Indian Culture and Heritage notes Dances of india

                       Indian Culture and Heritage

Cultural Diversity in India: India has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its diverse forms of art, music, dance, architecture, and cuisine. This diversity results from the country's long history and the influence of various civilizations and cultures that have inhabited the region over the centuries.

Some of the key cultural elements that contribute to India's rich cultural heritage include:

Music and Dance: India has a rich tradition of music and dance that reflects its diverse cultural heritage.

The country is known for its classical dance forms, such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Manipuri Raas Leela, as well as its diverse folk dance forms.

Indian Dance Forms, List of Dance Forms in India

Indian Dance Forms is a vibrant celebration of India's cultural heritage, showcasing classical & folk dances rich in tradition & diversity.

Split into two main categories, classical and folk,

—Dance Forms in India are primarily categorized into classical and folk dances, each with its unique characteristics and origins.

—Classical Dance Forms in India

Classical dance forms in India trace their origins back to the ancient text Natya Shastra, which serves as the foundation for their technical and aesthetic principles.

Scholars recognize eight classical dance forms based on traditional sources. Each classical dance form is distinguished by its unique expression of the eight basic technicalities:

1)Shringar: Depicting love and romance.

2)Hasya: Portraying humor and joy.

3)Karuna: Expressing sorrow and compassion.

4)Raudra: Conveying anger and intensity.

5)Veer: Celebrating heroism and bravery.

6)Bhayanak: Evoking fear and awe.

7)Bibhatsa: Reflecting disgust and aversion.

8)Adbhuta: Inspiring wonder and amazement.

—List of Classical Dance of India

Classical Dance State of Origin

1.Bharatnatyam Tamil Nadu

2.Kathak Uttar Pradesh

3.Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh

4.Odissi Odisha

5.Kathakali Kerala

6.Sattriya Assam

7.Manipuri Manipur

8.Mohiniyattam Kerala

Classical Dances of India

Bharatanatyam: Originating from Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam is deeply rooted in the ancient text Natyashastra. It encompasses a wide range of themes, including romantic love (Shringara) and devotion (Bhakti), and is accompanied by Carnatic music.

Kathak: Hailing from northern India, Kathak is renowned for its storytelling aspect. It evolved from the traditions of Kathakaras, who imparted religious scriptures and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata through dance in regions like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Kuchipudi: Emerging from Andhra Pradesh, Kuchipudi is a blend of Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natya (drama). It developed during the Bhakti movement and showcases a unique combination of rhythmic footwork and graceful movements.

Classical Dances of India

Odissi: Originating in Odisha, Odissi dance was initially performed by female temple employees known as ‘maharis.’ It was later transformed into a theatrical art form, drawing inspiration from medieval sculptures, paintings, and literature of the region.

Kathakali: Meaning ‘story play,’ Kathakali originated in Kerala and is renowned for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and dramatic storytelling. It typically depicts stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, performed in the local language, Malayalam.

Sattriya: Developed in Assam’s sattras or monasteries during the 16th century, Sattriya dance is deeply rooted in Vaishnava faith. It features a unique vocabulary of hand gestures, footwork, and emotions, primarily focusing on devotion to Lord Krishna.

Classical Dances of India

—Manipuri: Originating in Manipur, Manipuri dance is influenced by Vaishnavism and is divided into two distinct styles: jagoi and cholom. It showcases a harmonious blend of feminine grace and vibrant movements, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

—Mohiniyattam: Meaning ‘dance of the enchantress,’ Mohiniyattam originated in Kerala and is characterized by its feminine grace and fluid movements. It incorporates rhythmic patterns from Kerala’s traditional music and is often performed in temple settings.

Note :

Sangeet Natak Akademi recognized only 8 classical dances of india, however ministry of culture also consider chahu dance as a classical dance of india making the total number of classical dances in india equals to 9

Chhau dance performed in Orissa, Jharkhand, and West Bengal

Originating from the tribal regions, Chhau is a martial dance.

Depicts local folklore, myths, and traditional stories, often involving mask dance

Folk dances, in particular, are unique to specific regions and have been around for centuries.

They tell us a lot about our history and show the pride of different religions and communities.

These folk dances, often deeply rooted in local traditions, play a pivotal role in representing the cultural, customs, and beliefs of the people.

State Folk Dances

Andhra Pradesh : Tappeta Gullu, Kolattam, Dhimsa, Veeranatyam, Bhamakalpam, Dappu, Butta Bommalu, Vilasini Natyam, Lambadi, Andhra Natyam.

Assam : Tabal Chongli, Jhumura Hobjanai, Bichhua, Maharas, Canoe, Bagurumba, Khel Gopal, Natpuja, Kaligopal, Bihu, Naga dance.

