India is known for its rich cultural heritage. Diversification is the identity of the country. Indian dance is one of the most revered identities of our culture.
In India, dance forms can be broadly classified into 2 categories- classical and folk dance form.
These dance forms have been originated from different parts of India as per the local tradition.
This article will highlight the various Indian dance forms- classical and folk in brief. The dance forms of India are an important aspect of art and culture syllabus for IAS exam.
In 2012, Civil Services IAS Prelims examination, UPSC has asked a question about Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam. In 2014, UPSC has asked about Sattriya dance. Let’s have a glance through the Previous Year UPSC questions on Classical Dances.
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
Indian Dances with States is an important static GK topic for the UPSC exam. For information on various static GK topics check the article linked here.
For more on Indian classical dances, click on the linked article.
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 |
Questions based on these classical Indian dance forms are common in the UPSC exam for the prelims phase.
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:- Download PDF Here
Art and culture is an essential part of the IAS 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.
Relevant Links
Multiple Choice Question
Consider the following Statements
- The classical dance originates from Natya Shastra. The 2 basic aspects of Classical dance are Lasya and Tandava.
- Folk dance is associated with celebrating agricultural harvest or social gatherings like weddings, etc.
- Classical dances are performed by professional or highly trained dancers who have studied their form for many years. There are eight classical Dances in India.
- There are more than 30 folk dances in India. Some of the most popular folk dances are Ghoomer, Kacchi Gori Chari, Kalbelia; all of them originating from the state of Rajasthan.
Choose the correct answer from the below-given options
- None of the above statements are false.
- None of the above statements are true.
- Only Statements 2 and 3 are true.
- Only Statements 3 and 1 are true.
Answer: A
Related Links:
| UPSC 2022 | UPSC Books |
| UPSC Calendar 2022 | UPSC Notes |
| Government Exams | Folk Music in India |
Free Class
What are major Dance forms of INDIA
Learn about the 8 Classical Dance Forms in India in the linked article.
Sir how many total classical dance are there in India currently 2020
Sangeet Natak Academy (India’s National Academy) recognizes only eight classical dances of India, however, the Ministry of Culture also considers Chhau Dance as a classical dance of India, making the total number of classical dances in India as nine.