Indian classical dance
Indian classical dance traditions rooted in the Natya Shastra.
Indian classical dance, or Shastriya Nritya, encompasses a range of regionally specific traditions rooted in Hindu musical theatre, with theory and practice traceable to the ancient Sanskrit text *Natya Shastra* attributed to Bharata Muni. This foundational treatise, compiled between roughly 200 BCE and 200 CE, describes the theory of dance, expression, gestures, acting techniques, basic steps, and standing postures, presenting dance as a spiritual expression of virtues and scriptures. The term "classical" (Shastriya) denotes these Shastra-based arts. The *Natya Shastra* distinguishes between *margi*, a spiritual path that liberates the soul, and *desi*, regional folk entertainment. The number of recognized styles varies; the Sangeet Natak Academy officially recognizes eight: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam, while the Indian Ministry of Culture adds Chhau and Gaudiya Nritya for ten total. Scholars also include Yakshagana and Bhagavata Mela. Ancient Meitei dance forms like Lai Haraoba and Khamba Thoibi are considered classical alongside their Vaishnav equivalent, Manipuri Raas Leela. Each tradition originates from a specific state or region—Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu, Odissi from Odisha, Manipuri from Manipur. Performances traditionally occur as religious art inside or near Hindu temples, or as folk entertainment in temple grounds, royal courts, or public squares. However, Kathak can be performed in mosque courtyards and includes Muslim elements; Manipuri features the combat-focused *huyen langlon* genre; and Chhau also incorporates combat elements. Dancers wear traditional attire such as sarees, lehengas, and kurtas, with ornate jewelry, including ankle bells (ghungroos) that ring with rhythmic foot stomps, particularly in Kathak. Performers typically devote years to study, embodying characters through specific compositions and emotional connection with the audience.
- field
- Performing arts
- nationality
- Indian
- known_for
- Classical dance traditions based on the Natya Shastra
- recognized_styles
- 8 (Sangeet Natak Academy) to 10 (Ministry of Culture) or more
- foundational_text
- Natya Shastra (attributed to Bharata Muni)
Lore & Background
Indian classical dance, known as Shastriya Nritya, encompasses multiple regionally specific traditions rooted in Hindu musical theatre, with theory and practice traceable to the Sanskrit Natya Shastra. The number of recognized styles varies by source; the Sangeet Natak Academy officially recognizes eight: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam, while the Indian Ministry of Culture adds Chhau and Gaudiya Nritya for ten total. Scholars like Drid Williams further include Yakshagana and Bhagavata Mela. The ancient Meitei forms Lai Haraoba and Khamba Thoibi are also considered classical, sharing abhinaya (histrionic representation) with the Vaishnav Manipuri Raas Leela. Each tradition originates from a distinct state or region—Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu, Odissi from Odisha, Manipuri from Manipur. Performances are choreographed to retell stories of Hindu deities and historical accounts, often in devotion. Dancers wear traditional attire such as sarees, lehengas, and kurtas; women typically don long, colorful, hand-embroidered gowns without shoes, along with ornate jewelry including necklaces, rings, earrings, nose-rings, bracelets, and anklets. Ghungroos (ankle bells) add rhythmic effect when feet stomp. The Natya Shastra describes Tāṇḍava dance, rasa, bhāva, gestures, acting techniques, basic steps, and standing postures. While traditionally performed inside or near Hindu temples, Kathak can also be performed in mosque courtyards with Muslim elements, and Manipuri includes the combat-focused huyen langlon genre, while Chhau also incorporates combat elements.
Reader's Guide
Indian classical dance encompasses multiple styles, each originating from a different state or region, such as Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu, Odissi from Odisha, and Manipuri from Manipur. The Sangeet Natak Academy recognizes eight classical forms, while the Ministry of Culture includes ten. Scholars like Drid Williams add Chhau, Yakshagana, and Bhagavata Mela. The ancient Meitei dance forms Lai Haraoba and Khamba Thoibi are also considered classical. Performances include three categories: Nritta (abstract, rhythmic movement), Nritya (expressive storytelling), and Natya (play). Dancers wear traditional costumes, often with ornate jewelry and ankle bells (ghungroos), and perform to music in languages such as Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, and Odia. The tradition represents a unity of core ideas and a diversity of styles, costumes, and expression.
Did You Know?
- The Natya Shastra is attributed to the ancient scholar Bharata Muni and its first complete compilation is dated between 200 BCE and 200 CE.
- The Sangeet Natak Academy recognizes eight classical dance styles: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam.
- Kathak can be performed in courtyards of mosques and includes Muslim elements, while Manipuri and Chhau have combat-related genres.
- The ancient Meitei dance forms Lai Haraoba and Khamba Thoibi are considered classical alongside the Vaishnav Manipuri Raas Leela.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Indian classical dance?
Indian classical dance, also called Shastriya Nritya, is an umbrella term covering several regionally distinct Indian dance traditions that grow out of Hindu musical-theatre performance. These forms share a common theoretical foundation drawn from ancient Sanskrit texts.
How many recognized styles of Indian classical dance are there?
The count varies by authority: the Sangeet Natak Academy officially recognizes eight styles, while the Indian Ministry of Culture lists ten or more. The eight most commonly cited are Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam.
What foundational text underpins Indian classical dance?
The Natya Shastra, a Sanskrit treatise on performing arts, serves as the theoretical bedrock for these dance traditions. It is traditionally attributed to the ancient scholar Bharata Muni.
Who is Bharata Muni in relation to Indian classical dance?
Bharata Muni is the ancient scholar credited with authoring the Natya Shastra, the text that codified the principles of Indian theatrical and dance performance. His work remains the reference point from which classical styles derive their theoretical framework.
Why is Indian classical dance considered important in Indian culture?
It represents a living performing-arts tradition whose roots stretch back to ancient Sanskrit scholarship, making it one of the oldest continuously practiced dance lineages in the world. Each recognized style carries its own regional identity while sharing a common philosophical and musical heritage.
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