Indian Dance and its Classical Forms

According to Hindu mythology, dance is believed to have been conceived by Brahma. Brahma inspired the sage Bharata Muni to write the Natya Shastra, from which a systematic practice of dance and drama emerged. He used pathya (words) from the Rigveda, abhinaya (gestures) from Yajurveda, geet (music) from the Samaveda and rasa (emotions) from the Atharvaveda to form the Natyaveda. The best-known of Hindu deities—Shiva, Kali and Krishna—are typically represented in dancing postures. Shiva’s cosmic dance, tandava, Kali’s dance of creation and destruction and Krishna’s dance with the gopikas (Rasa Lila) are popular motifs in Hindu mythology.

Indian Classical dance, like other aspects of Indian culture, have developed and matured as per local traditions imbibing elements from the parts of the country where they were widely practiced.

Different classical dance forms in India

Starting from North (Kathak) :  In ancient Indian temples Brahmin priests(pandits) used to narrate the stories of gods and goddesses through dance, they were known as ((kathakar)) and the dance came to be known as “kathak”. Its form today contains traces of temple and ritual dances.

From North-East (Manipuri) : Manipuri dance is purely religious and its aim is a spiritual experience^.Development of music and dance has through religious festivals and daily activities of the Manipuri people.

From East (Oddissi): It originates from the state of Odisha, in eastern India. It is particularly distinguished from other classical Indian dance forms by the importance it places upon the Tribhangi (literally: three parts break), the independent movement of head, chest and pelvis and upon the basic square stance known as Chauka or Chouka that symbolizes Lord Jagannath.

From South-East (Kuchipudi): it is a classical dance from the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The performance usually begins with some stage rites, after which each of the character comes on to the stage and introduces him/herself with a dharavu (a small composition of both song and dance) to introduce the identity, set the mood, of the character in the drama. The singer is accompanied by mridangam, violin, flute and the tambura. 

From South (Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Mohiniattam):

Bharatanatyam : Bharatanatyam is a classical dance from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, practiced predominantly in modern times by women. The dance is usually accompanied by classical Carnatic music. Its inspirations come from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram.  The singer is accompanied by mridangam, The dance is usually accompanied by classical Carnatic music

Kathakali : Kathakali is a highly stylized classical dance–drama form which originated from Kerala in the 17th century. This classical dance form is particularly noticed for dancer’s elaborate costume, towering head gear, billowing skirts, and long silver nails

Mohiniattam : Originating from Kerala in South India, this is a dance style exclusively performed by women.  ‘Mohini’ means a seducing woman and ‘attam’ means dance. So this dance is enchantingly feminine with wave-like body movements. The theme of the dance is generally ‘sringara’ or love. Delicate themes of love are performed with suggestive gestures, rhythmic footwork and lyrical music. 

Hopefully with your encouragement in coming days Surbahar will manage to satisfy you with its aim to provide a very good standard of Indian classical dance and music and bring a fresh air of bonding between the two distinctive forms of art,