Dance Forms of India: A Comprehensive Guide | UPSC Art And Culture
India is a rich country with many traditions and cultural values. Every state has its unique art, today we are going to talk about the dance forms of India and their significance. All of these dance forms originate from ancient times and are considered a discipline. Let’s get into the details now.
1.Bharatnatyam-Tamil Nadu
Bharatnatyam dance comes from Tamil Nadu and it is a celestial dance performed to the tunes of Carnatic music. The origin of Bharatnatyam can be traced back to 1000BC. The dance form has beautiful body movements and gestures which are called Mudras and it focuses on the hand gestures, leg movements, and facial expressions of the dancer. It is recognized as one of the most respectable dance forms, especially in South India.
2. Kathak-Uttar Pradesh
Khattak dance form comes from Uttar Pradesh. Katha means story and through this dance form, the dancer has to tell a story through their body movements. It is also called the dance of love and it can be performed by males and females together. The dance is performed in various states like Jaipur, Lucknow, and Banaras as well.
3. Kathakali-Kerala
Kathakali is a traditional dance form of India. Kathakali means the storyteller. Coming from the Kerala region, Kathakali is one of the most popular regional dances in India. In this dance, the dancer has to wear heavy costumes which also include face masks and body paints which are green in color. The dance is fascinating to watch.
4. Manipuri-Manipur
Manipuri is a Northeast Indian dance form that is rich in tradition. The dance form represents the state of Manipur and it is performed to narrate the romantic relationship between Radha Krishna which is also called as RassLeela. The dance is performed with narrative chanting and the music by classical instruments.
5. Kuchipudi-Andhra Pradesh
Kuchipudi is one of the toughest classical dance forms in India. The dance form belongs to Andhra Pradesh and it is considered a religious procedure dedicated to God. Kuchipudi is singing and dancing together and it requires skill and dedication. The dance is amongst the women, earlier it was performed by the male dancers in the temples.
6. Odissi-Odisha
Odissi dance form comes from Odisha and it is a traditional dance form derived from the Hindu temples. Most of the mudras in this dance are inspired by the idols and sculptors belonging to the ancient temples. The dance is performed on the mythological tales of Hindu gods and it is also considered one of the oldest dance forms in India.
7. Bhangra-Punjab
Bhangra is a traditional and heart-pumping dance form belonging to Punjab. With the loud drum beats and electrifying dance movements. The dance is performed in Punjabi festivals, marriages, and other ceremonies.
8. Garba-Gujarat
Garba dance form comes from Gujarat and it is a traditional dance dedicated to Goddess Durga. The dance is performed in a couple tuning to the Gujarati music and the sticks are used to perform this art form. The dance is performed in various states during major festivals.
9. Mohiniyattam-Kerala
Mohini the female avatar of Lord Vishnu is considered in divine enchantress and it is the most popular form in Kerala. The dance form comes from Natya Shashtra and it is performed by women on Carnatic music, singing, and acting. The song is sung by the performer herself and the music is rendered in ragas. The dance is slow but it also exhibits the tandava of Lord Shiva. In the year 1940, the dance form was banned but with the help of locals, Mohiniyattam has revived again.
10. Ghoomar-Rajasthan
Ghoomar is an amazing dance form and it includes wearing heavy jewelry and beautiful costumes and dancing to the beats of music. The dance form comes from Rajasthan and it includes circular movements and hand gestures. It is an energetic dance and it looks wonderful to the ones who are watching it.
Conclusion: So these are some of the popular dance forms of India. Every dance is unique and popular in their state. The dance forms are adorned with traditions and cultural richness.
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Tag:Art and Culture, Dance, Dance Forms, IAS, IFS, India, IPS, IRS, UPSC
