Pinnacle Static GK

or veena player, a flutist and a cymbal Thanjavur is also a centre of this dance
Static GK player. since 1000 C.E.
The knees are mostly bent and the
Classical and Folk Dances weight is distributed equally in both the In one of Karnataka’s Badami cave
legs. Hands may ]g be used in a series of temples, Lord Shiva is displayed in a 5-ft
Classical Dances mudras, or symbolic hand gestures, to tall sculpture as Nataraja, posing in
tell a story. Gestures used in Tandava dance. This sculpture includes
Sangeet Natak Akademi recognised 8 Bharatanatyam are called Hastas or the 18 arms of Shiva expressing mudras
classical dances of India named as Mudras and poses of Bharatanatyam are (hand gestures) included in the school of
Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak called Karanas. Bharatanatyam.
(Uttar Pradesh), Kathakali (Kerala),
Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Manipuri It consists of six portions: Alarippu Famous Dancers :- Kamala Narayan,
(Manipur), Mohiniyattam (Kerala), Odissi (Invocation), Jathiswaram (Nritta part), Bala Saraswati, C. V. Chandrasekhar,
(Odisha), Sattriya (Assam). The Ministry Shabdam (Short compositions with Leela Samson, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Padma
of Culture recognised Chhau dance word), Varnam (a story, that includes Subramanyam, Rukmini Devi, Sanyukta
(West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar) as both Nritta and Nritya), Padam (Religious Panigrahi, Sonal Mansingh, Yamini
9th classical dance of India. prayer, Bhajan, Keerthanam) and Tillana Krishnamurti, Sanchita Bhattacharyaa,
(Origin in the Tarana of Hindustani Lakshmana Swamy, Smrithi
There are nine rasa in classical dances Music). Krishnamurthy etc.
of India that are recognized by the
Ministry of Culture. Shringar (Love), A Bharatanatyam artist uses Abhinaya as Kuchipudi
Hasya (Humorous), Karuna (Sorrow), a tool to convey ideas and evoke
Raudra (Anger), Veer (Heroism), emotions among the audience members. Kuchipudi is India's classical dance
Bhayanak (Fear), Bibhats (Disgust), Abhinaya can be classified into four originated in a village called Kuchelapuri
Adbhoot (Wonder), Shanta (Peace). types: in Andhra Pradesh. It is highly ritualized,
Acharya Nandikeshawara’s ‘Abhinaya with a formalized song-and-dance
Darpan’ and Sharangdev’s ‘Sangeeth Satvika Abhinaya - expressing by evoking introduction, burning of incense and
Ratnakar’ (Nartanadhyaya), along with the state of mind of the character. sprinkling of holy water, along with
the Natya Shastra forms the foundation Angika Abhinaya - expressing using body invocations of goddesses.
of technicalities of all the classical dance movements such as movement of hands,
forms (which includes their body legs and limbs. The name ‘Kuchipudi’ is a short form of
movements, rasa, bhava etc). Vachika Abhinaya - expressing using ‘Kuchelapuram’ or ‘Kuchilapuri’ where it
medium of speech such as songs, music was developed and it is derived from the
Bharatnatyam and dialogues. Sanskrit words ‘Kusilava Puram’ where
Aharya Abhinaya - expressing using Kusilava is a term found in ancient
Bharatanatyam, Indian classical dance of decorations such as costumes, jewelry Sanskrit text referring to a traveling bard,
Tamil Nadu is the first of India's and make up. dancer, etc. which means ‘the village of
traditional dances to be refashioned as a actors’.
theatre art and to be exhibited widely A ‘Nattuvanar’ conducts a Bharatanatyam
both at home and abroad. It was formerly dance recital. The Nattuvanar community It has its origins in the ancient Hindu
known as the Sadir Attam. belongs to the IsaiVellalar caste, who were Sanskrit text Natya Shastra.
the mentors of the art. The Devadasis are Tirtha Narayana Yeti, the saint of Advaita
Krishna Iyer first coined the term the female members of this community Vedanta, and his disciple, an orphan
Bharatanatyam for the Sadir dance. It and Nattuvanars are the male members of called Siddhendra Yogi, established and
evolved from ekaharya, where one this community. organized the modern version of
dancer takes on many roles in a single Kuchipudi in the 17th century. It
performance. It emerged in the temples Sources originated as an adoration of the Hindu
of South India, performed by Devdassis Literature :- It is mentioned in Bharata God Krishna.
thus also known as Dasiattam. Muni’s Natya Shastra and
‘Silappadikaram’ (one of five great epics Features :- It is a dance that combines
Features :- It encompasses Bhav, Rag, of Tamil literature). speech, mime, and pure dance. It
Ras and Taal. Its three important requires talent in both singing and
features are Nritta (pure dance, solo), Body motion techniques in this dance dancing. It incorporates all three
Natya (dramatic dance, group) and Nritya style is mentioned in ‘Abhinav Darpan’, classical dance elements: Nritta, Nritya,
(dance with emotions, solo). written by Nandikeshwar (4th – 5th and Natya.
centuries BC). It is briefly mentioned in
It expresses the religious themes and the Kannada text Manasollasa written by Daaru (introduction of the main character
spiritual beliefs of South India, especially Someshwara III. with short dance), Sollakath (Patakshara)
Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism. - the Nritta part, Kavutvams - the Nritya
Music: It is accompanied by the classical Temples :- The Gopurams of the Thillai part, manifests earthly components of
southern Indian Carnatic music. Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram have the human body. In this dance, both
The accompanying orchestra consists of about 108 poses of Bhartanatyam carved Lasya and Tandava aspects are
a vocalist, a mridangam player, violinist in them. Brihadeeswara Temple in significant.

