Classical Dances of India – Preserving the Cultural Heritage through Movement and Expression
The classical dances of India are crucial for UPSC GS Paper 1 (Indian Heritage & Culture) and Prelims’ Art & Culture section. Questions often encompass origins, distinctive features, geography, associated deities, and their cultural expression.
Introduction
Classical dance in India, deeply rooted in the ancient treatise of performing arts, the Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni, is a sophisticated synthesis of music, movement, expression, and storytelling. India officially recognizes eight distinct classical dance forms, each arising from unique regional, spiritual, and cultural milieus. These dances serve not only as artistic expressions but as living embodiments of India’s intangible cultural heritage, promoting unity in diversity by transcending language and regional divides.
Historical Background
Classical dances originated primarily within temple traditions as devotional performances dedicated to deities, flourishing alongside the Bhakti movement that emphasized personal devotion expressed through art. Rooted in ancient Sanskrit literature and codified by the Natya Shastra, these dances reflect millennia-old philosophical underpinnings and narrative techniques. The structured use of mudras (hand gestures), abhinaya (facial expressions), and rhythmic footwork have preserved these forms as ritualistic and narrative devices conveying sacred tales and cultural values.
The Eight Classical Dances of India
Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu)
One of the oldest classical dances, Bharatanatyam evolved in South Indian temples as a devotional offering. It embodies the Bhakti rasa (emotion of devotion) and is characterized by geometric precision, striking poses, vibrant costumes, and intricate footwork. Classical texts like Natya Shastra and Abhinaya Darpana guide its elaborate facial expressions (abhinaya).
Kathak (North India)
Originating as storytelling performances by the Kathakars, Kathak evolved under Mughal patronage to include spins, subtle gestures, and courtly grace. Its three gharanas—Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras—reflect diverse stylistic nuances. The dance combines narrative storytelling with rhythmic footwork and delicate facial expressions.
Kathakali (Kerala)
Kathakali is a theatrical dance-drama narrating epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Distinguished by elaborate makeup, vivid face masks, and colorful costumes, Kathakali emphasizes mudras and striking facial expressions to portray characters and emotions.
Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
A synthesis of dance and drama, Kuchipudi traditionally performed by male Brahmins, tells stories from Hindu mythology. Its dynamic movements and dramatic storytelling have made it one of the most popular classical dance forms internationally.
Odissi (Odisha)
Odissi is known for its fluidity, lyrical grace, and the iconic tribhanga posture. Rooted in temple rituals, it captures spiritual emotions with smooth torso movements and intricate footwork.
Manipuri (Manipur)
This dance centers on Vaishnavism and the Raslila theme, focusing on gentle, flowing movements and devotional expressions, embodying spiritual tranquility.
Mohiniyattam (Kerala)
Reflecting the female avatar of Lord Vishnu, Mohini, this feminine dance features soft, circular movements and graceful expressions, epitomizing enchantment and beauty.
Sattriya (Assam)
Developed in Vaishnava monasteries (Satras) by Srimanta Sankardeva, Sattriya combines dance, drama, and music to express devotional themes. It is deeply rooted in Assamese cultural and spiritual ethos.
Cultural Significance
These classical dances play a pivotal role in fostering India’s national integration by celebrating regional identities within a larger cultural continuum. Recognized by UNESCO as part of India’s intangible cultural heritage, they enhance international cultural diplomacy. Their incorporation into school curricula and performing arts education enriches cultural literacy and nurtures future artists.
Government and Institutional Support
Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s premier body for performing arts under the Ministry of Culture, plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting classical dance traditions. Established in 1953, it functions as an autonomous institution dedicated to supporting a wide spectrum of Indian performing arts including music, dance, and drama. The Akademi operates various national institutions like the Kathak Kendra in New Delhi, founded in 1964 for Kathak dance, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy in Imphal, set up in 1954 to preserve Manipuri dance. Additionally, the Sattriya Kendra focuses on the Sattriya dance tradition from Assam, established in 2001.
The Akademi organizes national festivals showcasing classical dances, offers scholarships and fellowships to emerging and established artists, and provides financial assistance through multiple schemes such as the Financial Assistance to Cultural Institutions and the Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara. Over the past three years, Rs. 248.02 crore has been allocated to over 4,000 organizations for training, performances, and preservation activities under these schemes. Zonal Cultural Centres and state governments complement these efforts, facilitating regional festivals and cultural exchange programs that help propagate Indian classical dance worldwide.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite institutional support, classical dances face significant challenges. Traditional patronage by temples and royal courts, once the lifeblood of these art forms, has waned considerably, leading to risks of dilution and commercialization. Younger generations often show dwindling interest, partly due to a lack of awareness and the demands of modern lifestyles. To counter this decline, digital archiving initiatives by the Akademi and other cultural bodies are crucial for preserving performances and training materials.
Government-backed training centers and scholarships have to be expanded and modernized to attract youth participation. Integrating classical dance curricula into mainstream education can foster greater appreciation and engagement from an early age. Additionally, promoting classical dance as a key element of cultural tourism can invigorate local economies and provide sustainable livelihoods to practitioners. Enhanced marketing efforts nationally and internationally will raise visibility and support for these timeless art forms.
By focusing on inclusive, technology-enabled preservation efforts and evolving policy support that addresses contemporary challenges, India can ensure that its classical dances remain a living, dynamic embodiment of its rich cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What defines a classical dance in India?
A1. Classical dance in India is defined based on the ancient Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni. It combines rhythmic movement, expression (abhinaya), music, and storytelling, typically rooted in spiritual and cultural traditions.
Q2. How many classical dance forms are officially recognized in India?
A2. The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognizes eight classical dance forms: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya.
Q3. What is the historical significance of these dance forms?
A3. Most classical dances originated in temple rituals and devotional performances, tied to the Bhakti movement and ancient Sanskrit literature, preserving religious and cultural narratives.
Q4. How do classical dances contribute to India’s cultural heritage?
A4. They safeguard intangible cultural heritage, promote unity in diversity, secure traditional knowledge, and promote India’s cultural identity globally.
Q5. What role does the government play in supporting classical dances?
A5. The Sangeet Natak Akademi actively promotes dance through institutions (Kathak Kendra, Manipur Dance Academy), scholarships, festivals, government funding, and cultural exchange initiatives.
Q6. What challenges do classical dances face today?
A6. Declining traditional patronage, commercialization, reduced youth interest, and lack of widespread awareness threaten these art forms. Digital archiving and educational inclusion are key to revival.
