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List of Dance Forms in India - Folk & Classical Dances of All

States

India is known for its rich cultural heritage. Diversification is the identity of the country. Indian dance is one of the
most revered identities of our culture.

In India, dance forms can be broadly classified into 2 categories- classical and folk dance form.

These dance forms have been originated from different parts of India as per the local tradition.

This article will highlight the various Indian dance forms- classical and folk in brief. The dance forms of India are an
important aspect of art and culture syllabus for IAS exam (https://byjus.com/ias-exam/).

In 2012, Civil Services IAS Prelims (https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/upsc-prelims/) examination, UPSC has asked a

question about Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam. In 2014, UPSC has asked about Sattriya dance. Let’s have a glance
through the Previous Year UPSC questions on Classical Dances.

Dance Forms in India

The 2 major dance forms in India are classical and folk dance. The major difference between Classical and Folk
dance (https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/difference-between-classical-and-folk-dance/) is the origin.

Classical dance has a deep-rooted relationship with the Natya Shastra where the specific features of each of the
Classical dance forms have been mentioned.

Folk dance, on the other hand, emerged from the local tradition of the respective state, ethnic or geographic regions.

Classical Dance in India

The classical dance form originated from the Natya Shastra. There are 8 classical dance forms in India as per the
source and scholar.

The Cultural Ministry of India has included Chhau into the list of classical dances that makes a total of 9 classical
dance forms.

The 8 basic technicalities that are expressed in the classical dance are given below:

1. Shringar: Love
2. Hasya: Humorous
3. Karuna: Sorrow
4. Raudra: Anger
5. Veer: Heroism
6. Bhayanak: Fear
7. Bibhats: Disgust
8. Adbhoot: Wonder

Indian Dances with States is an important static GK topic for the UPSC exam. For information on various static GK
topics (https://byjus.com/govt-exams/static-gk/) check the article linked here.

For more on Indian classical dances (https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/indian-classical-dances/), click on the linked

article.

The list of classical dances in India is given below:

List of Classical dances in India  State of Origin

Bharatnatyam (https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/bharatanatyam/) Tamil Nadu

Kathak Uttar Pradesh

Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh

Odissi (https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/odissi/) Odisha

Kathakali (https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/kathakali/) Kerala Hi there! Got any questions?

I can help you...

Sattriya (https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/dance-forms-sattriya/) Assam

Manipuri Manipur

Mohiniyattam (https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/mohiniyattam/) Kerala

Questions based on these classical Indian dance forms are common in the UPSC exam (https://byjus.com/free-ias-
prep/upsc-exam/) for the prelims phase.

Folk Dances in India

Folk dances in India represent the culture and tradition of the community from where it originated.

Folk dances are usually performed during the respective community’s celebration- childbirth, festivals, weddings, etc.

There are different types of Folk dances in India.

The list of Folk Dances in India is given below:

State of Origin List of Folk Dances in India

Andhra Pradesh Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa,
Kolattam.

Arunachal Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir

Pradesh

Assam Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal.

Bihar Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya

Chhattisgarh Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik

Gujarat Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai

Goa Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi nrutya, Jagar, Ranmale

Haryana Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor.

Himachal Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu

Pradesh

Jammu & Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach

Kashmir

Jharkhand Alkap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua

Karnataka Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga

Kerala Ottam Thullal, Kaikottikali

Maharashtra Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar

Madhya Pradesh Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni

Manipur Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom

Meghalaya Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho

Mizoram Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam

Nagaland Rangma, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim

Odisha Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari

Punjab Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand

Rajasthan Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal

Sikkim Chu Faat, Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion, Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha, Tashi
Yangku

Tamil Nadu Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi

Tripura Hojagiri

Uttar Pradesh Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli

Uttarakhand Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila

List of Folk Dances in India:- Download PDF Here

Art and culture is an essential part of the IAS syllabus (https://byjus.com/ias/upsc-syllabus/) and every year, Hi there! Got any questions?

I can help you...

questions are asked from this section in both the prelims and mains exams.

Relevant Links
 UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 1 Syllabus, Strategy & NCERT Notes: Art, Literature, Architecture And
Structure (https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/upsc-mains-gs- Culture Notes For UPSC (https://byjus.com/free-
paper-1-structure-syllabus/) ias-prep/ncert-art-culture-notes-upsc-exams/)

Previous Years Art and Culture Questions in UPSC Civil Topic-Wise General Studies Paper-1 Questions in
Service Mains Exam General Studies Paper-1 UPSC Mains (https://byjus.com/free-ias-
(https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/art-culture-questions-upsc- prep/topic-wise-gs-1-questions-upsc-mains/)
mains-gs-1/)

Difference between Classical and Folk Dance Manipuri Dance – Themes, Features, Costumes &
(https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/difference-between- Music (https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/manipuri-
classical-and-folk-dance/) dance/)