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 Pinnacle Static GK
Costumes :- Rakudi (head ornament), Jatisvaram or more precisely Swarajeti, Manipuri
Chandra Vanki (arm band), Adda Bhasa (dance with no expressions that is
and Kasina Sara (necklace). performed on only notes and no lyrics ). Manipuri is an Indian classical dance,
Varnam (a play wherein she embeds a named after its origin in Manipur. It is
The ornaments are made of light wood mimicry for distraction while known for its Hindu Vaishnavism themes,
called Boorugu. It is traceable to early communicating the underlying story or and Radha-Krishna’s love-inspired dance
times in Kuchipudi as the Margi and Desi message). drama Rasleela.
styles in the text Nrittaratnavali of Jaya Padam (song), Tillana (dancer’s
Senapati. In this dance form Shingara interpretation of melody the musician Features
rasa plays a predominant role. created). The terms used in Manipuri come from
Shlokam (a hymn in praise ) and Saptam the poetry of Jayadev, Vidyapti,
It uses classical South Indian Carnatic (the Expressions (or Abhinaya) are Chandidas, Govindadas, and Gyandas,
music. Musical instruments in Kuchipudi introduced for the first time in the which may be in Sanskrit, Maithili, Brij, or
are Mridangam, cymbals, veena, flute and repertoire ). some other language.
the tambura.
A solo play or solo part of the The techniques of Mohiniyattam consist It is accompanied by classical
performance is called a Shabdam. of Adavus (steps) and Mudras ( hand Hindustani music. Instruments used are
Popular Kuchipudi Shabdam are gestures). Pena (drum instrument made out of
Dasavatharam Shabdam, Manduka Adavus is classified into four: bamboo and coconut), Khol (a two-sided
Shabdam, Krishna Shabdam, Ramayana Thaganams, Jaganams, Dhaganams, and drum), Pung (cylindrical/barrel drum
Shabdam, Mandodari Shabdam, etc. Samishrams. These adavus were called as mridanga), Jhal (large cymbal
codified by Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty and Ramkartal a small cymbal), Dahpi
Solo performances :- Tarangam, that Amma in 20th century CE. (big gong, a metal disc with a turned rim;
involves representing his/her feet on the Dah Cha is a small gong), Theile (type of
edges of a brass plate and balancing a It follows the Hastha Lakshanadipika flute made of dry bamboo pipe), Selki
pot of water on the head or a set of scientific text, which includes a thorough (horn of Nagaland’s national animal
diyas. Jala Chitra Nrityam, which involves explanation of the mudra. Some of the mithun), Goshem (bamboo pipe
drawing pictures on the floor with his or mudras include: Patahka, Katakam, instrument), and Esraj (string instrument
her toes during dancing. Manduk Mushti, Karthari, etc. with a bow called a gaz).
Shabdam which involves a frog’s story.
The music accompanying this dance Two categories of Manipuri dance are
Famous dancers :- Guru Smt. Vijaya form is based on the Carnatic style. In Jagoi (reflects the Lasya item mentioned
Prasad, Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam, Mohiniattam’s vocal music there are in Natya Shastra of Bharata) and Cholom
Kalpalathika, Raja and Radha Reddy, gaps in the rhythmic form called Cholu. (form of classical Tandava dance). The
Kaushalya Reddy, Yamini Reddy, Bhavana The lyrics are in Manipravalam (language ethnic majority of Meitei people call
Reddy, Atisha Pratap Singh, Sreelakshmy based on Sanskrit and Tami/Malayalam). Manipuri dance as ‘Jagoi’. It is performed
Govardhanan, Smt. Vyjayanthi Kashi, Instruments used are flute, veena, by the followers of Shaivism and the
Haleem Khan, Prateeksha Kashi, Yamini percussion instruments such as Shakti cult, this has also led to other
Krishnamurthy, Arunima Kumar, Achuta Mridangam, Maddalam, Idakka and ritualistic dances dedicated to Lord
Manasa, Shobha Naidu, Uma Rama Rao, Kuzhitalam (cymbals). The songs are Shiva, Nongpink Ningthou, Parvati and
Vedantam Satyanarayana Sarma, etc. generally in the Sopana style. Panthoibi.

