Post on 30-Jan-2023
THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Principal Investigator Prof. S. P. Bansal, Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi
University, Rewari
Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Prashant K. Gautam, Director, UIHTM, Panjab
University, Chandigarh
Paper Coordinator Prof. Manoj Dixit, Vice Chancellor, RML Awadh
University, Uttar Pradesh
Paper Co-Coordinator Dr. Praveen Rana, Department of Tourism, Banaras
Hindu University, Varanasi
Content Writer Dr. Sandeep Walia, Head of Department, UITHM,
Chandigarh University, Punjab
Content Reviewer Prof. S. P. Bansal, Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi
University, Rewari
Paper 10: Tourism Products of India
Module- 11: Elements of Indian Art: Dance and Music
Items Description of Module
Subject Name Tourism and Hospitality
Paper Name Tourism Products of India
Module Title Elements of Indian Art: Dance and Music
Module Id Module No-11
Pre- Requisites Basic knowledge about Indian Culture
Objectives To understand the Element of Music and Dance in Indian Scenario
Keywords Culture, India, Dance, Music
Module 11: Elements of Indian Art: Dance and Music
1 Learning Outcome
2. Introduction
3. Dances of India
3.1 Classical Dances
3.1.1 Bharatanatyam
3.1.2 Kathakali
3.1.3 Kathak
3.1.4 Manipuri
3.1.5 Kuchhipudi
3.1.6 Odissi
3.1.7 Mohiniyattam
3.6.8 Sattriya
4. Folk Dances of India
5. Indian Music
5.1 Classical Music
5.1.1 Hindustani Music
5.1.2 Carnatic Music
5.2 Folk Music
5.3 Modern Music
6. Ballet and Indian Dances
7. Summary
1 LEARNING OUTCOME
After completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Know what is dance in Indian culture
• Difference between Classical and Folk dances of India
• Contributions of Classical, Folk and Modern Music
• Relationship between Culture, Dance and Music
2. INTRODUCTION
India is a diverse land and variety can be seen in its every field including culture. This
diversity adds uniqueness to the culture of India. The diversity, variety, uniqueness can also
be witnessed in the Indian Culture. Culture is too wide a term and includes, dress, dance,
handicraft, architecture, music, art forms etc. The variety in dance in India is displayed on the
basis of region, religion, and hence they are performed for religious as well as celebration
purposes. Even the caves in which early man dwelt have paintings of these early man dancing
and merry making. Then the Vedic period also testifies that hymns were chanted in a certain
manner which had notes and later were enacted like a play. The NATASUTRAS are a treatise
related to the dance history of India and even writings of the sage Panini as early as 500 BC
testifies these facts. The later vedic texts of Shilalin and Krishashva were the first people who
did in-depth studies of natya -drama, nritya- dance and Sangeet-Music. The sangeet talks of
seven suras in India and is all encompassing and very comprehensive art.
3. DANCES OF INDIA
The two most vivid division that can be done of Indian dance is the classical dances and the
folk dances. There are ample of differences and similarity between them. The classical dances
have spiritual element in it. The folk dances have spiritual and religious element but the
celebration element makes it more popular. There are many forms of classical as well as
Indian folk dances.
3.1 CLASSICAL DANCES
Classical dance are a rich heritage of Indian tradition. There are approximately eight main
classical dances classified by Sangeet Natya Shastra Academy. They are names as
Bharatnatyam
Kathakali
Kathak
Manipuri
Kuchipudi
Odissi
Mohiniyattam
Sattriya
Let us discuss these in details
3.1.1 BHARATANATYAM It traces its origin from the sate of Tamil Nadu, one of the metros of
South India. It holds its roots to the Natya Shastra a very old scripture on theatre authored by the
mystical priest Bharata. Initially it was performed in the temple courtyards for the God, performed by
women to narrate the Hindu theology and its stories. It was not performed outside the periphery of
the temple. The posture of bent legs segregate it from the other dance forms and had multiple mudras
in the form of hand gestures which helped to narrate the stories. Sari is drat it acquires a belt like
structure dividing both the legs. The navel area is also covered with a belt. The shingar
(ornamentation) of the dancer is done with very special jewellery from Tamil Nadu made from gold.
Flowers adorn the bun of the performers and is known as Gajra.
