The cultural variety of India is well-known. Indian dancing forms are one of our culture's most prized identities. The oldest mention of dance and its forms may be found in the Natyashastra literature from the first century BC. Even before the historical eras, the most basic creatures of the Indian Subcontinent—the inhabitants of Upper Paleolithic times—are represented in cave paintings enjoying different dances. For example, the Bimbeteka and Lakhundyar Cave Paintings. There are two types of modern dance styles in India: classical and folk dance forms. These dancing traditions, according to local legend, arose in diverse parts of India. You must also read the Most Important List of Lists for Government Exams
This article will provide a general introduction to the many Indian dance styles, as well as the states where they originated, both classical and folk. India's dance traditions are an important element of the IAS exam's art and culture syllabus. In the Civil Services IAS Prelims test in 2012, UPSC offered a question about Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam. In 2014, the UPSC inquired about the Sattriya dance. Let's look at some Classical Dances questions from past UPSC examinations.
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India's Dance Forms
Classical and folk dance are the two most popular dance forms in India. The origin is the most significant distinction between Classical and Folk dancing. The Natya Shastra, in which the distinctive elements of each of the Classical dance forms are outlined, has a long history with classical dance. Folk dance, on the other hand, arose from the state's, ethnic, or geographic region's local tradition.
India's Classical Dance
The Natya Shastra is the source of classical dance. According to the source and researcher, India has eight traditional dance genres. The Indian Cultural Ministry has added Chhau to the list of classical dances, bringing the total number of classical dance forms to nine.
The following are the eight basic technicalities expressed in classical dance:
- Shringar: Love
- Hasya: Humorous
- Karuna: Sorrow
- Raudra: Anger
- Veer: Heroism
- Bhayanak: Fear
- Bibhats: Disgust
- Adbhoot: Wonder
The UPSC exam includes a static GK topic called Indian Dances with States.
The list of classical dances in India is given below:
The list of classical dances in India is given below:
List of Classical dances in India |
State of Origin |
Bharatnatyam | Tamil Nadu |
Kathak | Uttar Pradesh |
Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh |
Odissi | Odisha |
Kathakali | Kerala |
Sattriya | Assam |
Manipuri | Manipur |
Mohiniyattam | Kerala |
India's Folk Dances
In India, folk dances showcase the culture and traditions of the group from which they came.
Folk dances are typically performed at communal celebrations such as births, festivals, and weddings.
In India, there are many different types of folk dances.
Folk dances are typically performed at communal celebrations such as births, festivals, and weddings.
In India, there are many different types of folk dances.
The following is a list of Indian folk dances:
State of Origin |
List of Folk Dances in India |
Andhra Pradesh | Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam. |
Arunachal Pradesh | Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir |
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 Pradesh | Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu |
Jammu & Kashmir | Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach |
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, Bamboo Dance, 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 |
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We hope our complete list of Indian states and their dance forms turned out to be a useful resource for your exam preparation. Art and culture are important aspects of the syllabus, and questions from this section are asked in both the prelims and mains exams every year.
If you're preparing for government job exams, then these informational articles will help you |
India is well-known for its cultural diversity. The country's identity is based on diversity. One of our culture's most valued identities is Indian dancing. The earliest reference to dance and its forms is available in the 1st BC text of Natyashastra. Even before the historic periods the most primitive beings of the Indian Subcontinent- the people of Upper Paleolithic times- are depicted enjoying various dances in cave paintings. Eg - the Cave Paintings of Bimbeteka, and Lakhundyar. You must also read the Most Important List of Lists for Government Exams
The Modern Dance forms in India can be divided into two categories: classical and folk dance forms. According to local tradition, these dance traditions evolved in various locations of India.
This page will give a basic overview of the numerous Indian dance traditions along with their states of origin, both classical and folk. India's dance styles are an essential part of the art and culture syllabus for the IAS exam. UPSC asked a question concerning Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam in the Civil Services IAS Prelims test in 2012. The UPSC questioned about Sattriya dance in 2014. Let's have a look at some of the Classical Dances questions from previous UPSC exams.
General Knowledge Ebook Free PDF: Download Here | Current Affairs Ebook Free PDF: Download Here | Attempt Free Mock Tests- Click Here |
India's Dance Forms
Classical and folk dance are the two most popular dance forms in India. The origin is the most significant distinction between Classical and Folk dancing. The Natya Shastra, in which the distinctive elements of each of the Classical dance forms are outlined, has a long history with classical dance. Folk dance, on the other hand, arose from the state's, ethnic, or geographic region's local tradition.
India's Classical Dance
The Natya Shastra is the source of classical dance. According to the source and researcher, India has eight traditional dance genres. The Indian Cultural Ministry has added Chhau to the list of classical dances, bringing the total number of classical dance forms to nine.
The following are the eight basic technicalities expressed in classical dance:
- Shringar: Love
- Hasya: Humorous
- Karuna: Sorrow
- Raudra: Anger
- Veer: Heroism
- Bhayanak: Fear
- Bibhats: Disgust
- Adbhoot: Wonder
The UPSC exam includes a static GK topic called Indian Dances with States.
The list of classical dances in India is given below:
The list of classical dances in India is given below:
List of Classical dances in India |
State of Origin |
Bharatnatyam | Tamil Nadu |
Kathak | Uttar Pradesh |
Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh |
Odissi | Odisha |
Kathakali | Kerala |
Sattriya | Assam |
Manipuri | Manipur |
Mohiniyattam | Kerala |
India's Folk Dances
In India, folk dances showcase the culture and traditions of the group from which they came.
Folk dances are typically performed at communal celebrations such as births, festivals, and weddings.
In India, there are many different types of folk dances.
Folk dances are typically performed at communal celebrations such as births, festivals, and weddings.
In India, there are many different types of folk dances.
The following is a list of Indian folk dances:
State of Origin |
List of Folk Dances in India |
Andhra Pradesh | Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam. |
Arunachal Pradesh | Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir |
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 Pradesh | Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu |
Jammu & Kashmir | Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach |
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, Bamboo Dance, 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 |
Explore our list of free courses curated for your benefits click here
We hope our complete list of Indian states and their dance forms turned out to be a useful resource for your exam preparation. Art and culture are important aspects of the syllabus, and questions from this section are asked in both the prelims and mains exams every year.
If you're preparing for government job exams, then these informational articles will help you |
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Which is the oldest dance of India?
Based on archaeological findings, Odissi is believed to be the oldest of the surviving Indian classical dances.
What is the national dance of India?
Bharatanatyam is the national dance of India.
What is the history of Indian dance?
Dances performed in India are considered to have originated in the Vedic period, circa 1000 B.C., including dances and ceremonies. Creation is described in the earliest Indian religious scriptures as a dance.
Is Subli a folk dance?
The Sublî is a devotional traditional dance of the Philippines' Tagalog ethnolinguistic group.