance – 9 Rasas/ Navarasas
Rasas	Attributes
Srinagar	Love
Raudra	Anger
Bibhatsa	Disgust
Veera	Heroism
Shanta	Peace and Tranquility
Hasya	Laughter and Comedy
Karuna	Compassion
Bhayanak	Fear
Adbhuta	Wonder

Classical Dances of India: Instruments Used

Instruments Used in Classical Dance — Various Instruments Used In Classical Dances

Classical dances of India are often accompanied by a wide range of musical instruments, enhancing the performances and creating a harmonious blend of rhythm, melody, and movement. These instruments play a crucial role in providing the musical framework and accompanying the dancers. Here is a brief introduction to some of the instruments used in classical dances of India:

Name	Origin State	Performance Type	Instruments
Bharatanatyam	Tamil Nadu	Devotional dance form	Cymbals, Violin, Veena, Flute, Tanpura as well as Mridangam, etc.
Kathak	Uttar Pradesh	Storytelling as well as narration	Manjira, Sarangi, Harmonium, Tabla, etc.
Odissi	Odisha	Temple dance	Sitar, Violin, Cymbals, Mandala, Flute, Harmonium, etc.
Manipuri	Manipur	Religious dance	Pung (Manipuri classical drum), Pena, Cymbals etc
Mohiniyattam	Kerala	Dance of the enchantress	Idakka, Mridangam, Flute, Veena, Khuzitalam (Cymbals) etc
Kuchipudi	West Bengal	Temple dance	Tambura, Mridangam, Flute, Veena, Cymbals
Kathakali	Kerala	Drama dance	Maddalam, Chenda, Idakka
Sattriya	Assam	Ballad, dance and drama	Shakha (Conch), Harmonium, Tanpura, Violin, Khol, Bahi

The 9th Indian Classical Dance- Chhau

The Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s National Academy, officially recognizes eight classical dances of India. However, the Ministry of Culture also considers Chhau Dance as a classical dance, meaning there are nine classical dances in India.

Facts about Chhau Dance:

The word ‘Chaya,’ meaning shadow, gives significance to Chhau Dance.
Chhau Dance is known for its use of masks, making it a mask dance.
Chhau Dance is a traditional Indian classical dance form.
It originated in the eastern states of Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Chhau combines elements of dance, martial arts, and theatre.
The dance form is characterized by vibrant masks, vigorous movements, and dynamic storytelling.
Serpent Dance and Peacock Dance are among the narrations used in Chhau Dance.
It has evolved into three distinct styles: Seraikella Chhau from Jharkhand, Mayurbhanj Chhau from Odisha, and Purulia Chhau from West Bengal.
Mayurbhanj Chhau Dance does not incorporate the use of masks.
Chhau Dance has been inscribed in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural significance and value.
Chhau dance depicts episodes from Indian epics and regional folklore.
Dancers wear elaborate masks and costumes representing various characters.
Chhau involves intricate footwork, acrobatic movements, and impressive jumps and spins.

Famous Classical Dancers in India

India has been blessed with numerous renowned classical dancers who have made significant contributions to the world of performing arts. These dancers have not only mastered their respective dance forms but have also become cultural ambassadors, promoting and preserving India’s rich artistic heritage. Here is a brief introduction to a few famous classical dancers in India:

Famous Classical Dancers in India
Famous Dancers	Dance Forms
1. Rukmini Devi Arundale	Bharatnatyam
2. Pandit Birju Maharaj	Kathak`
3. Uday Shankar	Fusion
4. Kelucharan Mohapatra	Odissi
5. Guru Bipin Singh	Manipuri
6. Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam	Kuchipudi
7. Padma Subrahmanyam	Bharatnatyam
8. Shovana Narayan	Kathak
9. Sonal Mansingh	Bharatnatyam & Odissi
10. Srimanta Sankardev	Sattriya

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Classical Dances of India FAQs

Q1. What is the name of Indian 8 classical dance?

Ans: The eight major classical dance forms – Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, and Sattriya.

Q2. How many Indian classical dance forms are there in total?

Ans: According to experts, there are originally 8 classical dance forms in India. However, the Indian Cultural Ministry has added Chhau Dance to the list, making it a total of 9 classical dance forms in India.

Q3. Which dance form has 64 principles?

Ans: In Bharatanatyam, there are 64 principles that guide the coordination of hand, leg, face, and body movements. These principles are learned and practiced during dance training to perform the dance steps effectively.

Q4. Which is the oldest dance form in India?

Ans: The oldest dance form in India is believed to be Bharatanatyam. It has its roots in the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu and has been practiced for centuries, making it one of the oldest classical dance forms in the country. It was earlier known as Sadiraattam and was renamed Bharatanatyam in 1932.

Q5. Which is the most famous classical dance form?

Ans: Bharatanatyam, often considered the mother of all classical dance styles, is regarded as one of India’s oldest and most famous dance forms. It originated in Tamil Nadu from the temple dancers and carries a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries.