Indian Dance Forms: Dance in India has been a part of its cultural heritage for thousands of years. From temple rituals to folk festivals, dance reflects devotion, storytelling, and social life. The diversity of India is best seen in its dance traditions, which are broadly classified into Classical and Folk/Tribal dance forms.
For UPSC aspirants, especially EPFO candidates, knowledge of Indian dance forms is crucial as questions are often asked in exams to test awareness of India’s culture.
Classification of Indian Dance
Indian dances can be divided into two main categories. Classical dances follow strict rules laid down in ancient texts, while folk dances are more spontaneous and community-driven.
| Category | Features | Examples |
| Classical Dance Forms | Based on Natya Shastra, performed in temples, devotional in nature, codified gestures, recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi. | Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Sattriya |
| Folk & Tribal Dance Forms | Linked to local traditions, harvest, festivals, or social celebrations; free style, energetic, no strict rules. | Bihu, Garba, Ghoomar, Bhangra, Chhau, Yakshagana, Lavani |
Classical Dance Forms of India
India has 8 classical dances officially recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Each dance form developed in a specific region but carries universal themes of devotion and storytelling.
| Classical Dance | Place of Origin | Distinct Features |
| Bharatanatyam | Tamil Nadu | Oldest dance form, temple-based, strong footwork, abhinaya (expressions), sculpturesque poses. |
| Kathak | Uttar Pradesh | Storytelling tradition, spins (chakkars), rhythmic footwork, influenced by Mughal courts. |
| Kathakali | Kerala | Dance-drama with colorful costumes, painted faces, enacts stories from epics. |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh | Combines dance and drama, quick rhythmic movements, devotional themes. |
| Odissi | Odisha | Graceful dance inspired by temple sculptures, tribhanga posture, linked to Lord Jagannath. |
| Manipuri | Manipur | Soft, lyrical movements, based on Radha-Krishna themes, graceful costumes. |
| Mohiniyattam | Kerala | Performed by women, slow graceful movements, linked to Vishnu’s Mohini avatar. |
| Sattriya | Assam | Introduced by saint Sankardev, performed in monasteries (Satras), devotional themes. |
Folk and Tribal Dance Forms of India
Folk and tribal dances are expressions of community life. They celebrate harvests, festivals, marriages, and local traditions. Unlike classical dances, they are free-flowing and energetic.
| Folk/Tribal Dance | State/Region | Occasion / Key Features |
| Bihu | Assam | Performed during Bihu festival, vibrant and fast movements. |
| Garba & Dandiya Raas | Gujarat | Circular group dance during Navratri, with sticks (dandiya). |
| Lavani | Maharashtra | Performed to the beats of dholki, powerful and rhythmic. |
| Ghoomar | Rajasthan | Women’s dance with swirling ghagras, linked to royal courts. |
| Bhangra | Punjab | Harvest festival dance, lively and energetic. |
| Chhau | Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand | Martial style, mask dance, mythological themes. |
| Yakshagana | Karnataka | Dance-drama, colorful costumes, themes from epics. |
| Hojagiri | Tripura | Performed by Reang community women balancing on earthen pitchers. |
| Rouf | Jammu & Kashmir | Group dance by women during Eid and spring festivals. |
| Giddha | Punjab | Women’s dance form with clapping and folk verses. |
Importance of Dance in Indian Culture
Dance in India is more than performance; it is a cultural and spiritual practice.
- Devotional Purpose: Most classical dances were performed in temples.
- Preservation of Epics: Stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas are retold through dance.
- Cultural Identity: Folk dances preserve local traditions and regional identity.
- Social Bonding: Dances during festivals bring communities together.
- National Heritage: Recognized globally as part of India’s intangible cultural heritage.
UNESCO Recognition of Indian Dance
Some Indian dance forms have received recognition by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, making them globally important.
| Dance Form | Recognition Year | Highlights |
| Chhau Dance (Odisha, WB, Jharkhand) | 2010 | Martial art-based mask dance with mythological themes. |
| Kalbelia Dance (Rajasthan) | 2010 | Performed by Kalbelia community, snake-like movements. |
| Mudiyettu (Kerala) | 2010 | Ritual theatre-dance depicting Goddess Kali. |
| Koodiyattam (Kerala) | 2001 | Sanskrit theatre-dance, one of the oldest living theatre traditions. |
| Garba (Gujarat) | 2023 | Circular dance performed during Navratri, symbolizing Shakti worship. |
Note: While classical dances like Bharatanatyam or Kathak are famous, UNESCO recognition has largely focused on ritual and folk forms.
Previous Year Question Trends (UPSC/EPFO & Other Exams)
UPSC often asks factual but tricky questions on dance forms. A few examples:
- UPSC Prelims 2014: With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements… (Question on Assam origin and recognition by Sangeet Natak Akademi).
- UPSC Prelims 2012: Consider the following pairs – Traditional dances and their states. Which are correctly matched? (Options included Bihu, Garba, Mohiniyattam).
- EPFO Assistant Exam: Questions on identifying which classical dances belong to which states.
FAQs
Q1: What are the two major divisions of Indian dance forms?
A1: Indian dances are broadly divided into Classical Dance Forms (codified, temple-based) and Folk/Tribal Dance Forms (community-based, linked to festivals and rituals).
Q2: Which dance forms are recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi as classical dances?
A2: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Sattriya, and Mohiniyattam are recognized classical dances of India.
Q3: How are folk dances different from classical dances?
A3: Folk dances are informal, linked to daily life, festivals, and social functions, while classical dances are highly structured, devotional, and based on Natya Shastra.
Q4: Which Indian dance forms have UNESCO recognition?
A4: Kutiyattam, Mudiyettu, and Sattriya have been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Q5: Why are Indian dance forms important for UPSC exams?
A5: Questions are often asked on classical vs folk, regional mapping, UNESCO recognition, and unique features, making them important for UPSC prelims and EPFO exams.
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