DATE-13/02/21 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE ANUSHKA AGRAWAL

GKC 461 B.COM 2ND YEAR

DHA-04 1950153

ELLORA CENTER

ART & ENTERTAINMENT

 Art is an enriching and civilizing factor of life and essential to the
physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of the world.
 Indian dances can be divided into classical, folk and modern types.
India evolved a type of classical dance drama that combines
movement, expression, singing, music, and costumes.

CLASSICAL DANCES OF INDIA

There are seven kinds of classical dances:

S.NO. CLASSICAL DANCES

1. Bharata Natyam
2. Kathak Dance
3. Kathakali Dance
4. Kuchipudi Dance
5. Manipuri Dance
6. Odissi Dance
7. Mohiniattam Dance
1. Bharat Natyam :

This dance has retained orthodoxy of Bharat's Natya Shastra. It had originated in
the precincts of South Indian temples. It is a solo dance performed by female
artists. Several variations have been developed down the ages viz. Odissi,
Kuchipudi. Prominent dancers are Yamini Krishnamurti, Sonal Mansingh, Sanjukta
Panigrahi.

2. Manipuri :

Manipuri is the classical dance from Manipur. Slow and gracious movements
differentiate Manipuri form from other dance styles. Delicate arm movements
and gentle foot work characterise this dance.

3. Kathakali :

It is a dance from Kerala based on the epics- Ramayan, Mahabharat and Purans. It
has a strong basis in the traditional dance-forms.

4. Kathak :

A north Indian dance, purely for amusement. Noted dancers are Sitara Devi, Gopi
Krishna, Uma Sharma and Birju Maharaj.

5. Kuchipudi Dance :

Kuchipudi originated from a hamlet in Andhra Pradesh called Kuchelapuri or

Kuchelapuram. This vaishnava dance was performed by the Brahmin Families of
village Kuchelapuri.

6. Odissi Dance :

Odissi originated from Orrisa. This dance is similar to Bhartnatyam with respect to
the mudras and expressions. Odissi is based on the popular devotion to Lord
Krishna.

7. Mohiniattam Dance :
Mohiniattam means mohini's dance. Mohini according to Indian mythology, was a
very beautiful woman who attracted people instantly. The first reference to
mohiniattam is found in "Vyavaharmala" composed by Mazhamangalam
Naryanam Namboodiri, assigned to the 16th Century A.D. The dancers are attired
in a beautiful white and gold bordered Kasavu Saree of Kerala.