Classical dance forms

The essentials

India's classical dance forms trace their grammar to the Natyashastra but each grew in a particular region.

• Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu): developed from temple dance traditions; precise footwork and geometric lines. A typical recital (margam) includes alarippu, jatiswaram, varnam and tillana. Revived in the 20th century by figures such as E. Krishna Iyer and Rukmini Devi Arundale.
• Kathakali (Kerala): dance-drama with elaborate make-up and costumes, large headgear, and stories from the epics. Colour codes show character types — green (pacha) for noble heroes. Performed by tradition at night with oil lamps.
• Kathak (north India): grew from the storytellers (kathakars); later shaped in Mughal and other courts. Known for fast footwork with ankle bells and rapid spins (chakkars). Gharanas include Lucknow, Jaipur and Banaras.
• Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh): named after a village; linked with Siddhendra Yogi and the dance-drama Bhama Kalapam. The tarangam includes dancing on the rim of a brass plate.
• Manipuri (Manipur): soft, flowing movements; Ras Lila themes of Radha and Krishna; roots in the Lai Haraoba festival.
• Odissi (Odisha): based on temple sculpture; the tribhanga (three-bend) posture and the square chauka stance; songs of the Gita Govinda.
• Sattriya (Assam): created by the saint Srimanta Sankaradeva (15th–16th century) and preserved in the Vaishnava monasteries called sattras.

Key points

• Sangeet Natak Akademi also recognises Mohiniyattam (Kerala) as classical.
• Kathakali: green make-up for heroes; Kathak: chakkars; Odissi: tribhanga; Kuchipudi: brass plate.

Exam tips

• Memorise dance–state pairs and one unique feature each.

Common mistakes

• Mixing Kathak (north India) with Kathakali (Kerala).
• Placing Sattriya in Manipur; it is from Assam.