Mohiniyattam Costumes worn by women are Kasavu Varieties of Manipuri forms of dance:
saree (white and off white in color along Raas, Sankirtan, Dhola Cholam, Kartal
Mohiniyattam (Malayalam) is an Indian with gold colored brocade designs). Cholam, Pung Cholam (Dancers playing
classical dance originated in the state of Atavakul (Atavus) is a collection of forty pung/drum while dancing), and Thang ta
Kerala. The dance is performed by basic dance movements. (martial art form).
women in honor of the Hindu God Vishnu
in his incarnation as the enchantress Sources Manipuri Sankirtana involves ritual
Mohini. Kalyanikutty Amma is known as Its earliest reference is available in singing, drumming, and dancing. It was
the ‘Mother of Mohiniyattam’. ‘Vyavaharamala’ (written in 1709) on also inscribed in the Representative List
Indian jurisprudence authored by of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural
Features :- It is lasya-style based on Mazhamangalam Narayanan Heritage of Humanity in 2013. It is
Natya Shastra. It consists of ‘Nritta’ and Namboodiri. Also mentioned in Gosha practiced primarily by the Vaishnava
‘Nritya’ mentioned in ‘Natya Shastra’. It Yatra (written later by poet Kunjan community in Manipur (also in some
includes facial expressions and hand Nambiar), and Balarama Bharatam (an parts of Tripura and Assam). It is
gestures. 18th century treatise on Natya Shastra performed to narrate the life and deeds
It consists of seven portions: authored in Sanskrit). of Lord Krishna. Instruments used are
Cholkettu (invocation, starts with Cymbals and Drums.
offering reverence to a goddess Famous Dancers :- Sunanda Nair,
Bhagavati and ends with a prayer to Smitha Rajan, Gopika Varma, Jayaprabha Raas Leela was first treated as a dance
Shiva). Menon, Pallavi Krishnan and Vinitha form in 1779 by Ningthou Ching Thang
Nedungadi, etc. Khambatta, also known as Rajarshi

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 Pinnacle Static GK
Bhagya Chandra, an 18th - century Meitei Natya Shastra. Its south-eastern style is where a flower is offered to mother
monarch. It illustrates an eternal love of known as the Odhra Magadha. earth.
Radha and Krishna described in the Batu Nritya of the dance has the
Hindu scriptures and puranas. Its three It is performed by women and expresses Tribhanga and the Chowk postures.
types are Tal Rasak (followed by a clap), religious stories and spiritual ideas, most Pallavi includes the representation of the
Danda Rasak (drums are pounded with notably Vaishnavism (Vishnu as song.
two sticks while the dancers’ position Jagannath). It is the oldest surviving Tharijham consists of pure dance before
produces geometric shapes), Mandal classical dance form in India, starting the conclusion.
Rasak (Lord Krishna in the centre around 2nd Century BC based on
surrounded by the Gopis). archeological evidence found in udaygiri Costumes :- The two most commonly
caves. used sarees for this dance are
Pung Cholom (meaning "roar of the Sambalpuri saree and Bomkai saree. The
drums") is the soul of Manipuri Features :- Traditional Odissi exists in dancer is adorned in elaborate Odiya
Sankirtana music and classical Manipuri two main styles, the first by women, silver jewellery and a special hair-do.
dance. This dance may be performed by focused on the sacred and spiritual
men or women and is usually a prelude temple dance (maharis); the second by Famous dancers :- Sonal Mansingh,
to the Ras Lila. It borrows elements from boys, dresses as girls varied to include Jhelum Paranjape, Mayadhar Raut,
the Manipuri martial arts Thang Ta and athletic and acrobatic movements Gangadhar Pradhan, Ileana Citaristi,
Sarit Sarak and also from the traditional (gotipuas). Leena Mohanty, Chitra Krishnamurti,
Maibi Jagoi dance. Bijayini Satpathy, Madhavi Mudgal, etc.
The performance repertoire includes
Dhol Cholom (Drum Dance or Dholak invocation, nritta (pure dance), nritya Sattriya dance
Cholom) is performed in the spring (expressive dance), natya (dance drama)
season known as ‘Yaosang’ meaning and moksha (dance climax connoting Sattriya dance is the Indian classical
Spring festival of Holi. freedom of the soul and spiritual dance of Assam. It is one among the
release). classical dances of India recognised by
Kartal Cholam is a Tandava dance of Sangeet Natak Akademi. It originated in
cymbals. It is performed by the male Nritya and Abhinaya are the two most Sattra, a monastery, as a part of the
dancers only. The dancer imitates the interesting attractions of Odissi. neo-Vaishnavite movement started by
natural movements of Kapote (crane), Nritya: Dancers perform delicate physical Srimanta Sankardev in Assam, in the
Mayur (peacock), Khanjan (bagtail) and movements to create ornamental 15th Century.
Hansa (swan) in perfect accuracy of movements.
movement and sound. Abhinaya: dancers make facial Features :- Sattriya’s one-act plays are
expressions to explain a religious story called Ankiya Nat. The dance styles of
Thang ta Dance is a traditional martial or legend. Sattriya are Paurashik Bhangi (male
art of Manipur. The name is derived from style) and Stri Bhangi (female style). It
two words, Thang (meaning ‘sword’) and Music :- It is accompanied by Hindustani had its influences from folk dance forms
Ta (meaning ‘spear’). Its performance classical Music and traditional music of like Ojapali, Devadasi, Bihu and Bodos
combines both rhythm and vigor Odisha such as Kalyana, Nata, Shree etc.
providing a thrilling spectacle. Gowda, Baradi, etc. It is performed only by Bhokots (male
It was earlier known as Huyen Lallong, An Odissi orchestra essentially consists monks) in monasteries and on stage by
which has two main components: Sarit of a pakhawaj (Drums) player (usually men and women, Mati Akhara (basic
Sarak (unarmed fighting) thang-ta the Guru himself), a singer, a flutist, a dance unit and exercise).
