Classical Dances of India
Scriptural roots, origins, key exponents & the distinguishing features exams love to test.
Indian classical dance is where devotion meets metaphysics. This guide covers the scriptural foundation, the three pillars of every performance, the nine rasas, and each of the eight codified classical forms — with a portrait, origin, features and famous exponents for all of them.
Scriptural roots & cosmic energy
The grammar of every classical form traces to the Natya Shastra of Sage Bharata (c. 2nd century BCE–2nd century CE), with the Abhinaya Darpana of Nandikeshvara detailing gesture & expression. Each dance balances two cosmic energies.
Tandava
Bold, vigorous movement, rapid rhythm and raw power.
Lasya
Gentle, graceful, fluid and lyrical movement.
Nritta · Nritya · Natya
Every performance weaves together three distinct components.
Abstract rhythmic movement — footwork, patterns & speed, with no story.
Conveys feeling & theme through bhava (expression) and mudras (gestures).
Theatrical storytelling — dancers map out characters and plot.
The Navarasas
The goal of a performance is to evoke a Rasa (aesthetic flavour) in the audience by projecting a Bhava (emotional state). The nine key rasas:
The 8 Classical Dances of India
Recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Each card: state, origin, distinguishing features and famous names.
Tamil NaduBharatanatyam
Northern India (UP)Kathak
KeralaKathakali
OdishaOdissi
Andhra PradeshKuchipudi
ManipurManipuri
KeralaMohiniyattam
AssamSattriya
Master Art & Culture with Parcham
Structured notes, mnemonics by Richa Ma'am and full current-affairs coverage — everything for the GK/GS section, in one place.
📞 9929507407 · ✉️ support@parchamclasses.in