Our rich cultural heritage is one of the most fascinating aspects of India. It differs from region to region and creates a vibrant picture that captivates everyone. One such cultural heritage that has garnered the attention of the global audience is classical dances for India. This form of Indian art has been passed down through generations for hundreds of years. Although each region has its own style of dance form, all of them are rooted in the tradition and mythology of the Indian subcontinent. They are a brilliant form of storytelling which needs an insane amount of physical prowess and discipline. The artists are known to train rigorously to master the intricate body movement on the rhythm of music to convey the tales of love, devotion and mythology.
History
The history of Indian classical dance predates the 2nd century, in an ancient Indian treatise called Natya-Shastra, which contains detailed instructions on performing arts, costumes, make-ups, musical instruments, roles and goals of an art director among many others. This ancient scripture on arts with 36 chapters and 6000 poetic verses is said to have been compiled by Sage Bharata. Since then, it has been influencing the music, dance and literary art traditions in India, and has become the groundwork for India’s many different classical dance forms.
A tapestry of diverse styles
There are eight main classical dance forms in India, each with an origin deeply rooted in the culture of different regions of the country. Each style has its unique movements, gestures, expressions, and costumes that reflect the diverse cultural and regional influences within India.
- Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu): This dance form is known for complex footwork, intense hand gestures called Mudras and a captivating storytelling power.
- Kathak (Northern India): This dance form was born in the royal courts of northern India and is famous for elegant storytelling, rhythmic footwork, and rapid spins.
- Kathakali (Kerala): Kathakali dance can be described as epic tales painted on rhythmically moving bodies with elaborate costumes, and expressive eyes.
- Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh): Kuchipudi dance features energetic choreography, expressive eyes and vibrant get-ups adorned with bells.
- Odissi (Odisha): Odissi is the dance of grace and devotion. It is performed with lyrics of devotion and takes inspiration from temple sculptures and mythologies around Odisha.
- Manipuri (Manipur): Hailing from a northeastern part of India, this classical dance of India consists of colourful costumes, rhythmic footwork and stories of devotion.
- Sattriya (Assam): Primarily performed in monasteries by men, this Assamese dance is powerful and energetic while depicting the tales of Hindu epics.
- Mohiniyattam (Kerala): Mohiniyattam is a dance of love and longing. The dancer exudes flowing and gentle foot movements and subtle expressions to express their emotions.
Storytelling Through Movement
Indian classical dances are full of colourful visuals, elaborative music, dramatic choreography and intense storytelling. Every hand gesture, footwork and facial expression holds significant importance in retelling the stories of Indian folklore, mythologies and spiritual ideas. The entire body of the dancer moves with the rhythm of the music to convey the story and emotions to the audience. Intricate hand gestures, dramatic make-up and exaggerated facial expressions are used to keep the flow of narrative engaging for the audience. The accompanying music is also oftentimes classical Indian music that breathes life into the storytelling and adds depth to the performance.
Preservation and Revival
Indian classical dances faced numerous challenges throughout its history. Many of them faced oppression during colonial rule under the East India Company and were on the verge of extinction. However, dedicated performers and artists persisted despite the social and political changes. Various solo artists and organized groups have been working tirelessly to preserve and promote these ancient art forms of India. Over the years, artists have been working hard to revive this cultural heritage and popularize it within and outside the boundary of India. Many performers have gone on to appear and showcase classical dance of india on global stages and awed people all around the world.
Global Influence and Modern Relevance
Classical dance of india has transcended geographical boundaries and captivated audiences worldwide. Many dance enthusiasts and performers from all across the globe have come to appreciate classical dances of India. They have not only embraced this art form as viewers but have started to collaborate with classical dancers leading to fusion performances as well. Classical dance of india continues to be relevant even in this fast-paced world and it is a source of inspiration, cultural pride, and a medium for artistic expression for Indians.
Conclusion
Classical dance of india is a window to view the rich cultural heritage of the country. It has been one of numerous ways of preserving ancient traditions despite the changing times. Even in the modern era, Indian classical dances have been an awe-inspiring form of art. With their graceful movements, vibrant colours, soul-rendering music and dramatic expression, these dances tell a story of an era bygone and continue to enchant audiences.