(armed combat). sitar or violin player and a manjira player
(Cymbals). Costume :- Pat Silk saree is the most
Different variations of the Thang-Ta are There are 24 mudras described in the popular kind of saree used in this dance,
Thang-Chungoi Yannaba, Ta-Kousaba, Natyashastra and 28 in the Abhinaya which represents the locality through its
Thang-Ta-Chaieraba, Yet-Thang Oi-Thang Darpana. various colorful motifs and designs. The
Yannaba, Thang Leiteng Haiba, Thang jewelleries are made in a unique
Amaga Aniga Yanaba, Chei Khatpa, and Three primary dance positions in Odissi: technique in Kesa Sun (raw gold). Artists
Meibul-Thang-Ta. Samabhanga, Abhyanga, and Tribhanga. wear Kopali on the forehead, MuthiKharu
It incorporates two major postures - and Gam Kharu (bracelets) etc.,
Famous dancers :- Hanjaba Guru Bipin Tribhanga and Chowk.
Singha, Jhaveri Sisters (Nayana Jhaveri, Music :- There are various musical
Ranjana Jhaveri, Suverna Jhaveri, and The chowk is a position imitating a instruments used in this dance, some of
Darshana Jhaveri), Nirmala Mehta, Savita square – a very masculine stance with which include Khol (drum), Bahi (flute),
Mehta, etc. the weight of the body equally balanced. Violin, Tanpura, Harmonium and Shankha
The Tribhanga is a very feminine stance (Conch Shell). The songs are composed
Odissi where the body is deflected at the neck, of Sankaradeva known as ‘Borgeets’.
torso and the knees.
Odissi is a classical Indian dance Its elements include : The It has two distinctly separate streams –
originating from the Hindu temples of Mangalacharan marks the entrance of the Bhaona-related repertoire starting
Odisha. Its roots can be traced back to the dancer on stage or the emergence from the Gayan-Bhayanar Nach to the

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 Pinnacle Static GK
Kharmanar Nach, secondly the dance Nritta :- Pure dance portrayed by the Features :- The dance-drama art form
numbers, such as Chali, Rajagharia Chali, artist. He/she starts with slow and called ‘Krishnanattam’ and Ramanattam
Jhumura, Nadu Bhangi etc. graceful movements of the neck, wrists based on Mahabharata and Ramayana
and eyebrows. This is followed by fast are precursors of ‘Kathakali’.
The basic dance unit and exercise of a sequences according to ‘bols’. A bol is a
Sattriya is called a Mati Akhara, equal 64 short sequence of rhythmic patterns. It is a harmonious combination of 5
just like in Natya Shastra, are the Here the artist displays energetic forms of fine art - Literature (Sahithyam),
foundational sets dancers learn during footwork also. Music (Sangeetham), Painting
their training. (Chithram), Acting (Natyam) and Dance
Nritya :- Here the artist showcases a (Nritham). The dance form combines
The Akharas are subdivided into Ora, story or theme through gestures, four aspects of abhinaya (Angika,
Saata, Jhalak, Sitika, Pak, Jap, Lon and expressions and slow body movements Aharya, Vachika, Satvika) and the Nritta,
Khar. A performance integrates two accompanied by vocal and instrumental Nritya and Natya.
styles, one masculine (Paurashik Bhangi, music.
energetic and with jumps), and feminine There are 24 Basic Mudras (hand
(Stri Bhangi, Lasya or delicate). Components of Kathak recital :- Ananda gestures) and a total of 470 different
(introductory part through which the symbols used in this dance.
Six types of Anga (Limb), six types of dancer set foot into the stage), Todas Characters in this dance are broadly
Pratyanga, six types of Upanga (Lower and Rukdas are small pieces of fast divided into satvika (noble characters like
limb), nine different types of Gatived rhythm, Padhant (dancer recites Krishna and Rama), rajasika (evil
(Movement), eight types of Dristived (Eye complicated bols and Illustrates them), characters) and tamasika (beard
movement), nine types of Shiraved (Head Jugalbandi (shows a competitive play characters). It follows the traditional
movement), four types Gribaved (Neck between the dancer and the tabla player), sopana sangeet of Kerala.
movement) are found. Tarana (similar to thillana, which
comprises of pure rhythmic movements), Music :- There are five basic taalas used
Famous dancers :- Gunakanta Dutta Kramalaya (concluding piece in Kathakali music which are atantha,
Barbayan, Manik Barbayan, Jogen Dutta compromising intricate and fast muriatantha, chempa, chempata, triputa
Bayan , Anita Sarma, Sarodi Saikia, footwork), Gat bhav (dance without any and panchari. It is accompanied by
Haricharan Bhuyan Borbayan, music or chanting (chorus), is used to musical instruments used are Chenda,
Ramkrishna Talukdar, Ranjumoni Saikia, outline different mythological episodes). Maddalam, Chengila, Ilathalam, Idakka
etc. and Shankhu.
