Classical Dance Forms of South India
India has a thousand year old tradition of fine arts, classical ,folk music and dances. Some of the world famous dance forms that originated and evolved in India are Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam, Kathakali and Odissi to name a few. All these dance forms have their roots in the Natya Shastra. These dance formsare similar in basic “mudras” or signs of hand as a common language of expression which were originally performed in temples as sanctity.Then it was carried forward with various mythological stories with different generations to entertain the audience.It eventually became a part of ‘Natya Shastra’ as propounded by Sage Bharata who compiled some rules and regulations of this art.
With time the classical dances evolved with expressions and themes of social life experiences. Lord Shiva is considered to be Lord of all dances so he is called ‘Nataraja’. He is said to perform the Cosmic dance that delicately balance life,death and all that is happening in the Universe in harmonious cycles.
The most popular and well known south Indian dance forms are Bharathanatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi and Mohiniattam.
Bharathanatyam
Bharathanatyam is one of the most popular Indian classical dances in Tamilnadu and Karnataka. It is almost 2000 years old. It is believed that Bharathanatyam was revealed by Lord Brahma to Bharathamuni a famous sage who coded this sacred dance in a Sanskrit text called the Natya Shastra. It was performed exclusively by women. Bharathanatyam remained exclusive to Hindu temples through 19th Century though it was banned by the British rulers in the year 1910. It was revived later and brought to the forefront by Rukmani Devi Arundale.
Kuchipidi
Kuchipudi is another well known dance form of south india. It derives its name from the village of Kuchipudi in Andra Pradesh. The village of Kuchipudi was presented to the Brahmins in the early 17th century, who were experts in staging dance and drama. It is a dance form which is deeply devoted to Lord Krishna and rooted in the ancient Hindu Sanskrit textual content of the Natya Shastra.
Kathakali:
Originated in the 17th century from the South Indian state of Kerala, Kathakali is India’s one of the most famous classical dance-drama form. This dance form is renowned for its illustrious style, alongside heavy costumes and makeup that is combined with painted masks and huge headdresses. This famous South Indian classical form is an inspiration from the mythical story of Ramayana.Kathakali’s vocal execution has customarily been in Malayalam and it is commonly performed by men even for the role of a female.
Mohiniyattam:
Mohiniyattam is one of the most famous classical dance form, named after the Hindu mythological female avatar of Lord Vishnu, Mohini. In ancient times this famous South Indian classical dance originated from the state of Kerala was generally performed by women in temples of Kerala in the royal courts. Mohiniyattam is also considered as a semi- classical dance form and it slightly resembles Bharatanatyam. This dance form is known for its enchanting elegance, aesthetic movements, and stunning ensembles.
