Dance Forms in India
The 2 major dance forms in India are classical and folk dance. The major 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:
- Shringar: Love
- Hasya: Humorous
- Karuna: Sorrow
- Raudra: Anger
- Veer: Heroism
- Bhayanak: Fear
- Bibhats: Disgust
- Adbhoot: Wonder
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 |
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 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, 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
Art and culture is an essential part of the syllabus and every year, questions are asked from this section in both the prelims and mains exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the oldest dance form in India?
Bharatnatyam is the oldest dance form in India.
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.
What is Karagattam?
Karagattam is an ancient folk dance of Tamil Nadu which is performed while worshipping the Goddess of rain.