3.1.2 KATHAKALI It belongs to the ancient art form of Kerala in India. It is of religious origin. The
Ramayana as a scripture and Shiva as a God inspire the performer in many ways. It used to be a man
domain as female roles were also performed by young boys. The makeup, costumes and
headdresses/headgears were very ornate in this dance form. From the domains of the temple it has
now moved to the public spheres and now performed at local functions too. The costume is like a
frock and afull blouse along with it. Headdress or a headgear is the most prominent ornamentation of
a Kathakali dancer. The makeup sometimes takes half a day and is paint like as expressions come out
best through them. The jewellery is made of silver and gold both.
3.1.3 KATHAK It is a North India dance. It is a romantic dance form. Initially it was for the divine
but slowly came to the court and then to the commoners. Man and woman both were used as
performers. There are some very versatile, flexible, yet smooth movements. Mudras or hand gestures
are very important and are mixed with facial expressions. The footwork is the ultimate part of this
dance form. The dancer wears an array of beads or ghungroos on her feet and then tries to replicate
the instrument’s voice which the accompanists are playing. It originates from the Kathavachaks or the
story tellers who used a mixed form of storytelling alongwith music and dance to convey their
stories. The costumes can be anyone of the following saree, ghagra, choli, churidar and frock. Men
wear churidars too. Makeup is light but sharplines are used. Special Kundan and peral jewellery is
used.
3.1.4 MANIPURI It belongs to the state of Manipur in the north-east. Lord Krishna is the main
subject or the theme. Lot of rituals and folk traditions are depicted. The rhythms, the scenes from
Lord Krishna’s life and the graceful movements add different dimensions to this dance. Lot of
chanting is accompanied with this dance alongwith a choir which sings with chorus. The male and
female dresses are different. Dhoti, kurta is generally worn by the males. It is accompanied by shawl
and a turban. Females have a skirt as a dress but it is in a barrel shape, the blouses are made from
velvet. Veils are used and cover the face.
3.1.5 KUCHIPUDI Kuchipudi belongs to the state of the Andhra Pradesh. The dancer is all alone on
the stage making it a solo performance. The dancer has to be well versed in dancing as well as
singing. It is high on spiritual element. It copies the rituals of the puja like sprinkling water, burning
the incense stick, and reciting the name of the Goddesses. Initially it was a male domain but later
females entered to do their parts. Saree is worn by the female artists with light makeup. Earlier saree
was draped but now stitched versions are available. Men wear dhotis.
3.1.6 ODISSI One of the oldest art form in terms of classical dance it is from the state of Orissa. The
woman are the main performers as they have to replicate the design of a temple. There are fifty plus
madras and uses a lot of expressions. The hand gestures here are also pre dominant.
Costume is made from traditional weaved material of Orissa. Sarees and dhotis are used by males and
females. The crowns that females wear are from Jagannath Puri. The bun of females is adorned with
gajras or garlands. Silver is used as a metal for jewellery and ghungroos are a part of it.
3.1.7 MOHINIYATTAM Tracing the dance form’s origin from the state of Kerala. It is a extremely
soft, calm and a very gentle dance. It is exclusively done by females as is a female dance form. It is
dedicated to the female avatar of Lord Vishnu. The costume is saree or a dhoti and is generally light
cream, off-white ion shades. Bun is tied known as kuduma and heavy ornaments are used.
3.6.8 SATTRIYA It is the latest entry to be classified as a classical dance of India in the year 2008
and Assam was recognized its state. Radha and Krishna is the main theme of the dance performance.
It has a masculine and a feminine form. It is performed in cultural evenings too. Men wear dhoti, a
chadar and a turban. Females wears chadar, waist cloth known as Kanchi which is locally made in
Assam. To represent demons masks are also used at times. Local jewellery from Assam is used.
4. FOLK DANCES These dances are a reflection of a people of a region or a whole country. Dances
which are of ritualistic origin are religious dances or classical dances and are not considered folk
dances. Ethnicity and traditionalism are two parameters of folk dances. These dances are the dance of
the common people and reflect their day to day life. These are performed during social gatherings like
marriage, birth ceremonies, etc. by local people who may have no professional trainings. It is
performed on the traditional music of the local area or the region. It may be performed on stage but it
is generally a public dance form. Traditions and rituals dominate the layout and there is minimal room
for innovation. As people grow up they imbibe the learning as no formal initiation or training is done.
