India's classical dances
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Eight dance forms recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, rooted in the Natya Shastra.
Where: All of IndiaWhen: Temples, festivals and stages
How it is performed
- Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (North India), Kathakali (Kerala), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Sattriya (Assam), Manipuri (Manipur) and Mohiniyattam (Kerala). The Ministry of Culture also includes Chhau.
- Each combines nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressive dance) and natya (drama), using mudras (hand gestures), abhinaya (expression) and rhythm.
- Training follows the guru–shishya tradition and takes many years.
Significance
These forms carry stories from the epics and Puranas and the devotional poetry of every region. The Natya Shastra, attributed to Bharata Muni, is the foundational text of Indian performing arts.