Music :- It is composed of Hindustani
Kathak music. Instruments used are tabla, Costume :- In Kathakali emphasis is
pakhavaj, harmonium, sarangi, and given more on "Aharya Abhinaya", the
Kathak dance of Uttar Pradesh is one of talam. use of costumes, ornaments and facial
the 8 classical dances of India make-up. It incorporates the most
recognised by Sangeet Natak Akademi. Facial expressions and sensuous intricate make-up code, costume, face
The term Kathak comes from the gestures emote during Kathak masks, head dress and brightly painted
Sanskrit Vedic word Katha which means performances are mentioned in the book faces among all Indian classical dance
“story” and Kathakar which means “one ‘The Wrongs of Indian Womanhood’ by forms. It encompass seven fundamental
who tells a story” or “related to stories”. Marcus B. Fuller published in 1900. make-up codes which are ‘Pacca’ (green,
The story of Radha and Krishna is the depicts gods, sages and noble
major theme of Kathak. Famous dancers :- Pandit Birju Maharaj, characters like Shiva, Krishna, Rama and
Lachu Maharaj, Shambu Maharaj, Shovna Arjuna), ‘Minukku’ (orange, saffron or
It popularized under the rule of Mughals. Narayan, Kumari Kamala, Sunanya yellow color, depicts virtuous and good
The Golden age of this dance comes Hazarilal Agarwal, Pandit Durgalal, female characters like Sita and Panchali),
under the patronage of Wajid Ali Shah Prerana Shrimala, Rani Karna, Sitara Devi, ‘Teppu’ (depicts special characters like
(last Nawab of Oudh). Rupa Rani Das Bora, etc. Jatayu and Garuda) , ‘Kari’ (black, depicts
characters like hunters and forest
Features :- It is a fusion of Hindu and Kathakali inhabitants), ‘Tati (red , depicts evil
Muslim creativity in art as India's sole characters like Ravana)’, ‘Payuppu’ (ripe)
classical dance with links to Muslim Kathakali (Malayalam) is a form of and ‘Katti’ (knife). The color code for
culture. classical Indian dance that originates women and monks is yellow.
Three main sections of a Kathak dance from Kerala. The term Kathakali is
are invocation and ‘Nritta’ and ‘Nritya’ derived from Katha (Sanskrit) meaning Performance in Kathakali :- A Kathakali
mentioned in ‘Natya Shastra’. “story or conversation, or traditional performance begins with the "Kelikottu",
Invocation :- Where the artist offers story”, and Kali (from art) meaning calling the audience to attention followed
his/her prayer or salutation to his/her “performance and art”. It is the only by the "Thodayam". "Kelikottu" is the
guru and to god. In the case of Hindu Indian dance form in which the entire formal announcement of the Kathakali
performances, the artist uses mudras body, both skeleton and muscles, down dance done in the evening when drums
(hand gestures) for the same. For to even the smallest facial muscle are and cymbals are played for a while in the
Muslim occasions, the artist gives a used to portray emotion. courtyard. Recitation of ‘Vandanaslokam’
‘salami’. (Prayer Song) followed by ‘Purappad’ -

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 Pinnacle Static GK
traditionally a preliminary item Darogas, Mohantys, Acharyas, Bhols, animals), and Gongwna (made of
introducing the main character of the Kars, Dubeys, and Sahoos. bamboo), tharkha (a piece of split
story in full costume and make-up. bamboo).
Among the three, Purulia and Seraikella
Then the musicians and drummers hold Chhau artists use masks, made of papier Thullal is a solo satiric dance belonging
the stage with an exhibition of their skills mache. The Government of Odisha to the state of Kerala. There are three
in "Melappadam". The end of the established the Government Chhau versions of this art form - Sheethankan
performance is marked by a piece of Dance Centre in 1960 in Seraikela and Thullal, Parayan Thullal and Ottan Thullal.
pure dance called "Dhanasi". "Tiranokku" the Mayurbhanj Chhau Nritya Pratisthan Ottan Thullal was introduced by the poet
is the debut on the stage of all at Baripada in 1962. The Sangeet Natak Kunchan Nambiar in the 18th century CE.
characters other than the "Pacha" or Akademi has established a National In this dance the performer, dressed up
"Minukku". It continues throughout the Centre for Chhau Dance at Baripada, like a Kathakali dancer, recites verses
night, culminating at the auspicious hour Odisha. and elucidates them through expressive
of dawn, when good finally conquers evil. gestures. The performer is supported by
Famous Dancers :- Jagannath a singer who repeats the verses and is
Top dancers :- Kalamandalam Gopi, Choudhury, Mousumi Choudhury, Biren accompanied by an orchestra of
Haripriya Namboodiri, Kalamandalam Kalindi, Binadhar Kumar, Kartik Singh percussion instrument mridangam
Krishna Prasad, Kottakal Sivaraman, Mura, Baghambar Singh Mura, etc. (thoppi maddalam) and cymbals.
Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair, Performers use green makeup and a
Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharody, Kavungal Folk dance colorful costume (decorated with a long
Chathunni Panicker. red and white band and painted wooden
Pasi Kongki is a folk dance of Adi tribe ornaments).
