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The dance heritage
of India is at least 5000 years old. A dancing girl figurine was found
in the ruins of Mohenjodaro and is dated approximately 2nd Century B.C.
Many group dancing sequences are depicted in exquisite rock paintings of
Bhimabetaka caves of Madhya Pradesh. The Apsaras (Celestials) dancers
are carved at the gateways of Sanchi. The wall paintings of Ajanta and
Ellora, the sculptures of Khajuraho, the temple walls of Hoysala
dynasty, stand ample evidence for popularity of Indian dances from
ancient times.
Through the
centuries the dances have been used as a vehicle of worship and
expression of emotions in India. The temple dancers (Devadasis) have led
a very austere lives in order to perform sacred dances to please Gods
and Goddesses. The Devadasi system is still prevalent in some states of
India. In Karnataka they are dedicated to the Goddess Yellamma of
Savadatti. In Orissa, they are appointed to perform various activities
of the temple.
A Temple Woman Dancing to Please Goddess |
Dancer from a Medieval Sculpture |
Lord Shiva and His Cosmic Dance |
The Portuguese
traveler, Domingo Paes visited the Vijayanagar kingdom in 1520-22 A.D.
and has left behind a vivid description of the dancers he saw in the
kingdom. His original chronicles have been preserved in the Bibliotheque
nationale de France, in Paris. He visited special dancing halls
where young female dancers were given intensive training. The walls were
decorated with paintings depicting various dancing poses which helped
the dancers to correct their steps. The king, Krishna Devaraya himself
took very keen interest in their dance education and periodically
visited these halls. During the Navaratri festival celebrations the
dance performances were given great importance. The dancers were adorned
with innumerable ornaments, made out of gold, pearls, and diamonds.
"At times the jewelry they wore use to be so heavy that the dancers
were supported by the other women who accompany them".
Dance in
Indian Society
Nataraja, the
dancing Lord Shiva, is the supreme manifestation of Indian dance. The
moon which he adorns in his head is the symbol complete control of
senses. The serpents wound around his body is the proof of his complete
control over vital life forces. His foot raised high over the wicked
demon, a symbol of triumph over the ego.
The Indian dances
have sprung from the religious urges of her people. Its thematic
contents are based on the rich mythological lore of the country. The
dance technique is based on a few ancient treatises, like the Natya
Shastra of sage Bharata, which were written nearly two millennia
ago. The Indian dances consists of three distinct types. "Nritta"
is pure and simple dance with movements of body and limbs. "Nritya"
is linked with facial expressions, hand gestures and symbolic body
poses. "Natya" has the elements of a drama which is introduced
through the use of spoken world. All the types involve the use of
"mudras", which are well developed types of gestures
during the dance. The dancers use their entire body to communicate with
the audience.
The major Indian
classical dances are: Bharata Natyam, Kathakali, Kathak and Manipuri,
Kuchipudi, Odissi and Mohini Attam. In addition, there are innumerable
folk and tribal dances spread all over the country.
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