Classical Dances of India form an integral part of the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, these eight classical dance forms—like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, and others—are deeply rooted in tradition, mythology, and devotion. 

For UPSC Civil Service exam aspirants, understanding the origin, features, and significance of these Indian classical dances is crucial for GS Paper I (Art & Culture), Prelims, and even the Essay Paper. 

In this article, we explore the state-wise list of classical dances of India along with their unique characteristics.

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List of Classical Dances of India with States

India has eight recognized classical dance forms: Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (Uttar Pradesh), Kathakali (Kerala), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Manipuri (Manipur), Sattriya (Assam), and Mohiniyattam (Kerala). Each dance reflects the cultural, spiritual, and artistic heritage of its region, making them essential for UPSC Indian culture topics.

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History & Evolution of Classical Dances in India

The history and evolution of classical dances of India trace back to ancient temples and scriptures like the Natya Shastra, written over 2,000 years ago. These dance forms evolved as spiritual expressions, blending storytelling, music, and rhythm, and were preserved through generations across diverse Indian regions.

• According to Bharata's Natya Shastra, Lord Brahma combined elements from the four Vedas to form the fifth Veda, known as Natya Veda, after being asked by the Gods to create a pastime.
• With words from the Rig Veda, gestures from the Yajur Veda, music from the Sam Veda, and emotions from the Atharva Veda, the Natya Veda combines dance, drama, and music.
• This demonstrates the spiritual significance dance holds in Indian cultural tradition.
• Indian mythology is rife with examples of dance styles and expressions, from Shiva's tandava dance, which symbolizes the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction, to Parvati's feminine response.
• The importance of dance as a form of social entertainment is also highlighted by the engravings of community dancing at Bhimbetka and the sculpture of a Harappan dancing girl made of bronze.
• In Bharata's renowned work Natyashastra, a thorough and vivid treatise on the various facets of Indian classical dance, dance was first mentioned in writing.
• The work, which was probably put together between 200 BC and 200 AD, goes into great detail about the ornaments, stage, costumes, techniques, postures, feelings, and even the audience.
• According to Bharata Muni, dance is the "complete art." It encompasses all other art forms, including music, sculpture, poetry, and drama.

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India’s eight classical dances—Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, and Sattriya—each have unique styles rooted in ancient traditions. These dances reflect regional culture and spirituality through intricate movements, expressions, and music. Classical Dances of India are mentioned below in detail: 

Bharatanatyam

Fig: Bharatnatyam

Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest classical dance forms in India, dates back over 2000 years and finds its roots in Tamil Nadu. Originally performed by female temple dancers, it is deeply spiritual and expressive in nature.

Common Mudras Used in Bharatanatyam

• Pataaka (Flag)
• Tripataaka (Three colors)
• Arth Pataaka (Half of a flag)
• Kartari Mukha (Scissors)
• Mayurakhyo (Peacock)
• Ardhachandra (Half Moon)
• Araala (Bent)
• Shukatunda (Parrot’s head)
• Mushti (Fist)
• Shikara (A peak)
• Kapittha (Elephant Apple)
• Kataka Mukha (Opening of a girl, bird)
• Suchi (Needle)

Costume Styles

• Skirt (saree) style
• Pyjama style
  Costumes are typically made of silk sarees with gold zari embroidery.

Musical Instruments

• Mridangam
• Nadaswaram
• Nattuvangam
• Flute
• Veena
• Violin
• Manjira
• Kanjira
• Surpeti

Key Features

• Known as the “fire dance,” it reflects the element of fire.
• Incorporates Tandava (vigorous) and Lasya (graceful) elements.
• Prominent mudra: KatakaMukha Hasta represents “Om.”
• Notable dancers: Yamini Krishnamurthy, Lakshmi Viswanathan.

Kathak

Fig: Kathak

Kathak, meaning ‘storyteller,’ originated with the Kathakaras, a caste of traveling storytellers in northern India, and evolved by 400 BCE.

Region: Uttar Pradesh

Notable Patron: Wajid Ali Shah

Key Features

• Divided into Nritya (expressive) and Nritta (pure dance).
• Solo and group performances.
• Signature elements: Amad, Thaat, Tatkar.
• Heavy emphasis on intricate footwork.

Instruments Used

• Flute
• Sarangi
• Sitar
• Tabla
• Pakhawaj

Costume & Jewellery: Sarees or Anarkali suits with elaborate jewelry.

Mudras: Tripataka, Ardhapataka, Aral, Padmakosh, Sarpheesh

Famous Dancers: Janaki Prasad, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Sitara Devi

Kathakali

Fig: Kathakali

Kathakali emerged in Kerala, evolving from temple art forms Ramanattam and Krishnattam, which depicted epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Navarasas: Sringaram, Hasyam, Karunyam, Raudhram, Veeryam, Bhayanakam, Bheebatsam, Albhutham, Shantham

Instruments: Chenda, Maddalam, Edakka

Key Features

• Traditionally male-dominated.
• Eye and facial expressions are central.
• Outdoor performances with traditional lamps.
• Noted Dancers: Guru Kunchu Kurup, Gopi Nath, Shankaram Namboodiri

Kuchipudi

Fig: Kuchipudi

Originating from Kuchelapuram in Andhra Pradesh, Kuchipudi was initially performed by Brahmins and later embraced by wider communities.

