How Many Classical Dances in India

Introduction

Indian classical dance styles are also known as Shastriya Nritya, which is derived from the words Shastriya, which means classical, and Nritya, which means dancing. The Natya Shastra is the origin of classical dance. According to the source and academics, India has 8 different classical dance styles. Eight styles are acknowledged by the Sangeet Natak Academy: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam. Chhau is also listed among the classical dances by the Indian Ministry of Culture. These dances have a regional tradition. They are composed in Hindi, Malayalam, Meitei (Manipuri), Sanskrit, Tamil, Odia, Telugu, or any other Indian language. They unite core ideas in various styles, attire, and expressions. There are currently 9 recognized classical dance forms in India.

History of Classical Dance

Around 200 BCE, Indian classical dancing first appeared in India. Dancing became a part of Indian culture due to the country's people's appreciation for the arts; it was practised at all social gatherings, including weddings and festivals like Diwali. Indian classical dancing is a very happy and cheerful activity that people engage in. The ancient scholar Bharata Muni is credited with writing the Natya Shastra, the basis for Indian classical dances.

Indian classical dances are typically presented as expressive drama-dance religious performance art related to Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, the pan-Hindu Epics, and the Vedic literature or as an informal entertainment that incorporates story-telling from plays in Sanskrit or regional languages. They are done either inside or close to the sanctum of a Hindu temple as a kind of devotional art. Folksy entertainment has also been presented inside the halls of royal courts or public squares during festivals, as well as on temple grounds or any fairground, generally in a rural setting.

Types of Classical Dance in India

There are nine different classical dance styles in India, according to both the Indian Ministry of Culture and the Sangeet Natak Academy. The Sangeet Natak Academy lists eight classical dance styles, while the Indian Ministry of Culture lists nine.

1. Bharatnatyam

It is a style of dance that has its origins in Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Dasiattam because it was first practiced by Devadasis in Tamil Nadu temples. According to Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra, Bharatnatyam is a dancing style that originated at least 2000 years ago. Nritta, Natya, and Nritya are the three key components of Bharatanatyam. Men and women both perform it. Women wear sarees, and males wear dhotis, both brightly colored dance costumes. The gestures, sometimes known as Mudras or Hastas, are the most significant aspect of the dance style.

2. Kathak

The Natya Shastra, a book by Bharata Muni, also served as the foundation for Kathak. Invocation, Nritta, and Nritya are its three divisions. The clothes for Kathak differ on the group of individuals performing the dance form because the dance is known by both Hindu and Muslim majorities. Uttar Pradesh is where Kathak originated, and the word Kathak comes from the word Katha, which means "story." Because the performers narrate stories during the entire performance, it is regarded as a musical dance story.

3. Kathakali

The south Indian state of Kerala is where kathakali first originated. It also includes dance-based storytelling. For its distinctive hand and eye gestures, it is well recognized. These dance styles are typically presented in temples. The movements used in Kathakali correspond to the Padma poems. The dance form's depictions of plays or stories are based on Hindu mythologies like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

4. Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi first originated in Andhra Pradesh. The name originates from the village of Kuchelpuram. Kuchipudi is a dance style created to glorify Lord Krishna. Kuchipudi differs from Bharatanatyam in terms of poses and movements. It uses rounded stances, while Bharatnatyam uses carved positions.

5. Manipuri

Manipur is where the Manipuri dance originated. Lai Haraoba, a state festival, is the source and inspiration for all Manipuri dance forms. The primary dancers in this style are known as maibas and maibis. Tal Rasak, Danda Rasak, and Mandal Rasak are the three distinct Manipuri Ras Leela styles.

6. Mohiniyattam

It originated in Kerala. The word Mohini, Lord Vishnu's feminine form, is the source of the name Mohiniyattam. The word "Mohini" refers to Mohini's dance.

7. Odissi

It originated in Odisha. Ordhra Magadha is the first variation of the modern dance style known as Odissi. Maharis, who used to perform at temples, are the primary repositories of the Odissi Dance.

8. Sattriya

It was first used in the 15th century and came from Assamese monasteries. The renowned Vaishnava saints and Assamese reformers were credited for its creation. Hasta mudras, footwork, aharyas, music, and other rules are strictly followed when performing the Pattaya dance.

9. Chhau

It is a style of semi-classical dancing. Depending on where it is performed, there are three varieties of chhau. Chhau is practised in Mayurbhanj Chau of Odisha, Seraikella of Jharkhand, and Purulia of West Bengal. The artists wear huge masks of various gods.