Main Classical Dances in India: List of 8 Classical Dance Forms with Origin, History and Key Features

Hello Aspirants 🙏,
If you observe recent trends in competitive exams, questions from Indian Classical Dances are asked regularly in UPSC, SSC, WBCS, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, Railways, and Police exams. Most questions are direct and scoring, like dance–state matching, features, or associated texts and costumes.
India officially recognizes eight classical dance forms, each rooted in ancient traditions, regional culture, and texts like the Natya Shastra.

List of Classical Dances of India (State-wise)

India has eight recognized classical dance forms, each deeply connected to the cultural, spiritual, and artistic traditions of its region. These dance forms developed through temple rituals, royal patronage, and systematic training, and are codified in classical texts like the Natya Shastra. They continue to be an important part of India’s Art and Culture syllabus for competitive exams.

📚 8 Classical Dances of India with State List

Sl No.	Classical Dance	State
1	Bharatanatyam	Tamil Nadu
2	Kathak	Uttar Pradesh
3	Kathakali	Kerala
4	Mohiniyattam	Kerala
5	Odissi	Odisha
6	Kuchipudi	Andhra Pradesh
7	Manipuri	Manipur
8	Sattriya	Assam

📚 Classical Dance Forms with Origin, History and Key Features

Bharatanatyam – Tamil Nadu

✅ One of the oldest classical dances forms of India.
✅ Originated in temple traditions of South India.
✅ Known for fixed upper body, bent legs, hand gestures (mudras), and facial expressions especially uses expressive eye movements.
✅ Important Personalities: T. Balasaraswati, Yamini Krishnamurti, Padmini Priyadarshni and Sonal Man Singh.

Kathak – Uttar Pradesh

✅ Developed from storytelling by Kathakars.
✅ Strong influence of Mughal courts.
✅ Famous for fast footwork, spins (chakkars), and ghungroos.
✅ Important Personalities: Birju Maharaj, Lacchu Maharaj and Sitara Devi.

Kathakali – Kerala

✅ A dance-drama form with elaborate costumes and face makeup.
✅ Themes mainly from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
✅ Performances are traditionally overnight.
✅ Important Personalities: Anand Sivaraman, Krishnakutty Mrinalini and Krishna Nair.

Kuchipudi – Andhra Pradesh

✅ Combines dance, drama, and music.
✅ Earlier performed only by male dancers.
✅ Known for graceful movements and expressive storytelling.
✅ Important Personalities: Yamini Krishnamurthy, Padamja Reddy, and Radha Reddy.

Odissi – Odisha

✅ Characterised by tribhangi posture (three-body bends).
✅ Strong link with Jagannath culture.
✅ Inspired by sculptures of Konark Sun Temple.
✅ Important Personalities: Kelucharan Mohapatra, Madhvi Mudgal, and Harekrishna Behera.

Manipuri – Manipur

✅ Soft, graceful, and devotional in nature.
✅ Closely associated with Raslila of Lord Krishna.
✅ Costumes are light and flowing, unlike other classical dances.
✅ Important Personalities: Nayana Jhaveri, Guru Amli Singh, and Neeleshwar Mukherjee.

Mohiniyattam – Kerala

✅ A female solo dance form.
✅ Name comes from Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu.
✅ Movements are gentle, circular, and lyrical.
✅ Important Personalities: Bharati Shivaji, Ragini Devi, and Radha Dutta.

Sattriya – Assam

✅ Developed in Vaishnavite monasteries (Satras).
✅ Introduced by Srimanta Sankardeva.
✅ Became a classical dance form in 2000.
✅ Important Personalities: Shrimat Shankardev, Sharodi Saukia, and Prabhat Sharma.

🚀 Quick Revision – Marks Booster

Total Classical Dances in India: 8
Oldest Classical Dance: Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)
Storytelling Dance Form: Kathak (Uttar Pradesh)
Dance Drama with Heavy Makeup: Kathakali (Kerala)
Temple-based Dance Forms: Bharatanatyam and Odissi
Soft and Devotional Dance: Manipuri (Raslila of Lord Krishna)
Female Solo Dance Form: Mohiniyattam (Kerala)
Most Recently Recognized Dance: Sattriya (Assam, recognized in 2000)

🎯 Exam Focus Tip:
Remember Dance + State + Key Feature. Most questions from this topic are direct and high-scoring in UPSC, SSC, WBCS, NDA, CDS, and State PSC exams.

❓ Classical Dances of India FAQs

How many classical dances are there in India?
Ans: India has 8 recognized classical dance forms, as acknowledged by the Sangeet Natak Academy.
Which is the oldest classical dance of India?
Ans: Bharatanatyam, originating from Tamil Nadu, is considered one of the oldest surviving classical dance forms with ancient textual references.

Which classical dance form was recognized most recently?
Ans: Sattriya dance from Assam was recognized as a classical dance form in 2000, making it the most recent addition.

Which classical dances originated in Kerala?
Ans: Kathakali and Mohiniyattam are the two classical dance forms that originated in Kerala.

Why are classical dances important for competitive exams?
Ans: Classical dances are part of the Art and Culture syllabus and are frequently asked in direct MCQs, especially in dance–state matching, features, and origin-based questions.

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