Chhau Dance of Arunachal Pradesh that depicts the
social work of Pasi. It is performed to the In Sheethankan Thullal, a minimum of
Chhau Dance is folk dance of the Rarh tune of a song sung by the locals, called three persons are needed for the
region (West Bengal, Jharkhand and Aabang. performance. Performers use yellow
Bihar) with martial traditions. It is found coloured powder on their face and dress
in three styles: Purulia Chhau (performed Shondol dance is also known as the made up of Coconut leaves.
during sun festival in West Bengal), 'Royal Dance of Ladakh'. It is performed
Seraikella Chhau (Jharkhand), by Takshoma or women dancers to In Parayan Thullal, the performer wears
Mayurbhanj Chhau (Odisha). The praise the King of Ladakh on special the dress and crown in the shape of a
Ministry of Culture recognised it as 9th occasions. snake. A red cloth is worn on the waist
classical dance of India. and the face is adorned with yellow paint.
Yak dance (Yak Chham or Tibetan Yak
Features :- Dancers enacted stories from Dance) is performed in the Indian states Garba (Sanskrit term) dance originates in
the Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Assam the state of Gujarat. It is performed by
Mahabharata, the Puranas and other and in union territory Ladakh. It is women around a centrally lit lamp or a
Indian literature. It is performed with performed to honor the Yak, during the picture or statue of the Goddess Shakti.
religious themes found in Shaivism, Losar festival, the Tibetan New Year. It is performed during the nine-day
Shaktism and Vaishnavism. festival Navaratri. Lamp represents life,
Jabro dance is performed by the and the fetus in the womb. Garba
It was inscribed in the UNESCO’s nomadic people of the Tibetan region performances include singing and
Representative List of the Intangible living in the hillsides of the Chang Thang musical instruments dhol (double-
Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. and Rong areas of Ladakh. headed drum) and dholak, hand clapping,
and metallic idiophones, such as
A few instruments used to develop the Koshan dance of Ladakh is presented cymbals. It is also performed at the Holi
music were Mohuri, Shehnai, Dhol, during horse riding and the person who is spring festival.
Dhumsa, Kharka, or Shadhadi. riding the horse is known as Landak.
Musicians are from the communities Dandiya Raas is the socio-religious
known as Mukhis, Kalindis, Ghadheis, Bagurumba is a folk dance of the Bodo featured dances of Navratri evenings in
Dhada. community in Assam. It is also called Gujarat. It is also performed in the
'''butterfly dance''' because it personifies Marwar region of Rajasthan. It is
Khel (mock combat techniques), chalis the movements of butterflies and birds. It believed to be performed in memory of
and topkas (stylized gaits of birds and is performed by the Bodo women, Goddess Durga’s victory over
animals) and uflis (movements modeled wearing their colorful traditional attire Mahishasura. The sticks of the dance
on the daily chores of a village dokhna, jwmgra (fasra) and aronai. In represent the sword of Durga. Women
housewife) constitute the fundamental this dance, handmade percussion perform in a circle as they rotate around
vocabulary of Chhau dance. instruments are used such as 'kham' (a the 'mandvi'. The major difference
long cylindrical drum, made of wood and between the 'Garba' and 'Dandiya' dance
The dancers mainly come from skin of goat or other animal’s skin), performances is that Garba is performed
communities known as Mundas, Sifung (flute, carved out of bamboo), jota before 'Aarti' while Dandiya is performed
Mahatos, Kalindis, Pattnaiks, Samals, (made of iron/tama), Serja (a bowed after it.
instrument, made of wood and skin of

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 Pinnacle Static GK
Dhanuchi naach is a devotional dance on another horizontally placed bamboo Its two types are Aatta Karakam, which
and tradition in West Bengal, performed on the ground. symbolizes joy and happiness and Sakthi
during Durga puja. It is performed by Karakam, performed only in temples as a
balancing dhunuchi (bowls) filled with Bhangra dance is a traditional folk spiritual offering. The most common
coconut husks, charcoal and powdered dance of Punjab, originating in the song associated with this is
incense and camphor, called Dhuno. It Sialkot area of Punjab, Pakistan. It is Amrithavarshini Ragam (Ragamalika).
was previously performed only by men mainly performed in the season of Common attire includes sarees or kurta,
but now women also actively participate harvesting and especially associated colored towels and a pot.
in this dance. with the Baisakhi festival. The name
Bhangra is derived from the Hemp word Mayilattam is performed during the
Teratali folk dance is performed by in the context of Bhangra Dance. harvest festival of Thai Pongal in the
women of Kamar tribes of Rajasthan. Traditional Bhangra costume consists of Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It
Manjiras (small metal cymbals) are tied a kurta (silk-buttoned shirt), lungi (a cloth is performed in the Hindu temples of
to different parts of the body. The head is tied around the dancers’ waist) and jugi Tamil Nadu in reverence to Lord
covered with a hat or petha. (a waistcoat with no buttons). The Subrahmanya. Performers wear
dancers also wear a turban (pugdee or costumes from head to toe like a
Kikli is the folk dance of Punjabi females patka) with torla (fan-like structure) and peacock with a beak. It is performed in
performed by two girls holding hands carry a Rummel. all Murugan (Lord Subrahmanya)
and twirling each other in a circle and temples as a tradition during festivals.
balancing their positions in circular Bagga is the martial dance form of
motions. Punjab. It is also known as Bhangra. The Paampu attam (snake dance) is a folk
dance form is said to be developed in dance of Tamil Nadu. Snakes are related
Kolaattam (‘Kol’ means a small stick and Sialkot (which is now situated in to the Hindu deity Murugan. Usually
‘Attam’ means play) dance also known as Pakistan). It is performed during the performed by girls who dress up in a
stick dance is an ancient village folk art “harvest festival” i.e. Vaishakhi. The snake skin-like costume.
performed only by women in the Tamil music for Bagga is based on a fast “eight
Nadu state of India. It is also called beat taal” known as Kahaerava. Gotipua (Bandha Nritya) is a traditional
Kolannalu in Andhra Pradesh. It is dance form in the state of Odisha and
performed for ten days starting with the Lezim is a folk dance of Maharashtra the precursor of Odissi classical dance.
