The classical Indian dance
Eight
dance styles
In
ancient history, the classical Indian dances developed as the evolution of
classical Sanskrit drama as an amalgam of the spoken word, gestures, mime,
choreography, stylised movement and music.
Many
regional forms called the musical plays or ‘sangeet-nataka’ has been evolved
during 12th century to 19th century. Hence, the contemporary classical Indian
dance forms have evolved out of these musical plays to attain the distinctive
features.
There
are two aspects of dance
1. Tandava — the
masculine denotes movement, rhytm, and heroic.
2. Lasya — the
feminine is soft, lyrical and graceful and denotes grace, and ‘abhinaya’,
‘bhava’ and ‘rasa’.
Brief
description of Indian Classical Dance forms.
1. Bharatanatyam Dance
¨
Bharatanatyam is a famous
dance form of Tamil Nadu.
¨ It was developed as the
art of dancers dedicated to temples, and was earlier known as Sadir or Dasi
Attam.
¨
It is the first of
India's traditional dances to be refashioned as a theatre art and to be
exhibited widely both at home and abroad.
¨ Bharatanatyam is a dance form which rests on principles
of performance and anaesthetics set down in classics such as Bharata's Natyashastra.
¨ It has a rich repertoire of songs in Telugu, Tamil and
Sanskrit.
¨ The present-day format of a Bharatanatyam recital, as
well as a valuable part of its musical compositions, were created by the famed
‘Tanjore Quartet’ of the nineteenth century: the brothers Ponniah, Chinnaiah,
Sivanandam and Vadivelu.
¨ Bharatanatyam has a highly evolved language of nritta,
abstract dance, and nritya which unfolds the narrative. The themes have a wide
range spanning human and divine love, and are generally classed under the
rubric of shringara (romantic love) and bhakti (devotion).
¨ The music of Bharatanatyam belongs to the Carnatic
system of southern India. The musicians accompanying a dance recital include at
least one vocalist, a Mridangam (drum)-player, and a flutist or violinist or
Veena (lute)-player.
¨ The group also includes a nattuvanar, or dance
conductor, who recites the dance syllables as he plays a pair of small bronze
cymbals.
There
are two famous styles of Bharatanatyam :
1. Pandanallur Style
2. Thanjavur Style
Bharatanatyam
costume
·
Bright
and colorful.
·
Inspired
by the sari tradition of contrasting border colors, and the borders of the
various pieces of costumes form patterns that decorate the dancer’s form.
·
Heavy
lines of makeup are drawn around the eyes, extending outwards past the eyes.
The pair of anklets or ankle bells (salangai in Tamil) are important part of
Bharatnatym costume.
2. Kuchipudi
Dance
¨
Kuchipudi, is a famous
dance form of India which has its origin in Andhra Pradesh.
¨
This dance form
developed as a product of Bhakti movement beginning in the 7th Century AD.
¨
Kuchipudi derives its
name from the village Kuchelapuram, where it was nurtured by great scholars and
artists who built up the repertoire and refined the dance technique.
¨
It is a dance-drama of
Nritta, Nritya and Natya. The Nritta consists of teermanams and jatis, the
Nritya of Sabdams, and the Natya of acting with mudras for the songs. Nritta
encompasses steps and movements in the form of patterns of dance which, though
ornate in themselves, have no meaning to convey.
Kuchipudi, combines speech, Abhinaya (mime) and pure dance.
Kuchipudi, combines speech, Abhinaya (mime) and pure dance.
¨
The Kuchipudi dancer
is a multiple person on the stage and this multiplicity is achieved by the
swift change of mime which depends more on the combination of the naturalism of
the dramatic content and the symbolism of the poetic intensity of feeling of an
episode. The consequence of this is the emphasis laid on the dynamics of
movement and expressionism of feeling.
¨
Kuchipudi dance is
accompanied by Carnatic Music. Kuchipudi today is performed either as a solo,
duet or a group presentation, but historically it was performed as a dance
drama, with several dancers taking different roles.
There
are two forms of Kuchipudi
1.
Traditional
musical dance-drama.
2.
Solo
dance.
Kuchipudi
costume
·
The
costume of kuchipudi has a long pleat in the centre with a border and a
back katcham and also a side small fan makes this a typical Kuchipudi style.
