Dance in India comprises numerous styles of dances, generally classified as classical or folk. As with other aspects of Indian culture, different forms of dances originated in different parts of India, developed according to the local traditions and also imbibed elements from other parts of the country. The origins of dance in India go back to ancient times. The earliest paleolithic and neolithic cave paintings such as the UNESCO world heritage site at Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh show dance scenes. Several sculptures found at Indus Valley Civilisation archaeological sites, now distributed between Pakistan and India, show dance figures. For example, the Dancing Girl sculpture is dated to about 2500 BCE, showing a 10.5 centimetres (4.1 in) high figurine in a dance pose. The Vedas integrate rituals with performance arts, such as a dramatic play, where not only praises to gods were recited or sung, but the dialogues were part of a dramatic representation and discussion of spiritual themes. The dances of India are among the oldest dance genres still widely practiced today. In recent years they have become increasingly known and appreciated all over the world. Sangeet Natak Academy, the national academy for performing arts in India, recognizes eight traditional dances as Indian classical dances, while other sources and scholars recognize more. These have roots in the Sanskrit text Natya Shastra, and the religious performance arts of Hinduism. Folk dances are numerous in number and style and vary according to the local tradition of the respective state, ethnic, or geographic region. Contemporary dances include refined and experimental fusions of classical, folk, and Western forms. Dancing traditions of India have influence not only over the dances in the whole of South Asia, but on the dancing forms of Southeast Asia as well. Dances in Indian films, like Bollywood Dance for Hindi films, are often noted for freeform expression of dance and hold a significant presence in the popular culture of the Indian subcontinent. In India, a command over Persian, or Arabic, are highly appreciated and respected for either of Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya, Meitei (Manipuri), learning dances (most significantly Indian Classical Dances) as dancers could have the tools of these languages to go into the primary material texts. Indian dances are broadly classified into eight classical forms-Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya-rooted in the Natyashastra, and numerous regional folk dances. These diverse traditions range from spiritual temple rituals to energetic celebrations of harvest and local legends, showcasing India's rich cultural tapestry across its states. These dances often serve as a medium for storytelling, depicting narratives from epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. This comprehensive book on Indian classical dances cover rich traditions, offering insights into theory, history, and practice. The evolution of classical Indian dances, the different techniques and forms that took shape and developed over centuries is the story this book relates. This is a comprehensive survey for readers who want to relate the classical dances to the broader background of Indian culture. For students, Indian and non Indian, it provides valuable historic and technical information and for dance lovers it serves as a guide telling them what to look for in a performance.
It is said that the gods created dance as a device for entertainment. Later, in order to please the gods, human beings enacted the tale and glory of the gods. Thus began a cycle of celebration manifested in the joyous abandon of movement and music. Over a period of two millennia, dance in India acquired a set grammar, which led to a certain codification of technique. Thus were sown the seeds for Bharata Muni's celebrated treatise on dance, the Natya Shastra. Bharata's Natya Shastra (believed to be penned between second century B.C. and second century A.D.) is the earliest available treatise on dramaturgy. All forms of Indian classical dances owe allegiance to Natya Shastra, regarded as the fifth Veda. The fascination for Indian dance all over the world is indicative of the deep-felt needs to use the human body to express and celebrate the great universal truths. Indian dance does just that in a heightened. reverential form. Also, since dance is physical and visual, it illuminates India's culture in a direct manner, playing on the sensibilities of the onlooker. Thus, those who are attracted to India will find the idiom of dance the best introduction to India's rich ethos and traditions. Indian Dances illuminate & express India's culture in a direct manner, playing on the sensibilities of the onlooker. India offers a number of classical dance forms, each of which can be traced to different parts of the country. Each form represents the culture and ethos of a particular region or a group of people, There are many types of dance in India, from those which are deeply religious in content to those which are danced on more trivial happy occasions. Classical Indian Dances are usually always spiritual in content, although this is often true also of Folk dances.. The most popular classical styles seen on the Indian dance stage are Bharata Natyam of Tamil Nadu, Kathakali and Mohiniattam of Kerala, Odissi of Orissa, Kathak of Uttar Pradesh, Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh and Manipuri of Manipur. Indian mythology, legends and classical literature provide the themes of the Indian dance, both of the classical and folk variety. The classical dance is based on rigid rules and dance discipline. Its forms include Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Kathak as also a tradition of dance-dramas Kathakali, Kutiyattam, Mohiniattam, etc. Indian dance is divided into nritta-the rhythmic elements, nritya-the combination of rhythm with expression and natya-the dramatic element. Nritya is usually expressed through the eyes, hands and facial movements. Nritya combined with nritta makes up the usual dance programmes. Indian classical dance is the embodiment of a whole range of expressions, which include fantasy and yogic discipline. The different forms represent the meeting point of three arts: music, drama and dance. Though highly defined and codified, they are perceived primarily as a form of worship, as homage to the almighty. Their classicism lies in the continuity of an unbroken history of over five thousand millennia, one which overwhelms yet inspires.
Dr. Awadh Narayan earned his M.A. and D.phil degree from Allahabad University, Prayagraj U.P.A seasoned teacher and keen researcher, He has participated in a number of National/International Seminars, conferences and workshops where he presented his research papers. A prolific writer his many papers have already published in various professional arid proceedings. Dr. Narayan is associate professor in the department of history, culture and archaeology Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
Indian dances are broadly classified into eight classical forms Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya-rooted in the Natyashastra, and numerous regional folk dances. These diverse traditions range from spiritual temple rituals to energetic celebrations of harvest and local legends, showcasing India's rich cultural tapestry across its states. These dances often serve as a medium for storytelling, depicting narratives from epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. This comprehensive book on Indian classical dances cover rich traditions, offering insights into theory, history, and practice. The evolution of classical Indian dances, the different techniques and forms that took shape and developed over centuries is the story this book relates. This is a comprehensive survey for readers who want to relate the classical dances to the broader background of Indian culture. For students, Indian and non - Indian, it provides valuable historic and technical information and for dance lovers it serves as a guide telling them what to look for in a performance.
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Visual Search
Manage Wishlist