Amavasi or New-moon night after where the dancers carry a small musical In this dance young boys dress as
Deepavali. Kolatta Jothrai is a festival instrument with jingling cymbals called women to praise lord Jagannath and
associated with this. the ‘Lezim’. Apart from Lezim, Dholki Krishna. In the Odia language, Gotipua
(drum instrument) is also used in this means "single boy". Musical instruments
Raut Nacha is a ceremonial dance dance. It is performed during Gudi used are mardala (a two-headed drum, a
performed mainly by the tribal Padwa day. Variations of this dance percussion instrument in Orissa), gini
community of Chhattisgarh. It is include rural form of dance (consists of (small cymbals), harmonium, violin,
performed during the “dev udhni Lezim dancers in two rows), four rows, in bansuri and one or two vocalists. Each
ekadashi”, after the Diwali festival. It is a a single circle formation, or in concentric year, the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra
dance performed by Yadavas, a caste circles formations (similar to the Garba Odissi Research Centre organizes the
which are descendants of Krishna. Dance). The first Lezim performance to Gotipua Dance Festival in Bhubaneswar.
an international audience was presented
Maach is a form of folk theatre from the at the 9th Asian Games in the year 1982 Aji Lhamo is a folk dance form practiced
Malwa region of the Indian state of at Delhi. by the Monpa Tribe of Tawang district of
Madhya Pradesh. It is performed around Arunachal Pradesh. This dance form is
the Indian festival of Holi. Gopalji Guru of Theyyam (Kaliyattom) is a ritualistic folk performed during the Losar Festival. In
Bhagsipura (Ujjain) is proclaimed to be dance originated in North Kerala. The essence, it is the Ramayana of Hindus.
the person who introduced maach in ritual used to be performed at the sacred There are mainly five characters in this
Madhya Pradesh. The tunes of this groves and shrines. The musical Nyapa (Central character) and Nyao
theatre form are known as Rangat. instruments used in this magnanimous (Rival character), Gyeli, and two female
art form are Chenda, Kurumkuzhal, characters Lhamu and Lhum. This dance
Cheraw is a Mizoram folk dance Elathalam, and Veekkuchenda. Varieties form also portrays the Grand Ceremony
performed with bamboo sticks. On the of Theyyams are Raktha Chamundi, of the Wedding of King Chhoegey
occasion of 'Buza Aih,' or bumper Muchilottu, Kari Chamundi, Bhagavathi, Norzang and Lhamu.
harvest, an individual family performs Gulikan, Wayanadu Kulaven, and Pottan.
Cheraw dance. The men are dressed in a The communities that perform are Mayur dance is performed by girls
bandana and a Mizo shawl. The women Malayan, Vannan, Mavilan, Munnoottan, dressed as peacocks in the Braj region of
wear a Thihna (necklace), a Vakiria Velan, Pulayar, Kopalar, and Uttar Pradesh. It is carried out as a kind
(bamboo headdress decorated with Anjunnoottan, etc. of adoration for Lord Krishna. Peacock
bright objects such as feathers), a dance in other states: Arunachal Pradesh
Kawrchei (blouse), and a Puanchei Karakattam is an ancient folk dance of (Monpa tribe), Andhra Pradesh and Tamil
(sarong), all in white, red, green, and Tamil Nadu performed in praise of the Nadu (known as Mayilattam dance).
black. It consists of mostly six to eight rain goddess Mariamman. The
people holding a pair of bamboo staves performers balance a pot on their head. Tarpa dance is a tribal dance performed

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 Pinnacle Static GK
by the Warli, Kokna and Koli tribes of Ponung folk dance is a popular dance Hoza Giri Dance is celebrated to pray for
Dadra and Nagar Haveli. With the performed by the Adi tribe of Arunachal the blessings of Mainuma (Goddess of
musical accompaniment of a wind Pradesh. It is performed by women and wealth) by the Bru Reang community of
instrument named Tarpa, the dancers only one man (known as Miri) of the Tripura. It is performed by women and
encircle the ‘Tarpakar’ and they dance tribe. The Miri also plays a musical young girls, about 4 to 6 members in a
past midnight. instrument called the Yoksha (in the team, singing, standing over an
shape of a sword). earthenware pitcher, balancing a bottle
Rathwa ni gher dance is a tribal dance on their heads which has a lighted lamp.