Folk dances may also have their categories. One of the first categories is the Folkloric Dance which
has a metaphysical root. It is performed on the rites of religion and has ritualistic behavior. It reminds
of the life that is no more existential in this time. Then there can be Folky Dance which traces its
origin to agrarian societies. The purpose of the dance has been lost but yet the dance form is kept
intact in the modern times. Then in this categorization the next could be the popular dance which is
popular in the lower rungs of the social order may be peasants. Then there may be an Elite dance
which had its origin in the courts and is a part of elite or upper classes of the society. Mass dances
owe their origin to folk dances. Then there are Art Dances which have long lost their contact with
folklores yet they somehow have over a period of time acquired their own traditions. They are elitist
in nature. Then there are traditional folk dances. These are the ones that are still evolving.
Lists of Indian Folk dances are mentioned below:
LIST OF FOLK DANCES OF INDIA
S.No STATE DANCE FORM
1 Andhra Pradesh Kuchipudi.
Kottam
2 Assam Ojapali
Bihu
Ankia Nat
3 Arunachal Pradesh Lion and Peacock dance
Chalo
Popir
Bardo Chham
Aji Lamu
4 Bihar Jata Jatin
Faguna or Fag
Purbi
Bidesia
5 Chhatisgarh Panthi
Raut Nacha
6 Gujarat Dandya Ras
Garba Lasya Nritya
Bhavai
Garba
Rasila
Trippan
7 Goa Fugdi
Dekhnni
Tarangamel
Dhalo
8 Haryana Swang
Khoria
Gugga dance
Loor
Sang
Dhama
9 Himachal Pradesh Luddi Dance
Munzra
Kanayala
Giddha Parhaun
Hikat
10 Jammu and Kashmir Rouf
Chakri
11 Jharkhand Karma
12 Karnataka Yakshagana
Bayalata
Simha Nutrya
Dollu Kunitha
Veeragase
13 Kerala Chakiarkoothu
Kathakali
Mohiniattam
Ottam Thullal
Chavittu Natakam
Kaikotti Kalai
Koodiyattam
Krishnavattam
Mudiyettu
Tappatri Kai
Theyyam
14 Lakshadweep Lava
15 Madhya Pradesh Macha
Lota
Pandvan
Tertali
Charkula
Jawara
Matki dance
Phulpatti dance
Grida dance
Maanch
Gaur maria dance
16 Mizoram Chiraw (Bamboo Dance)
17 Manipur Thang ta
Dhol cholom
Manipuri
18 Maharashtra Tamasha
Dahi Kala
Lavani
Lezim
19 Odisha Odissi
Savari
Ghumara
Paika
Chhau
Gotipua
Sambalpur
20 Puducherry Garadi
21 Punjab Bhangra
Giddha
Daff
Dhaman
Malwai
Jhumar,
Karthi
Kikli
Sammi
Dandass
Ludi
Jindua
22 Rajasthan Ghumar
Chakri
Gangaur
Jhulan
Leela
Jhuma
Suisini
Ghapal
Kalbelia
23 Sikkim Singhi chham
Yak Chaam
Maruni
Rechungma
24 Tamil Nadu Bharatnatyam
Kumi
Kolattam
Kavadi
Karagattam
Theru koothu
Bommal attam
Puliyaattam
Oyilattam
25 Telangana Perini Thandavam
Dappu
Lambadi
26 Tripura Hojagiri
Goria
Lebang Boomani
27 Uttarakhand Chholiya
Jagars
Thali-Jadda
Jhainta
Barada Nat
28 Uttar Pradesh Nautanki
Raslila
Kajri
Jhora
Chhapeli
Jaita
29 West Bengal Jatra
Chau
Kathi
5. INDIAN MUSIC India is a land of five rivers but it is also a land of seven notes or the sapt swars.
Indian traditions have music imbibed and embedded in them. The variety amazes the listeners from
melodies to classical. The music is as old as the vedic tradition as the Vedas describe the different
kind of wind and string instruments. The drums also have been discussed in the Vedas. The Kings and
their courts had an elaborate arrangement for music. Even the mughal rulers who came from outside
of India and made India their home patronized the music and the musician in their courts. Tansen is
still known as one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court.
The music can be demarcated into two neat parts the classical side of music and the folk side of
music. The classical can be further sub divided into North Indian or the Hindustani music and the
other being the Carnatic or South Indian music. This division came out in the 16th century and this can
be applicable to both the vocal and the instrumental music. A third sub division is getting in shape
which is the modern/popular/film music.
