Indian Art & Culture
Indian classical dance
Performance arts rooted in Hindu musical theatre
Overview
Indian classical dance, or Shastriya Nritya, is an umbrella term for different regionally specific Indian classical dance traditions, rooted in predominantly Hindu musical theatre performance, the theory and practice of which can be traced to the Sanskrit text Natya Shastra. The number of Indian classical dance styles ranges from six to eight to twelve, or more, depending on the source and scholar; the main organisation for Indian arts preservation, the Sangeet Natak Academy recognizes eight: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri and Mohiniyattam. Additionally, the Indian Ministry of Culture includes Chhau and Gaudiya Nritya in its list, recognising ten total styles. Scholars such as Drid Williams add Chhau, Yakshagana and Bhagavata Mela to the list. The ancient Meitei dance forms of Lai Haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi from Manipur, are also considered as "classical", in par with their Vaishnav equivalent (Manipuri Raas Leela), with the strong characteristics of abhinaya . Each dance tradition originates and comes from a different state and/or region of India; for example, Bharatanatyam is from Tamil Nadu in the south of India, Odissi is from the east coast state of Odisha, and Manipuri is from the northeastern state of Manipur. The music associated with these different dance performances consists many compositions in Hindi, Malayalam, Meitei (Manipuri), Sanskrit, Tamil, Odia, Telugu, Assamese, and many other Indian-Subcontinent languages; they represent a unity of core ideas and a diversity of styles, costumes, and expression.
Source: Wikipedia — Indian classical dance (CC BY-SA)
Key concepts
How Indian classical dance connects to the ideas, people and events around it.
Bharatanatyam
includesBharatanatyam is a classical dance form from Tamil Nadu, known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs and intricate footwork. It traditionally narrates Hindu religious stories through expressive gestures.
Kathak
includesKathak originated in northern India and evolved from storytelling traditions of traveling bards. It combines rhythmic footwork with spins and expressive gestures.
Odissi
includesOdissi is a classical dance from the eastern state of Odisha, characterized by fluid torso movements and sculptural poses. It draws inspiration from the temple sculptures of the region.
Kuchipudi
includesKuchipudi hails from Andhra Pradesh and blends dance with dramatic storytelling. Performers often enact multiple characters, including speaking roles.
Mohiniyattam
includesMohiniyattam is a graceful dance form from Kerala, noted for its swaying movements and feminine style. It traditionally depicts themes from Hindu mythology.
Manipuri dance
includesManipuri dance originates from the northeastern state of Manipur and is known for its gentle, flowing movements. It is closely linked to the worship of the deity Krishna.
Guru (dance)
guided byA dance guru is a master teacher who transmits the techniques and repertoire of a classical dance form. Gurus often mentor students through a traditional guru‑shishya relationship.
Natya Shastra
described inThe Natya Shastra is an ancient Indian treatise on performing arts, written by Bharata Muni. It outlines the theory, techniques, and aesthetics of drama, music, and dance.
Revise Indian classical dance
Flashcards and a quick quiz, built from this map.
Questions about Indian classical dance
What is Indian classical dance?
Indian classical dance, or Shastriya Nritya, is an umbrella term for different regionally specific Indian classical dance traditions, rooted in predominantly Hindu musical theatre performance, the theory and practice of which can be traced to the Sanskrit text Natya Shastra.
What are the key concepts related to Indian classical dance?
The main concepts connected to Indian classical dance include Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri dance, Guru (dance), Natya Shastra. Each is linked on the map above with its own summary.
Which exams cover Indian classical dance?
Indian classical dance is part of Indian Art & Culture, which appears in the syllabus of UPSC CSE, UPSC CAPF, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS, SSC GD and 41 more exams.