performed by the rathwa tribe of Gujarat Dumhal is a folk dance performed by the Only the lower half of the body of
on the occasion of Holi festival also Watal tribe in the union territory of dancers is moved. Costumes worn by
known as Kavant festival, named after Jammu and Kashmir. The performers women are ‘Rea‘ and ‘Pachra’. It exhibits
the place where the Holi carnival takes dance and sing to the beats of the Jhum Cultivation.
place. The Gher performances begin on drums. It is said to have been created by
Dhulendi ('the day of flying coloured Shah Sukar Saloni, a devout follower of a Jat-Jatin is a folk dance of Bihar, most
dust). Sufi saint known as "Baba Nasim famous in Mithila and Koshi regions. It is
-U-Din-Gazi." performed on moonlit nights during the
Bhaona is a theatre form prevalent in monsoon season. The rhythm is kept to
Assam, India. The plays of bhaona are Phag is a popular dance of Haryana. It is six, seven or eight beats that are Dadra,
popularly known as Ankiya Nats and their performed in the Hindu month of Teevta and Kerwa.
staging is known as bhaona. It is Phalguna (February–March) to celebrate
generally staged at Satras and namghar the colorful festival of Holi in the Mukhota dance is usually performed to
in Assam. Bhaonas are written in the harvesting season. Instruments used are worship God Bhumitayal in Uttarakhand.
Assamese and Brajavali languages. It is tasha, nagada and dhol. The men sing It starts from Vaishakha Sankranti (the
a creation of Mahapurusha Srimanta the traditional songs of Phalguna. day when the Sun enters a new sign). In
Sankardeva, written in the early sixteenth Women try to hit the men with ‘koraras’ this dance form, dancers wear traditional
century. Characters : Sutradhar, Bhaoriya, (knotted clothes) while men defend dresses and masks representing their
Gayan, and Bayan. Types: Baresahariya themselves with ‘shuntis’. deities and evil demons. People offer
Bhaona, Mukha Bhaona, and Boka ground rice preparations every day during
Bhaona. Velakali is a traditional martial dance this fest.
performed by the men of the Nair
Dashavatar is the most developed community of Kerala. It originated in Wangala Dance is a dance of Tripura
theatre form of the Konkan and Goa Ambalappuzha where Mathoor Panicker, performed after the happy harvest
regions. The performers personify the chief of the Chempakasserri army, 'Wangala' (1-st rice eating ceremony).
ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu-the god promoted it to boost the martial spirit of The Sangnakma, head of the community
of preservation and creativity. The ten the people. It is a regular feature of the visits every house and cuts a pumpkin as
incarnations are Matsya (fish), Kurma annual festivities at the Ambalapuzha a part of worship. After that the women
(tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narsimha Sree Krishna temple in Alappuzha dance to the beat of 'Dama' and 'Aaduri'
(lion-man), Vaman (dwarf), Parashuram, district. This dance depicts the victory of made of buffalo horn.
Rama, Krishna (or Balram), Buddha and Dhamma over Adharma and the fight
Kalki. Dashavatar performers wear between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Garia dance is a dance of Tripura. It is
masks of wood and papier mache. The performed during Goria puja, the festival
incarnation of Vishnu is Dhanuyatra of Chaiti is a folk dance of Bihar. It is to celebrate the sowing of new crops and
Odisha's Bargarh district dedicated to performed by men with their body prayer for a good harvest during the
Lord Krishna. Dhanu Jatra (Dhanu Yatra) smeared with ‘ramras’. They typically month of Baisakh. The celebrations
is an annual drama-based open-air wear yellow attires and dance with kartal attached to the Garia Puja continue for
theatrical performance celebrated in while singing. seven days.
Bargarh, Odisha.
Dhimsa is a tribal dance performed Jhijhiya is a cultural folk dance of Mithila
Suwa Dance (Parrot dance) is a tribal primarily by Porja caste women in and Bhojpura regions of Bihar and
dance, mainly performed by the Gonds Andhra Pradesh. A group of 15-20 Madhesh province of Nepal. It is usually
tribe of Chhattisgarh. It is performed women form a circle and dance praising performed by a group of young women
exclusively by women on the occasion of the deity for the welfare of their domestic dancers. Portrays offering of prayers to
Goura’s marriage. Dancers keep a parrot life. Dhimsa means "sound of the Lord Indra for a good monsoon and a
in a pot made of bamboo and form a footsteps' '. Variations of this dance are rich harvest. It is performed during the
circular shape around it. Bhag Dhimsa, Natikari Dhimsa, Kunda Dussehra festival from the day of
Dhimsa, Pathartola Dhimsa, Pedda Ghatasthapana to Bijaya Dashami in the
Cha-rtses (Pigeon dance) is a dance Dhimsa, Sambor Nisani Dhimisa, Bayya Hindu month of Ashwin (September
form of Ladakh. A group of women Dhimisa, Mouli Dhimisa, Choti Dhimisa, /October). It has its own types of songs
performs it wearing Sulma (a traditional Boda Dhimsa, and Goddi Beta Dimsa. either in Maithili or Bhojpuri language.
gown) with a colorful drape symbolizing Instruments used are Dappu (drum with Women balance the lantern made up of
the wings of pigeons. Its flowy gestures a short stick), Tudumu, Mori, Kiridi and clay on their head and dance.
and moves emulate the bird. Jodukommulu. Tamasha is a traditional form of Marathi
theatre widely performed in the state of

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