Indian Classical Dance

Ravi K. Thakur | @ravi_pushpak | January 2, 2016

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Indian Classical Dance is an Array term used to represent a group of Dance performed in different areas of , which has originated from NATYA SASHTRA written by Bharatha Muni (Sanskrit: नाट्य शास्त्र, Nāṭyaśāstra) around 200 BCE to 200 CE.

Natya Sashtra :- Natya means Classical Dance and Sashtra means Book so Natya Sashtra is an ancient Indian treatise which describe three forms of art Dance Music & Drama in systematic way containing 6000 slokas in Sanskrit language.

The Word Classical is introduced by , originated from Sanskrit word "Shastriya". According to previously Classical dances are only performed inside the sanctum of the temple called Agama Nartanam and Dances performed in royal courts to the accompaniment of classical music are called Carnatakam. later these dances bought to perform on stages and now a days on theaters.

The basic aspects of Indian classical dance are and which means rhythm and grace respectively. The poses given are called mudras. Every Indian classical dance form exhibits the navarasas (nine human emotions) in their own way.

List of Classical Dances in different regions in India and their Recognition ( Source Ministry of Culture).

Recognition Recognition by by Dance form State(s) of origin Sangeet Natak Ministry of Akademi Culture

Bharatanatyam Yes Yes

PAGE 1 Odisha, West , Chhau No Yes Jharkhand

Gaudiya Nritya West Bengal No No

Kathak Northern India (Uttar Pradesh) Yes Yes

Kathakali Yes Yes

Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh Yes Yes

Manipuri Manipur Yes Yes

Mohiniyattam Kerala Yes Yes

Odissi Odisha Yes Yes

Sattriya Assam Yes Yes

Thang Ta Manipur No Yes

The basic aspects of Indian classical dance are tandava and lasya which means rhythm and grace respectively. The poses given are called mudras. Every Indian classical dance form exhibits the navarasas (nine human emotions) in their own way.

PAGE 2 1. is the most famous classical dance form of India which was originated in TAMIL NADU state. BHARATANATYAM came from the words BHARATA denoting bhava (expression), raga (music) and tala (rhythm).This dance form was performed by devadasis only in temples in ancient days. Later on it came to dance schools and flourished. PANDANALLUR style and TANJAVUR style are two styles of BHARATANATYAM. FAMOUS DANCERS: The famous dancers of BHARATANATYAM are Rukmini Devi, T. BALASARASWATHI, , ANITA RATNAM and so on. 2. classical dance was born in the temples of Kerala. It was originated from the words KATHA (means story) and KALI (means drama). It is said that the ancient dance form of Kerala RAMANATTAM was evolved into KATHAKALI. It was used to be performed in open air stages and was soon brought to the theatres. FAMOUS DANCERS: The famous dancers of KATHAKALI are GURU KUNCHU KURUP, KARUNAKARAN, GOPINATH, RAMAN PILLAI etc. 3. dance form was originated in Uttar Pradesh. It literally means story telling through dance. It was highly influenced by and was associated with temples accompanied by keertans. During Mughal rule, Persian style costumes were introduced into this form. It was greatly flourished in GHARANAS of different cities. FAMOUS DANCERS: The famous dancers of KATHAK are , , , MANISHA GULYANI etc. 4. was named after its place of origin, KUCHELAPURAM, a village in Andhra Pradesh. In ancient days it was only performed by male Brahmins in temples for enacting puranas. Later on, it was brought on to the stage and was patronised by Vijayanagara and Golconda rulers. FAMOUS DANCERS: The famous dancers of KUCHIPUDI are VEMPATI CHINA SATYAM, SWAPNA SUNDARI, CHINTA KRISHNA MURTHY etc.

PAGE 3 5. was named after a mythological story in which lord Vishnu appeared as Mohini to save the amrita (nectar of immortality) & second time to save Lord Shiva from Bhasmasura. It originated in Kerala around 16th CE. 6. Oddisi also known as Orissi is originated in Odisha in Natya Shastra it is Odra-Magadhi around 1 BCE in the hill of Udaygiri near Bhubaneswar.

Conclusion:- Indian Classical Dance is a lead role which represent India's rich Ancient heritage culture. It attracts many foreigners towards our glorifying Indian Culture.

Source:- Wikipedia, www.indiaculture.nic.in, IAS.org.in

Witten and Edited BY:-

Ravi Kumar Thakur (Follow@ravi_pushpak on twitter).

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