Folk Music in India (https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/folk- Puppet Forms in India (https://byjus.com/free-

music-in-india/) ias-prep/shadow-puppet-forms-india/)

Tribal Paintings of India (https://byjus.com/free-ias- Pahari Paintings: Styles and Types

prep/tribal-paintings-india/) (https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/pahari-paintings-
for-upsc-exam/)

Multiple Choice Question

Consider the following Statements

1. The classical dance originates from Natya Shastra. The 2 basic aspects of Classical dance are Lasya and
Tandava.
2. Folk dance is associated with celebrating agricultural harvest or social gatherings like weddings, etc.
3. Classical dances are performed by professional or highly trained dancers who have studied their form for
many years. There are eight classical Dances in India.
4. There are more than 30 folk dances in India. Some of the most popular folk dances are Ghoomer, Kacchi Gori
Chari, Kalbelia; all of them originating from the state of Rajasthan.

Choose the correct answer from the below-given options

1. None of the above statements are false.

2. None of the above statements are true.
3. Only Statements 2 and 3 are true.
4. Only Statements 3 and 1 are true.

Answer: A

Frequently Asked Questions on Indian Dance Forms

Q 1. Which is the oldest dance form in India?
Bharatnatyam is the oldest dance form in India.

Q 2. Which is the recently added dance form in the classical dance list of
India?
The Cultural Ministry of India has included Chhau in the list of classical dances that makes a total of 9 classical
dance forms.

Q 3. What is Karagattam?
Karagattam is an ancient folk dance of Tamil Nadu which is performed while worshipping the Goddess of rain.

Q 4. In how many categories Indian Dance Forms are classified?

Ans. In India, dance forms can be broadly classified into 2 categories- classical and folk dance form. These dance
forms have been originated from different parts of India as per the local tradition.

Q 5. Which state dance is Yakshagana?

Ans. Yakshagana is a traditional folk dance form popular in Coastal Karnataka districts. The Yakshagana is an
elaborate dance-drama performance unique to Karnataka. It is a rare combination of dance, music, song, scholarly
dialogues and colourful costumes.

Q 6. Is Kathak and Kathakali the same form of dance?

Ans. Kathakali is different from a similar-sounding Kathak, though both are Indian classical dance traditions of “story
play” wherein the stories have been traditionally derived from the Hindu epics and the Puranas.

Q 7. What is the difference between Kathak and Bharatanatyam?

Ans. The main difference between Kathak and Bharatnatyam is that Bharatnatyam is a South Indian dance tradition Hi there! Got any questions?

that originated around the state of Tamil Nadu, whereas Kathak is a Northern Indian dance tradition that was initially I can help you...
developed in Hindu temples. Kathak and Bharatnatyam are two classical dance forms of India.

Q 8. Kuchipudi dance form belongs to which state?

Ans. Kuchipudi is indigenous to the state of Andhra Pradesh and differs from the other five classical styles by the
inclusion of singing. Kuchipudi originated in the 17th century with the creation by Sidhyendra Yogi of the dance-
drama Bhama Kalapam, a story of Satyabhāma, the charming but jealous wife of the god Krishna.

Q 9. What is the dance of Gujarat?

Ans. Garba is a form of dance, as well as a religious and social event that originates in Gujarat, India. Garba is a
community circle dance from the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat. The word “garba” is also used to refer to the
event at which the garba is performed.

Q 10. What is the dance of Maharashtra?

Ans. Lavani is a genre of music popular in Maharashtra, India. Lavani is a combination of traditional song and dance,
which particularly performed to the beats of Dholki, a percussion instrument. Lavani is noted for its powerful rhythm.

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4 Comments

Shiv Panwar
AUGUST 4, 2020 AT 9:28 PM
(HTTPS://BYJUS.COM/FREE-IAS-PREP/INDIAN-DANCES/#COMMENT-131191)

What are major Dance forms of INDIA

REPLY (HTTPS://BYJUS.COM/FREE-IAS-PREP/INDIAN-DANCES/?REPLYTOCOM=131191#RESPOND)

Mentor
AUGUST 5, 2020 AT 12:22 PM
(HTTPS://BYJUS.COM/FREE-IAS-PREP/INDIAN-DANCES/#COMMENT-131449)

Learn about the 8 Classical Dance Forms in India (https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/indian-classical-

dances/) in the linked article.

REPLY (HTTPS://BYJUS.COM/FREE-IAS-PREP/INDIAN-DANCES/?REPLYTOCOM=131449#RESPOND)

Abhishek Kumar
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AT 2:06 PM
(HTTPS://BYJUS.COM/FREE-IAS-PREP/INDIAN-DANCES/#COMMENT-172088)
Hi there! Got any questions?

I can help you...

Sir how many total classical dance are there in India currently 2020

REPLY (HTTPS://BYJUS.COM/FREE-IAS-PREP/INDIAN-DANCES/?REPLYTOCOM=172088#RESPOND)