3. Odissi
Dance
¨
One
of the earliest dance form in India.
¨
Evidences
are found in Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves.
¨
Various
buddhist, tantric images of dancing Yoginis, Nataraja, and shaivite
temple influences resulted in an unique philosophy of
the dharma or faith of Jagannath.
¨
The
Devdasis were known as ‘Mahari’s were indispensible part of the odissi dance
culture. For centuries ‘maharis’ were chief repositories for Odissi dance.
The maharis were originally temple dancers which were also employed in the
royal courts resulting in degeneration of the art form. After 12th
century, there was great influence of Vaishanavism and bhakti cult on the
mahari system. The Mahari system declined largely because ascetics of
vaishnavism disapproved of immoralities of the devdasi system.
¨
This
lead to introduction of young boys dressed as women, dancing like maharis,
known as Gotipuas. Gotipuas quit dancing when they turned 18
and began teaching. Many gurus of odissi come from the gotipua tradition.
¨
With
influence of vaishnavism, Jayadeva’s Ashtapadi become a
compulsory item in Odissi dance.
¨
Important
postures in Odissi are – Tribhanga posture (with 3 bends at
head, bust and torso = mobile sculpture) and Chowk posture.
Odissi
costume
·
The
costume of Odissi is similar to that of traditional Bharathanatyam
costume.
·
The
dancer wears elaborate Odiya silver jewellery and a special hair-do.
The sari, that is usually stitched nowadays, is unique to the style of
Odissi.
4. Kathakali Dance
¨
It
was performed in kerala temples as dance dramas.
¨
In
the temple sculptures of Kerala and the frescoes in the Mattancheri temple, in
16th century, the dance scenes which depict the square and rectangular basic
positions of Kathakali.
¨
The
sources of kathakali are Kudiattam, Krishnattam, and later Ramanattam created
by Raja Balaveera Keralam, which later evolved into katahkali.
¨
Kathakali
is performed on Open air stage against lush green kerala landscape. No
props are required, where expressions suggest the scene of dance-drama.
¨
There
is elaborate make up where the colour of makeup indicates the mental stages of
the character such as green facial colour indicates nobility, virtue, divine.
Red patches on nose indicate royalty and evil while black face indicate wicked
female.
¨
There
is remarkable use of eye movements and expressions in kathakali. Themes of
epics and puranas are largely depicted in kathakali.
¨
Kathakali
is a blend of dance, music and acting and dramatizes stories, which are mostly
adapted from the Indian epics which mainly represent eternal conflict of
good and evil.
Kathakali
costume
·
The
costume of kathakali is most distinctive to Kathakali dance.
·
The
costumes are very large and heavy.
·
There
are several type of costumes: Sathwika (the hero), Kathi (the villain), Minukku
(females), and Thatti. Each character is instantly recognised by their
characteristic makeup and costume.
·
The
dancers wear large head dresses mainly Kireedam, and the contours of face are
extended with use of moulded lime.
5. Mohiniattam
Dance
¨
It
is a dance that originated in Kerala.
¨
The
origin is of Mohiniattam are traced in the reign of Maharaja Swati
Thirunal of Travancore in early 19th century.
¨
Mohhiniattam
combines elements of Bharatanatyam (grace and elegance) and Kathakali (
vigour).
¨
It
is a solo dance where women perform the dance. Though mohiniattam is more
exotic, lyrical and delicate than both bharatanatyam and kathakali from which
it derives elements.
Mohiniattam
Costume
¨
The
costume of Mohiniattam is refined and distinct.
¨
The
costume color is white with gold zari borders.
¨
The
Skirt around torso is fully pleated from front to back.
6. Manipuri
Dance
¨
It
is different from other classical dances as in – it emphasises bhakti and not
sensous aspects due to high vaishanv influence.
¨
The
origin of Manipuri dance are traced back to ancient times which go beyond the
recorded history.
¨
The
dance in Manipur is mainly associated with the rituals and traditional
festivals, with legendary references to the dances of Shiva and Parvati and
other gods and goddesses who created the universe.
¨
Lai
Haraoba is
one of the main festivals that is still performed in Manipur which is rooted in
pre-Vaishnaviteperiod.