Mudras: Pathakam, Tripathakam, Ardhapathakam, Kartarimukham, Mayuram, Alapadmam, Bramharam, Mukulam, Hamsasya, Sandamsham

Costumes

• Men: Bagalbandi
• Women: Similar to Bharatanatyam with fan-pleated fabric and waist belt

Instruments: Mridangam, Cymbals, Veena, Flute, Tambura

Key Features

• Reflects earthy elements.
• Group dance format with complex footwork.
• Famous Artists: Radha Reddy, Raja Reddy, Yamini Krishnamurthy

Manipuri

Fig: Manipuri

Originating in Manipur, Manipuri dance finds its roots in the mythological dance of Shiva and Parvati and flourished under Vaishnavism in the 15th century.

Mudras: Potaka, Tripataka, Ordopotaka, Kotokamukh, Sondongsa, Mrigashirsha, Hongsashya, Olopollob, Bhruksa, Angush, Ardhachandra, Kurak, Mushti

Costumes

• Women: Patloi, Kumin, transparent silk overlay, Odhnis
• Men: White dhoti, kurta, turban

Instruments: Drums, Cymbals, String instruments

Key Features

• Depicts Ras Leela.
• Embodies Lasya (feminine grace).
• Prominent Dancers: Nayana, Suverna, Ranjana, Darshana

Mohiniyattam

Fig: Mohiniyattam

Fig: Mohiniyattam
Mohiniyattam, named from ‘Mohini’ (enchantress) and ‘attam’ (dance), this Kerala-based solo dance evolved under Travancore patronage.

Mudras: Asamyukta, Samyukta, Samana, Misra

Costumes: White/off-white saree with gold borders and matching choli

Instruments: Mridangam, Idakka, Flute, Veena, Kuzhitalam

Key Features

• Symbolizes the element of air.
• Includes 40 Atavus (basic movements).
• Famous Dancers: Sunanda Nair, Kalamandalam Kshemavathy

Odissi

Fig: Odissi

Odissi, named after ‘Odra nritya’ from Natya Shastra, traces back to Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves and was traditionally practiced by Maharis.

Mudras: Angusta, Tarjani, Madhyama, Anamika, Kanishta

Costumes

• Bomkai/Sambalpuri sarees with pleated front.
• Silver jewelry, ghunghru, waist belts.

Instruments: Harmonium, Veena, Sitar, Tabla, Pakhawaj, Cymbals, Violin, Flute, Swarmandal

Key Features

• Known as “mobile sculpture.”
• Represents the water element.
• Key Dancers: Guru Pankaj Charan Das, Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra

Sattriya

Fig: Sattariya

Introduced by Sankaradeva in 15th-century Assam, Sattriya was practiced in Vaishnava monasteries called ‘Sattras’.

Mudras: Pataka, Tripataka, Ardhapataka, Kartarimukha, Mayur

Costumes:

• Males: Dhoti, chadar, paguri
• Females: Ghuri, chadar, kanchi

Instruments: Khol, Cymbals, Flute

Key Features

• Performed by male monks (‘Bhokots’) during rituals and festivals.
• Emphasizes devotion and storytelling through dance.
• Notable Artists: Ghanakanta Bora, Jatin Goswami

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The aspects and components of Indian Classical Dance include Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natya (dramatic storytelling). Key elements like mudras (hand gestures), abhinaya (expression), and raga-tala (melody and rhythm) work together to convey emotion and narrative. According to Natya Shastra, Indian classical dance comprises two fundamental elements.

• Lasya: This word means grace, bhava, rasa, and abhinaya. It represents dance as an art form's feminine characteristics.
• Tandava: This dance is more focused on rhythm and movement and is symbolic of the male aspects of dance.

According to Nandikeshwara's renowned treatise on dance, the Abhinaya Darpan (c. 5th–4th century BC), an act can be further subdivided into three fundamental components:

• Nritta: This term describes the fundamental dance movements that are rhythmically performed but lack emotion or mood. It is the movement of the limbs of the body and face.
• Natya: Natya, a Hindi word that means dramatic representations, alludes to the elaborate story of the dance recital.
• Nritya: The expression of sentiment and feelings through dance is called Nritya. It incorporates mime and various forms of expression, such as dance mudras. The use of the hand and face is essential in conveying multiple emotions.

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Rasas of Classical Dance of India

The Rasas of Indian Classical Dance are the emotional expressions or sentiments conveyed through performance. Rooted in the Natya Shastra, there are nine Rasas (Navarasa) like love (Shringara), anger (Raudra), and joy (Hasya), which help dancers communicate stories and connect with the audience. The rasas of Indian Classical Dance are mentioned in the table given below.

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Classical dances of India preserve the nation’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. They serve as a medium for storytelling, self-expression, and devotion, while promoting discipline, grace, and emotional depth in performers. The importance of Indian Classical Dance is given below:

• Local music and recitations in the local language or Sanskrit are a part of each of the dances' regionally specific traditions. Various styles, garb, and expressions represent the same fundamental concepts.
• To learn discipline and patience, two of the most crucial qualities in a child's development, a child who wants to learn dance must first put in a lot of work.
• The child develops physical stamina and maintains body control through dance movements. Additionally, it serves as a means of expressing private emotions and promotes self-confidence.
• Children are taught the value of India's rich literary and cultural heritage through mythology-based Indian classical dance.
• The ability of dance to showcase the frailties of society through different tools such as facial expressions, costumes, and rhythm has been its biggest strength.

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Other Dance Forms of India

India is home to numerous folk and tribal dance forms like Bhangra, Garba, Ghoomar, and Lavani, which reflect regional traditions and community life. These vibrant dances are performed during festivals, harvests, and celebrations, showcasing India's diverse cultural heritage. Other dances found in India are provided in the table below.

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