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DANCES OF INDIA
Indian dancing related back to Shiva role as
a Natraja, Lord of the Dance. It is said that when Lord
Shiva shook his hand drum, the world heard its first
rhythm and when he moved his body in tune with its beat,
the universe came into being. Classical dancers conceive the
dance as the highest form of worship they dedicate themselves to
Shiva - the dancing Nataraja and the supreme symbol of cosmic
energy. Along with offering flowers to the God for worship
people offer dance and music as well. Dancing was the part of
the religious temple rituals and the dancers were known as
devdasis . As dance is considered as the most pure and
beautiful expression of the human spirit. Indian dance,
the concept of Rasa of the aesthetic mood holds the central
place. Nine Rasas are recognized - Shringara or love in
all its variations, devotion, humour, pathos, heroism, fury,
terror, disgust, wonderment and peace.
Indian dance is divided into nritta - the
rhythmic elements, nritya - the combination of rhythm with
expression, and natya - the dramatic element. Nritya is usually
expressed through eye, hand and facial movements and with nritta
makes up the usual dance programmes.
The Natya Sastra written in
3rd century BC, is generally recognised as the most
authoritative work on the subject. According to Bharata's
exposition of the art of histrionics, dancing is a part of
drama, and the classical dancer is, therefore ,essentially, a
storyteller, with the descriptive power of a poet. For this
purpose, traditional Indian dancing employs a highly developed,
symbolical gesture language which is almost as eloquent as
poetry. A hastamudra (hand gesture) , for instance, can be used
to convey such a wide range of meanings as pearl, fragrance, a
drop of water, silence, salvation, generosity, testing medicine,
and calling the beloved.
There are numerous mudras and the
possibilities of expression through their combinations are
infinite. There is always a set pattern for the musical
accompaniment. The literary content of the song is interpreted
in abhinaya or mime, of which hand gestures are an important
part.
A characteristic feature of classical dancing is the use of
intricate patterns of rhythm which are evident in the footwork.
To understand this dance form you have to understand and
appreciate Indian legends and mythology.
Some classical dance forms of India associate
with different States are:-
- Bharatnatyam-Tamil Nadu
- Kathak-Uttar Pradesh
- Kathakali-Kerala
- Kuchipudi-Andhra Pradesh
- Manipuri-Manipur
- Mohiniattam-Kerala
- Odissi-Orissa
Generally speaking in India there is a dance for every occasion. Only factor which divides them is the regional and cultural influences. For instance in Punjab people do Bhangra and in Gujarat- Garba. Dancing is an inherent part of the Indians.
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