Classical dances of India – Bharatanatyam to Sattriya

Indian culture is a testament to devotion and genius. It is as complex as the inner workings of the human mind. The Indian classical dance form is a collection of music, movements, makeup, costumes, and style aimed to achieve entertainment, spiritual expression, and virtues. The origin of Indian classical dance is credited to the “Natya Shastra” written by the sage Bharata Muni. It is believed that the Natya Shastra was written in 200 BCE and 200 CE.

Today the world knows little about the Indian classical dances, but more about the popular Bollywood dance, which is a fusion of Indian classical dance, folk dances, and western dances. The Bollywood dance is made popular by Bollywood movies being released overseas and Western artists adapting Indian dance steps in their performances.

The Indian classical dance is distinct from the western form of traditional dances. The Ballet of Russia originally came from Italy but became an inherent part of Russian culture. Salsa is a Cuban dance but its roots are traced to New York City. The Samba of Brazil is an exotic and entertaining dance, but its inception is African. In the case of Indian classical dance, Indian regions have their own renditions, but the origin is one; the Natya Shastra.

The Ministry of Culture, India has recognized eight dance forms from eight different states. Indian classical dances share three components and aspects.

Aspects

• Tandav-  which involves rhythm and movements
• Lasya – which involves Bhava and Rasa

Components

• Nritta – Denotes pure movement, speed, rhythm, and the technical aspects of the performance. The aim of Nritta is to seize the attention of the audience.
• Nritya – This aspect of the performance tells the story with silence and movements. The performer either acts as a legend or a spiritual theme. The Nritya is not only for entertainment but to engage the senses of the audience.
• Natyam – Usually, the Natyam is an ensemble performance. If it is not being performed by a cast then the individual performer must switch between characters. It possesses all the characteristics of Natyam.

The eight legendary classical dances are,

Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu)

It is said to be an “ekaharya,” which means one single artist portrays various characters. The conductor of the performance is called “Nattuvanar.” The sequence of Bharatnatyam is Alarippu, Jatiswaran, Shabda, Varna, Pada, Thillana, and Sloka respectively. A traditional performance involves the movement of arms, legs, and hips. The Carnatic style instruments used in a Bharatanatyam performance are Mridang, nadaswaram, flute, veena, violin, and nattuvangam. Interestingly, the conductor can also be part of the performance as the vocalist. Bharatnatyam is the oldest dance form and is the symbol of dharma. The legends of Bharatnatyam are Rukmini Devi Arundale and E. Krishna Iyer.

Kathak (Uttar Pradesh)

The recognition of Kathak is attributed to the traveling bards of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The origins of Kathan are sowed from Sanskrit. The Raas Lila plays of Radha Krishna are performed by a Kathak dancer, enacting their story. Ankle bells play a major role in Kathak. It is the only Indian classical dance form belonging to the Hindustani music style. Even the Mughal and British era in India respected and appreciated the art of Kathak. A Kathak performance is supported by instruments such as Tabla, Majira, sarangi, or harmonium. Kalkaprasad Maharaj is attributed to spread Kathak overseas. Leela Sokhey, Sitara Devi, and Birju Maharaj are the other legends of Kathak.

Kathakali (Kerala)

This charming and colorful dance form is an example of sheer genius. The performer plays all the roles, enacting gods, demons, and kings adapted from ancient Indian epics. The intricate makeup and costumes. The three prime colors in a Kathakali performance are Red (a combination of evil and royals), Green (Nobility), and Black (Wicked). The Kathakali uses a plethora of musical instruments, but the prime ones are percussions like Itaykka, Centa, and Maddalam. The eminent Kathakali performers are Kalamandalam Gopi, Padmanabhan Nair, Ramankutty Nair, and Kumaran Nair.

Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)

This spiritual art relates traditionally with temples, spiritual faiths, and traveling bards. The themes of Kuchipudi is inspired by Lord Krishna, Rukmini, Satyabhama, etc. The dance also involved sacred procedures like the burning of incense sticks, sprinkling holy water, and offering prayers to God. The characteristic feature of Kuchipudi is Tarangam in which the dancer performs on a brass plate and a pot on the head. The ensemble of the dance includes Sutradhara or Nattuvanar conductor who recites and narrates the musical syllables. The musical instruments usually include cymbals, mridangam, tambura, veena, and flute. Sobha Naidu, Raja & Radha Reddy, Swapnasundari, Arunima Kumar, Yamini Reddy, and Kaushalya Reddy are regarded as legends of Kuchipudi.

