The 8 Classical Dances of India

The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognizes only 8 classical dances.
(Note: The Ministry of Culture includes "Chhau" as the 9th, but for most exams, the answer is 8).
The most common confusion is between Kathak (North) and Kathakali (South).

1. North India

KATHAK 💃

Uttar Pradesh

• Theme: Storytelling (Katha). Influenced by Mughal courts.
• Unique Feature: Fast Footwork (Tatkar) and Spins (Chakkars).
• Costume: Anarkali suit or Lehenga.

2. South India (The Dravidian 4)

BHARATANATYAM 🔥

Tamil Nadu

• Theme: Oldest form. Temple dance (Devadasis).
• Unique Feature: Fire Dance (movements resemble dancing flame).
• Postures: Fixed upper torso, bent legs.

KATHAKALI 🎭

Kerala

• Theme: Dance-Drama (Ramayana/Mahabharata).
• Unique Feature: Elaborate Face Paint (Pacha/Kathi) and Eye Movements.
• Gender: Traditionally performed by men (even female roles).

KUCHIPUDI 🍽️

Andhra Pradesh

• Unique Feature: Tarangam – The dancer performs on the edge of a Brass Plate.
• Style: Speech/Dialogue is used (unlike others which are silent).

MOHINIYATTAM 🦢

Kerala

• Meaning: Dance of the Enchantress (Vishnu as Mohini).
• Unique Feature: Solo woman dance. White & Gold saree (Kasavu).
• Style: Gentle, swaying movements.

3. East India

ODISSI 🕉️

Odisha

• Unique Feature: Tribhanga – The body bends in 3 parts (Neck, Waist, Knee).
• Visual: Looks like a "Mobile Sculpture".

MANIPURI 🥁

Manipur

• Theme: Raas Leela (Radha-Krishna).
• Unique Feature: Potloi (Cylindrical stiff skirt). No sharp ankle bells (Ghungroos).
• Prop: Pung Cholom (Drum dance).

SATTRIYA 🧘

Assam

• Founder: Saint Sankaradeva (15th Century).
• Origin: Vaishnavite Monasteries (Satras).
• Status: Newest classical dance (Added in 2000).

Famous Dancers Cheat Sheet

Dance	Famous Exponents
Kathak	Birju Maharaj, Sitara Devi
Bharatanatyam	Rukmini Devi Arundale, Yamini Krishnamurthy
Odissi	Kelucharan Mohapatra, Sonal Mansingh
Kuchipudi	Raja & Radha Reddy
Manipuri	The Jhaveri Sisters

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Revision Flashcards

Tribhanga

Which dance posture?

Odissi

The "Three-Bend" posture (Neck, Waist, Knee) is unique to Odissi.

Sattriya

Who founded it?

Sankaradeva

In the 15th Century, as a way to spread Vaishnavism in Assam.

Tarangam

What is it?

Kuchipudi

The dancer performs rhythmic footwork while balancing on the rim of a Brass Plate.

Kasavu Saree

Which dance?

Mohiniyattam

The dancer always wears a White saree with a Golden border (Kerala style).

Exam-Style MCQs

Q1. Which classical dance form was introduced by the great saint Sankaradeva?

A) Manipuri

B) Sattriya

Correct! It originated in the Satras (monasteries) of Assam.

C) Odissi

Q2. Which dance form is known for the use of "Potloi" (Cylindrical Skirt)?

A) Kathak

B) Manipuri

Correct! The stiff, barrel-shaped skirt is a trademark of Manipuri Raas Leela.

C) Mohiniyattam

Q3. "Birju Maharaj" is associated with which dance form?

A) Kathak

Correct! He was the leading exponent of the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Kathak.

B) Kathakali

C) Kuchipudi

Part of the Indian Culture Revision Series.