Dance: A Survey
Classical and folk dance traditions. Covers History of Indian dance; Classical dance forms; Folk dance forms.
About this unit
This unit introduces India's rich dance heritage, from ancient texts and temple sculpture to living classical and folk forms. It explains the basic theory of dance found in the Natyashastra and later texts, describes the major classical dance forms of different regions, and surveys folk dances connected with seasons, festivals, work and community life. Dance in India combines music, drama, storytelling and devotion.
Key ideas
- The Natyashastra, attributed to Bharata, is the foundational text on drama and dance.
- Nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressive dance) and natya (drama).
- Four kinds of abhinaya: angika, vachika, aharya and sattvika.
- Classical forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Odissi and Sattriya each have regional roots.
- Folk dances such as Bihu, Bhangra, Garba, Ghoomar and Lavani are linked with festivals and community life.
How to prepare
- Learn each dance form with its state and two distinctive features.
- Memorise the meanings of the technical terms from the Natyashastra.
- Expect matching questions (dance–state, text–author) and identification from a short description.
Topics in this chapter
History of Indian dance
Classical, middle and modern periods; primary texts on dance.
5 questionsClassical dance forms
Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Odissi and Sattriya.
5 questionsFolk dance forms
Chhau, Bihu, Rauf, Padayani, Dollu Kunitha, Dandiya, Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Bhangra, Giddha, Garba, Lavani and the bamboo dance.
5 questions