India is a diverse country, where this diversity can be easily distinguished in each region after certain miles. Likewise, the dances of India vary according to cultures, state and religions, etc. The origin of dances in India is more than 5000 years old. A figure of a dancer from the 2nd century BC. C., found in the ruins of Mohanjodaro, represents the fact. Also the three major Hindu deities of Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna and Maa Kali illustrate the dance. These dance forms are considered an integral part of Indian life.
Indian dance forms:
Dance is basically a physical and visual performance, which includes many facial expressions, postures, gestures, and poise, etc. Indian dance forms range from ancient temple dances to classical, folk and modern styles. Classical dance is a landmark among all dance forms of India.
Indian Classical Dance: The classical dances of India date back to 400 BC. C., which refer to the Natya Shastra period of Bharat Muni. Natya Shastra is considered to be the supreme source for instilling the reference points of the dances. It is also supposed to be the fifth Veda (since there are four Indian Vedas). Indian classical dances have now also expanded their roots in Western countries.
The most popular classical Indian dances worldwide are Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (Uttar Pradesh), Manipuri (Manipur), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odisi (Orrisa), Mohini Attam (Kerala) and Kathalkali (Kerala), Kutiyattam (Kerala). ) ). Bharatnatyam is one of the most important dance forms in India. It is also considered as the national dance of India. The postures of this dance form are heavily inspired by the sculptures of the ancient Chidambaram temple.
Indian folk dances: As India is a country of several states and regions, each region combines a different culture, which can be represented in its various art forms. Each region of India has its own style of folk dance and music, which is performed at festivals, celebrations, and on all special occasions like weddings, plantations, harvests, religious holidays, etc. It is not necessary that these folk dances are only performed by professional dancers, but many of them are also performed by ordinary people.
There are more than one hundred Indian folk dances, among them some of the most important are Bhangra (Punjab) Bihu (Assam), Garba (Gujrat), Chah Baganar Jamur Nach (Assam), Changu (Orrisa and Andhra Pradesh), Giddha (Punjab) , Ghoomar (Rajasthan), Kavadi (Tamil Nadu), Karagam (Tamil Nadu), Kushan (West Bengal), Yaksha Gana (Karnataka), Dandiya (Gujrat), Lavani (Maharashtra), etc.