¨
The
principal performers of Lai Haraoba are the maibas and maibis (priests
and priestesses) who re-enact the theme of the creation of the world.
¨
With
the arrival of Vaishnavism in 15th century A.D., new compositions based on life
of Radha and Krishna were gradually introduced in Manipuri and eventually the
popular Rasleela dances of Manipur originated.
¨
The
most popular forms of Manipuri dance are the Ras (Radha, Krishna and
the gopis), the Sankirtanaand the Thang-Ta. The martial
dancers of Manipur are known as the ‘Thang-ta’ originated when man’s survival
depended on his ability to defend himself from wild animals.
¨
The
manipuri dance in its present form was promoted by Rabindranath Tagore in
Shantiniketan in early 19th century.
Components
of Manipuri dance:
- Drum- ‘pung’ is soul of this dance.
- It has several ‘cholums’ or dances like pung
cholam, kartal cholom, Dhol cholom.
- Rasleela is inseparable and very important
part of manipuri.
- Choloms have both ‘tandavas’ and ‘lasya’
aspects.
- Focus on devotional love.
- Songs in Bengali, Maithali, Bhrajbhasha and
Sanskrit, usually compositions of Jayadeva and Chandidas.
- Ashtapadis of Jayadeva’s Geeta
Govinda are very popular.
- Lyrical grace, soft movements.
- Serene expressions
- Gorgeous costumes
- limited use of mudras
- No ankle bells worn by dancers.
Manipuri
dance Costume
·
The
most elaborate costume of manipuri dance is for the Ras dance.
·
Ras
costume consists of a richly embroidered stiff skirt which extends to the
feet.
·
A
short fine, white muslin skirt is worn over the stiff skirt. A dark coloured
velvet blouse covers the upper part of the body and a traditional white veil is
covers a special hair-do which falls gracefully over the face.
·
In
the Ras dance, Krishna wears a yellow dhoti, a dark velvet jacket and a crown
of peacock feathers. The jewellery worn is very delicate and the designs are
unique to the region.
7. Sattariya
Dance
¨
Sattriya or Sattriya Nritya is one among the eight principal classical
Indian dance traditions.
¨
In the year 2000, the Sattriya dances
of Assam received recognition as one of the eight classical dance forms of
India
¨
The core of Sattriya Nritya has usually
been mythological stories.
¨
Theme – Mythological theme , Now
Diverse Theme
¨
This was an artistic way of presenting
mythological teachings to the people in an accessible, immediate, and enjoyable
manner.
¨
Traditionally, Sattriya was performed
only by bhokots (male monks) in monasteries as a part of their daily rituals or
to mark special festivals.
¨
Today, in addition to this practice,
Sattriya is also performed on stage by men and women who are not members of the
satras, on themes not merely mythological.
¨
It Is devotional In Nature and involves
Bhakti Rasa ( Spiritual Aspects )
¨
This dance is Accompanied by a Musical
Musical Composition Called Bargeets .
¨
Main Musical Instruments Are -Khol (
Drum ) And Flute
¨
costumes Are Made Up Of Assamese Silk
“Pat Silk”
¨
This Dance Involves both Tandava and
Lasya Form Of dance
¨
Initially it was performed by the Men
But Now women also Perform This dance ,
¨
Now Sattriya Dance also performed in
Group also.
Sattriya Nritya is divided into many aspects: Apsara Nritya, Behar Nritya, Chali Nritya, Dasavatara Nritya,
Manchok Nritya, Natua Nritya,Rasa Nritya, Rajaghariya Chali Nritya, Gosai
Prabesh, Bar Prabesh, Gopi Prabesh, Jhumura, Nadu Bhangi, and Sutradhara, to
name but a few – these being the counterpart to items in Bharata Natyam
Sattriya
tradition, has two distinctly streams –
1. Bhaona-related
repertoire begining from the Gayan-Bhayanar Nach to the Kharmanar Nach,
2. Dance numbers
which are independent – like Chali (characterized by gracefulness and
elegance), Rajagharia Chali, Jhumura (characterised by vigor and majestic
beauty), Nadu Bhangi etc.
