Rich Popular Forms Of Indian Classical Dances

The varied cultures and traditional elements of the colorful country India originate different dance forms. 

According to national Sangeet Natak Akademi there are 8 distinctive forms of Indian classical dances which have some relation to past religious activities. 

You’ll find some variety in style according to the local tradition of geographic regions. In Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma is renowned as the inspiration of dance who inspires sage Bharata Muni for the writing of Natya Shastra. 

If we look after four Vedas then gestures are derived from Yajurveda, words from Rigveda, emotions from Atharvaveda and music from Samaveda. 

Bharatanatyam, 1000 BCE a classical form of Tamil Nadu is commonly practiced in modern days. 

This dance form was documented by four brothers Thanjavur Quartet in the 19^th century, from its sculptures in ancient temple Chidambaram. 

Carnatic music makes accompany with this particular dance form.

Kathakali, as per its meaning of ‘story performance’ it is a stylize dance drama of Kerela. 

This 17^th century art is famed till the date due to elaborated costumes, specific themes, refined gestures, drum beats, beautiful singing, towering head gear and long silver nails.

You can experience it in the temples on festivals, cultural shows and international events.

Kathak has the origin from north Indian States as a narrated form of Gods & Goddess stories.

This form of Bhakti movement of the 16^th century was introduced in royal courts during the Mughal era. As per the hereditary history Kathak belongs to Jaipur, Benares and Lucknow gharanas.

Mohiniyattam was flourished in the 19^th century from the Southwestern part of India that has mesmerizing quality in its name. The graceful movements get the highlights with white golden costume and graceful movements. 

The unbelievable movements of body posture and eyes play attracts the audience. It is specifically a female orientated art, but presently men also practiced it.

Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh is a composition of song & dance from 2^nd century BCE, which introduces specific character, identity and mood of the drama. 

The name Kuchipudi is basically a village based name which performed on the Carnatic music accompanied by violin, flute, mridangam and tambura. 

Odissi, originates from eastern state Odisha in which there is independent movements of different body parts like head, chest and pelvis. 

It has some distinction from other Indian dance forms.    

Sattriya is a 15^th century creation of Assam by the saint Sri Manta Sankardeva. 

It is also a part of a living tradition from the past, especially in Guwahati Rabindra Bhawan and  Assam's monasteries on the ritualistic like special purposes.  

Manipuri is one of the beautiful dance styles which flourished in the northeast mountainous region. Its name on particular state Manipur which has literally meant ‘a jewel of a land’. 

It has wide popularity with a group or as a solo performance in a feature full form of Raas Leela and Sankirtana.

The beautiful embroidered dresses of dancers with tall peacock feather crown is a vibrant feature of this rhythmic devotional theme of Krishna and Radha.

The popular motifs of Hindu deities are Rasa Lila of Krishna, Tandava of Shiva and creation & destruction form of Kali.