Manipuri (Manipur)

The origin of Manipuri dance can be traced back to ancient times even before the history has been recorded. Manipuri dance is regarded for its themes which are based on the love stories of Krishna and Radha. Manipuri dance includes both the tandava and lasya aspects that vary from the most powerful masculine to the subdued and elegant feminine. The dance is often accompanied by narrative chanting and choral singing. The main musical instrument used is the drum. Guru Bipin Sinha, Nirmala Mehta, Savita Mehta, Yumlembam Gambini Devi, Darshana Jhaveri are famous Manipuri dance performers.

Odissi (Odisha)

Odissi originated in the Hindu temples of Odisha and is believed to be the oldest form of Indian dance. This dance form portrays the themes of Buddhism, Tantrism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism. Odissi follows the basic rules of the Natyashastra and the Silpasastra in its techniques. It involves a mix of Lasya and Tandava aspects where vigorous, intensely erotic, and devotional emotions are projected. Hip deflection is considered a characteristic feature of this dance which is similar to movements in Bharatanatyam. An Odissi orchestra essentially has a pakhawaj player, singer, flutist, sitar or violin player, and a manjira player. Madhavi Mudgal, Rekha Tandon, Sreyashi Dey are some of the famous representations of this dance form.

Mohiniyattam (Kerala)

The origin of Mohiniyattam goes back to the age-old Sanskrit Hindu text on performing arts called Natya Shastra. Mohiniyattam adheres to the lasya aspect that showcases a more graceful, gentle, and feminine form of dancing. The word Mohiniyattam comes from Mohini means enchanting women and Aattam means graceful body movements. Mohiniyattam involves themes that portray the love and devotion of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishnas. It comprises 40 different movements called Adavukal which involves swaying of hips and the gentle movements with straight body posture from side-to-side. The musical accompaniment used in performing Mohiniyattam involves Veena, Mridangam, and flute. The legends of this dance form are Vallathol Narayana Menon, Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, Thankamony, Krishna Panicker, Mukundraja, and some others.

Sattriya (Assam)

Sattriya was founded during the 15 and 16 centuries A.D by the renowned saint, Mahapurusha Sankaradeva. This dance form is enriched with the classical elements and its basics related to the Natyashastra, Srihastamuktawali, Abhinaya Darpan. The main themes performed in this dance are based on Radha and Krishna. The Sattriya performance integrates two styles, energetic and delicate. The intricate movements of this graceful dance form involve ulah; the wavy movements, doop; the dipping and bobbing, hali; the horizontal movements, citika; the springing movements, etc. The musical instruments are the Drums, Cymbals, and the Flute.

Importance of Classical Dances in Indian Culture

Indian Classical Dance has traditionally held an important part in religion and culture in India. This art is not only the quintessence of value and power of our eternal culture, but it is also regarded for prayer and meditation, attracting divine blessings, happiness, and peace of mind.

National Awards Presented for these Classical Dances in India

• Kalidas Samman for Classical Dances
• Sanatan Sangeet Sanskriti Award for rendering services in dance
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for contribution to performing arts
• Tagore Ratna and Tagore Puraskar for performing arts.

Influence of Classical Dances on Bollywood

Classical dances have always been a part of Bollywood films. Earlier, during the 70s and 80s, the Hindi songs were primarily modeled on classical and folk Indian dance styles such as Kathak, Ghoomar, etc. And it is still being continued by blending both classical as well as western dance styles.

Classical dance events that are held annually across India

• Sawai Gandharva Festival, Pune (December)
• Teen Prahar, Mumbai (January)
• Ninad Concert Series, Mumbai (January)
• Sharada Sangeet Mahotsav, Mumbai (January)
• CR Vyas Vandan, Mumbai (January)
• Kinkini Festival – Classical Dance National Youth Festival, Mumbai (January)

We hope this insight about India’s most unique and highly regarded dance forms will help you understand more of India’s culture and traditions. If you found the information useful, let us know in the comments section below.