8. Kathak
Dance
¨
The
word Kathak is derived from the word Katha meaning a story. Kathakars are
story-tellers, who narrate stories based on the epics, myths and legends.
¨
The
Vaishnavite cult which was prevalent in North India in 15th century and the
resultant bhakti movement introduced new forms of lyrics and musical forms.
¨
The
Radha-Krishna theme was immensely popular alongwith the works of Mirabai,
Surdas, Nandadas and Krishnadas. Raslila developed in the Braj region
(Mathura in Western U.P.) which combined music, dance and the narrative
together. The advent of Mughals developed the bhava and sensous aspects of the
dance form taking it from temples to the courts.
¨
The 19th
century was the golden age of Kathak under the
patronage of Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Oudh. Wajid Ali Shah
established the Lucknow gharana.
There
are three schools of Kathak in Northern India –
1. Lucknow Gharana —
has strong accent on bhava, the expression of moods and emotions.
2. Jaipur Gharana
–known for layakari or rhythmic virtuosity
3. Benaras Gharana —
evolved in Rajasthan, known for moderate tempo, grace and precision
·
Main
characterstic of Kathak are its intricate footwork and pirouttes. The technique
of movement in Kathak is unique to it, where the knees are not bent or flexed.
·
The
metrical cycle (tala) of 16, 10, 14 beats is the foundation on which
the whole edifice of Kathak dance is built.
Importance
of Kathak:
- Kathak is the only classical dance of India
which has links with Muslim culture.
- It represents a unique synthesis of Hindu and
Muslim traditions in art.
- Kathak is the only form of classical dance
which involves Hindustani music (the North Indian music). Hindustani music
has seen a parallel growth with Kathak, with each feeding and
sustaining the other.
List
of Indian Folk Dance
- Folk dance in India is a
term broadly used to describe all forms of folk and tribal dances in
regions across India.
- While Indian classical dance is considered a
higher form of art and was practiced in courts, temples and on special
occasions, folk dance forms are practiced in groups in rural areas as an
expression of their daily work and rituals.
- They are performed on religious or seasonal
festivals. Some of the popular folk dances that are performed across
villages and cities are Bhangra, Garba, Kalbelia and Bihu.
The
state-wise folk dances
v Assam: Ankiya
Nat, Kirtania Natak, Ojapali,Bihu
v Bihar: Bidesia,
Senkela Chhau, Jat-Jatni Bidpada, Ramkhelia.
v Gujarat :
Bhavai garba .
v Haryana :
Swang, Naqqal
v Himachal
Pradesh : Kariyala, Bhagat, Ras Ihanld, Harnatra Haran or Harin.
v Jammu and Kashmir:
Bhand Pathar or Bhand lashna, Vetal Dhamali.
v Karnataka: Yakshagana,
Bedara Vesha, Dollu Kunitha, Santa, Doddata-Bayalata, Tala Maddle or Prasang.
Dasarata, Radhna.
v Kerala:
Kodiyattam, Margam Kali, Mudiattam Therayattam, Chavittu Nadakam, Chakyar
koothu.
v Madhya Pradesh:
Maanch, Nacha.
v Maharashtra:
Tamasha, Lalit Bharud, Gondha, Dashavatar, Lavni.
v Orissa: Pala Jtra,
Daskathia, Mayurbhanj Chhau, Mangal Ras, Sowang.
v Punjab: Naqqal,
Swang bhangra .
v Rajasthan: Khyal,
Rasdhari, Rammat, Turra Kilangi, Gauri, Nautanki, Ihamtara.
v Andhra Pradesh:
Veethi Natakam, Burrakatha, lambadi, koya.
v Tamil Nadu:
Therukuttu, Veethi Natakam, Bhagwat Mela Natakam, Kurvaanji, Pagal Vasham,
Kavadi Chindu.
v Telangana:
Bathukamma
v Uttar Pradesh:
Bhagat, Sang-Swang, Naqqual.
v Goa :
Dashavatar, Tiyara
v West Bengal :
Chhau (Purulia), Santhali
One line Questions ?
1.Kathkali is , a folk dance prevalent in which state ?
2.Natya Shastra the main source of India’s classical dance was written by?
3.The dance encouraged and performed from the temple of Tanjore was ?
4.Koodiyattam is a?