General Studies 1

State: Manipur History Manipuri is an ancient classical dance form that originated in the northeastern region. Lai Haraoba is the earliest form of dance in Manipur, and it forms the basis of all such dances. It has its roots in … Continue reading →

State:  Odisha Theme: The major subjects of performance are lores of incarnations of Lord Vishnu and verses of Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda. Feature A soft dance backed by soothing lyrics and is similar to Bharatanatyam in terms of the mudras and … Continue reading →

State: Kerala Other Name: Also known as the dance of Mohini (incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Performance  Mostly a solo performance. The Lasya aspect is dominating. Malayali poet V.N Menon revived it along with Kalyani Amma. Reference Vyavaharamala written in 1709 … Continue reading →

State: Kerala Influenced by: Chakiarkoothu, Koodiyattam, Krishnattam and Ramanattam. Features Kathakali is a blend of dance, music and acting and dramatises stories, which are mostly adapted from the Indian epics. Heavy make-up and stunning costumes are used. The dancers enact … Continue reading →

State: Andhra Pradesh Features It derives its name from a village in Andhra Pradesh. It was known under the generic name of Yakshagana. It is performed as dance drama i.e. performance in groups and also as solo items.

State: Tamil Nadu Source: The Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikesvara is one of the main sources of textual material dealing with Bharatnatyam Dance. Features Bharatnatyam dance is known to be ekaharya, where one dancer takes on many roles. The dance involves … Continue reading →

As per Natya Shastra, there are two basic aspects of Indian classical dance Lasya – It denotes grace, bhava, rasa, and abhinaya. It is symbolic to the feminine features of dance as an art form.  Tandava – This is symbolic … Continue reading →

Harappan Culture The art of dancing may be traced back to Harappan culture.  The discovery of the bronze statue of a dancing girl in tribanga posture testifies to the fact that some women in Harappa performed dances. Rig Veda The … Continue reading →

Tata Vadya These are the chordophones or string instruments that function best when their sound is modified by hand. Stringed Instruments are of three varieties: Bowed: The instruments where the sound is produced by drawing a bow across the strings. … Continue reading →

Points of Difference Hindustani Music Carnatic Music Influence Arab, Persian, and Afghan Indigenous Freedom Scope for artists to improvise. Hence scope for variations. Less scope for improvisation Sub-styles Several sub-styles lead to the emergence of ‘Gharanas’. Only one particular prescribed … Continue reading →