Bihar : Jata-Jatin, Bidesia, Panwariya, Bakho-Bakhain, Sama Chakwa.

Gujarat : Tippani Juriun, Dandiya Ras, Bhavai, Garba.

Haryana: Khor, Dhamal, Gugga, Loor, Phag, Gagor, Jhumar, Daph.

Himachal Pradesh : Chharhi, Nati, Mahasu, Chhapeli, Jhali, Jhora, Dangi, Dhaman.

Dumhal and Rouff of Jammu and Kashmir: Dumhal is a dance performed by men wearing long colorful robes and conical caps. They dance in circles around a banner dug into the ground during special occasions.

Rouff, on the other hand, is a simple footwork dance performed by girls on festive occasions

Bhangra of Punjab: Bhangra is a popular dance performed during the harvest season. It involves energetic steps and is accompanied by traditional Punjabi music and instruments like Dhol and Chimta.

Raas Leela of Uttar Pradesh: Raas Leela is a dance popular in Mathura and Vrindavan during Holi and Janmashtami. It depicts the divine love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. Kathak dance evolved from Raas Leela.

Garba of Gujarat: Garba is performed during the Navratri festival in Gujarat. It involves dancing around a clay lantern symbolizing the divine energy of Goddess Shakti. The dance is performed in circles representing the cycle of birth and death.

Ghoomar of Rajasthan: Ghoomar is a colorful folk dance of Rajasthan performed by women. It involves swirling movements displaying vibrant colors of their long skirts.

Bihu of Assam: Bihu is a lively folk dance of Assam performed by both men and women. It is characterized by brisk steps and rapid hand movements, accompanied by traditional instruments like Dhol and Pepa.

Lavani of Maharashtra: Lavani is a powerful folk dance of Maharashtra performed by females in nine-yard-long sarees. It is accompanied by rhythmic beats of the Dholki and contributes to Marathi folk theatre.

Ghumura of Odisha: Ghumura is a tribal-inspired dance of Odisha with roots in ancient war dances. It is characterized by heroic movements and expressions, depicted in sculptures at the Sun Temple, Konark.

Jammu and Kashmir Kud Dandi Nach, Rauf, Mandjas, Damali, Hikat.

Karnataka Yakshagan, Lambi, Huttari, Kunitha, Suggi, Karga.

Kerala Kaikottikali, Ottam, Thulal,

Maharashtra Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada, Nakata, Lavani, Koli.

Odisha Munari, Chhau, Ghumara, Painka, Savari.

West Bengal Mahal, Jatra, Marasia, Gambhira, Keertan, Dhali, Kathi, Baul.

Punjab Naqual, Dhaman, Bhand, Daff, Giddha, Bhangra.

Rajasthan Ghapal, Kalbeliya, Jhulan Leela, Suisini, Jhuma, Chakri, Ganagor, Ghumar.

Tamil Nadu Kolattam, Kavadi, Bharatanatyam, Kumi.

Uttar Pradesh Nautanki, Kajri, Raslila, Jhora, Jaita, Chappeli.

Uttarakhand Kumayuni, Garhwali, Raslila, Jhora, Chappeli, Kajari.

Goa Samayi nrutya, Ghode, Gonph, Shigmo, Fugdi, Jagar, Koli, Tarangamel, Dekhni, Modni, Tonnya mell, Ranmale.

Madhya Pradesh Phulpati, Jawara, Selalarki, Selabhadoni, Grida Dance, Maanch, Aada, Khada Nach, Matki.

Chhattisgarh Pandwani, Raut Nacha, Kapalik, Gaur Maria, Chandaini, Bharthari Charit, Panthi, Vedamati.

Jharkhand Janani Jhumar, Jhitka, Alkap, Barao, Agni, Ghora Naach, Domkach, Karma Munda, Paika, Phagua, Sarhul, Danga.

Arunachal Pradesh Ponung, Popir, Buiya, Chalo, Pasi Kongki, Bardo Chham, Wancho.

Manipur Khamba Thaibi, Lai Haraoba, Lhou Sha, Dol Cholam, Nupa Dance, Pung Cholom, Raslila, Khubak Ishei, Thang Ta.

Meghalaya Laho, Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem.

Mizoram Zangtalam, Tlanglam, Chailam, Chawnglaizawn, Cheraw Dance, Sarlamkai/Solakia, Sawlakin, Par Lam, Khuallam.

Nagaland Bamboo Dance, Temangnetin, Rangma, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Hetaleulee, Gethinglim.

Tripura Hojagiri.

Sikkim Tashi Yangku Dance, Maruni Dance, Chu Faat Dance, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion Dance, Denzong Gnenha, Sikmari.

Lakshadweep Parichakali, Kolkali, Lava.