Dance is an art form which involves the movement of the body with rhythm. It is a form of expression which is presented as a social interaction or spiritual performance. Dance can also be referred to as a non verbal form of communication. Dance thus constitutes social, cultural, aesthetic and artistic meaning. It is a movement of the body with significance. History of Indian Dances is quite inimitable it unfurls the art form which is in existence in the country. Indian dance has a rich historical tradition.
It is believed that History of Indian Dances has its roots deeply seated with Natyashastra. Brahma created the Natyashastra in the beginning of Treta Yug, as a diversion that would be a great form of entertainment and pleasure to watch. After, he devised the Natyashastra; Bharata Muni was the first man to present two stories through Natya. After the presentation, Lord Shiva expressed his view of incorporating Tandava, in order to make the contribution of damsels really effective in a Natya. It was due to this, that Brahma then incorporated dance in Natya. Brahma then wrote a thesis on Natya Veda known as Natyashastra. It is detailed and covers all its aspects, such as stage-design, music, dance, and makeup, implicitly every aspect of stagecraft. It also contains deliberations on the different kind of postures, the mudras or hand formations and their meanings, the kind of emotions and their classifications. Thus, all the forms of Indian classical dances owe faithfulness to Natyashastra, which is regarded as the fifth Veda.
Archeological evidence affirms that the dance heritage in India dates back to at least 5000 years. A dancing girl figurine was found in the wreck of Mohenjodaro, which must have originated approximately in the 2nd Century B.C. History of Indian Dances can be traced from the many group-dancing sequences which are illustrated in delicate rock paintings of Bhimbhetka caves of Madhya Pradesh. The Apsaras or the Celestial dancers are inscribed gorgeously at the gateways of Sanchi. The wall paintings of Ajanta and Ellora, the temple walls of Hoysala dynasty, the sculptures of Khajuraho are ample proves showing the popularity of Indian dances since decades.
Through the centuries the dances are indicated as a medium of worship and expression of emotions in India. History of Indian Dances glorifies the temple dancers or the Devadasis. The Devadasis have led ascetic lives in order to perform holy dances to please Gods and Goddesses. The Indian classical dance form is said to be influenced by the Devadasi dance style. Various Indian kingdoms also provide proof about brilliant dancers. There were dancing halls where young female dancers were given intensive training. The training hall was decorated with various paintings which represented different dancing poses. These paintings were helpful for the dancers so that they could correct their steps. Ancient India finds references of the dance education offered to the performers.
In India, dance developed as a classical art and served as a medium between external world and internal teachings. Ancient India finds indication of the kings, queens and princesses being enthusiast of dance. In the ancient Indian kingdom, the kings used to accompany in flute or veena to the dancers. Thus dance in India developed on the basis of Bhakti or devotion, Nyaya or justice, Satya or truth, Ghanate or dignity and Soundarya or beauty. History of Indian dances adores classical dance forms. This form of dancing has history of long 2000 years. It has been observed that the classical style of dancing was developed in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Indian classical dance forms subsist in six different form including Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam, and Odissi.
Religious element always played a vital role in dancing. In ancient India, Shaivite tradition of dance originated on the belief and worship of Lord Shiva, the lord of dance. `Lasya` and `Tandava` were the very genesis of Lord Shiva`s dancing style. `Lasya` is the dance of aesthetic delight that reveals beauty, grace, love and all tender aspects of existence. Furthermore, it is believed that Shiva`s consort have performed dance in her manifestations as Kali and many other forms. Each of her dance form represents a particular `bhava`. Indian dances have implemented these forms and characteristics. History of Indian dances is also about the development of dance form based on Vaishnavite tradition. This is a particular dance style which is believed to have performed by Sri Krishna and 108 gopi`s in Vrindavan. Gradually this tradition has developed as rasalila, and is considered as a form of devotional dance.
The approaching of the Mughal dynasty in India contributed a radical change in the Indian dance form. The devadasi system prevailed in most parts of southern India. These institutions of dancing girls became an accepted part of Muslim society. However, Muslims of Agra illustrated various types of dancing girls. Although these dancing girls were different from the devadasis and they were highly sophisticated courtesans and repositories of culture and refinement. In addition to that the Kathak witnessed a change around the 15th century. As an influence to the Persian culture, kathak saw a great change in the costumes too.
Indian dance is divided into nritta- the rhythmic elements, nritya- the combination of rhythm with expression and natya- the dramatic element. All the Indian dances are based on these elements. Each form of classical dance represents the traditions and ethos of a particular region or a group of people. Several dance forms such as Kathak reached a new height after the period when the Mughals came to India. The Kathakaras or story tellers of northern India performed in modification and this became a stylish chamber art with the advent of Mughal culture. However, according to History of Indian Dances, after sometime the art of dance declined. Dancers started entertaining rich merchants, landlords and thus was considered disreputable.
With the coming of the British, in 1930, temple dancing was forbidden by the British government as it had lost its sanctity. It took quite a few years to remove the disgrace on dance. After many decades, dance came up to an eminent position. The period of Indian Independence led to vast phase of renaissance in the field of dancing.
In modern India, dance underwent various changes. Fusion dance form evolved, which involved an amalgamated style of both Indian and western style. In the Hindu Dharma, each expression was achieved through music and dancing and also through acting. Thus different forms of opera, ballet and drama originated. All these forms had special diction, types of characters and appropriate costumes. Indian dance is identified by their make-up, intonation, the representation of sentiments, emotional, style and movements of every limb. The Indian Dance form is one of the most well established arts. It has been developing for nearly two thousand years now. The modern concept of dance form was introduced by Uday Shankar. He is the pioneer of modern ballet in India and also contributed to the oriental form.