5.1 CLASSICAL MUSIC The classical music is bifurcated into two neat parts the Carnatic Music
prominently dominant in the peninsular region and the other is the Hindustani music more
prominently dominant in the North eastern and Central Regions. This will include the concept of
Shruti, Swar, Alankar, Raga and Tala.
5.1.1 HINDUSTANI MUSIC Originated from the Carnatic music and took birth in the thirteenth and
the fourteenth century. The Vedas helped it to develop when they have taken the hymns form and they
were sung and chanting was not done. It is known as Hindustani as it is a combination of vedic,
ancient, Indian traditions and the influence of the Persian practices of the Mughals.
5.1.2 CARNATIC MUSIC The Carnatic music has been around since fourteenth and the fifteenth
century. It traces it origin to South India. It is very close to the Hindustani music and have fixed
compositions and is very soulful. The main area of concentration is the vocal part and mainly sung but
performed on instruments too. In terms of Ragas or notes it is very rich and has seven million plus
ragas out of which three hundred are more popular.
5.2 FOLK MUSIC Folk music is celebration music largely performed on weddings. Festivals, birth
ceremonies, initiation ceremonies etc. Each state like its folk dance has its unique folk music too.
Some more known names are BAUL – which is from the Bengal region of India and extends to the
neighboring Bangladesh. It is a result of bhakti movement influenced by kabir and other Bhakti cult
propagators. It followed an oral tradition and is highly emotives and is not penned down. It could be
played upon Ektara, Dotara, Duggi, Dhol, Manjira etc. BHAJAN- is also a form of folk music. It will
have a religious or spiritual idea embedded in it with regional flavours. There is no fixed format. It
has lyrics and based on different ragas generally contain life incidents of Gods and saints. It is also a
result of Bhakti movements. It has its modifications like in Vaishnism, Shivism, Jainism and Shabd
Kirtan in Sikhism. ODISSI- It originated from the Indian state of Orissa which has Southeastern
location. Odramagadhi exists in the form of Odissi. It is a base for the Odissi dance and performance
is done on this music. RABINDRA SANGEET – These are songs composed by Tagore and are two
hundred and thirty in number. These have Bengal base and is widely use din folk music of Bengal.
THUMRI- It is semi classical in form. It is a mix of dance, drama, gestures, eroticism, evocative, and
is popular in Uttar Pradesh with variants spreading to neighboring states. Besides these DADRA,
GHAZAL, QAWWALI, CHAITI, KAJARI and SUFI are few to name.
5.3 MODERN MUSIC The post modern or the advent of twentieth century witnessed a massive
change in the music scenario. The language and the rhythms all became very modern. The modernity
in terms of compositions creped in. Many foreign, new instruments were introduced too. Modern
cinema gave support to this music and in this multiple musicians were employed. It became a period
of playback singers who used their voices for on screen actors and performers. It captured the fantasy
of the youth as they made it a fashion and a fad. The result of these are live concerts where like
minded people get together and witness their favorite musicians and singers performing often to dance
performances of their favorite actors too.
6. BALLET AND INDIAN DANCES
The current genre may recognize classical dance forms but seem to be almost unaware of the folk
dances. Jhijhi, Jhumar, Jogira, Natua nach are alien words to the young generation’s dictionary. India
has treatise when it comes to different classical and folk dance forms and the ballet can easily be base
don a mix of them. The difference that one can trace between the west and the east form of ballet is
the timings, the western ballets have their base in the present whereas as eastern value system we live
across the periods of time, present, past and future. This is much reflected in our performances.
Mythology, Theology, Religion, Spiritualism are inseparable part of our ballets. These concepts takes
us back to our roots which will connect us and are relevant in all the times to come. The ballet has to
start with a theme which then is turned into characters, the costumes, effects, lights and props on the
stage. Mix of light and sound is also needed. A good brainstorming session is needed with the
performers and the director. Choreography, practice sessions, full dress rehearsals are activities that
are often repeated to take it to a level of perfection.
7. SUMMARY
Thus we see India has a rich culture and music and dance is intertwined in it. The religion and
spiritual India is deeply connected to the dance and music forms and their survival over a period of
years are an ample proof that still there are patrons who want to keep the traditions alive. There are
government and private organizations that are working hard to keep up their popularity. The various
researches conducted and the attempts to popularize them both within and outside India will help to
keep these traditions alive and we will be able to pass them to our next generation.