1 Flashcards
List the eight classical dances of India recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
- Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)
- Kathak (Uttar Pradesh)
- Kathakali (Kerala)
- Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
- Manipuri (Manipur)
- Mohiniyattam (Kerala)
- Odissi (Odisha)
- Sattriya (Assam)
These dances represent the rich cultural heritage of India.
Which dance form is recognized as the 9th classical dance by the Ministry of Culture, and where is it from?
Chhau, from West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
What are the nine Rasas recognized in Indian classical dances?
- Shringar (Love)
- Hasya (Humorous)
- Karuna (Sorrow)
- Raudra (Anger)
- Veer (Heroism)
- Bhayanak (Fear)
- Bibhats (Disgust)
- Adbhoot (Wonder)
- Shanta (Peace)
Which ancient texts form the foundation of Indian classical dance technicalities?
- Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni
- Abhinaya Darpan by Nandikeshwara
- Sangeet Ratnakar by Sharangdev
Describe the origins of Bharatanatyam and its historical context.
Originated in Tamil Nadu
Previously called Sadir Attam
Refashioned from temple dance performed by Devadasis
Krishna Iyer coined the term ‘Bharatanatyam’.
What are the three primary components of Bharatanatyam?
- Nritta: Pure dance without emotions, focusing on rhythm and movements.
- Nritya: Expressive dance using facial expressions and hand gestures (mudras).
- Natya: Dramatic storytelling through dance.
What type of music accompanies Bharatanatyam?
Classical Carnatic music.
What are the six portions of a Bharatanatyam performance?
- Alarippu: Invocation with rhythmic movements.
- Jathiswaram: Pure dance without lyrics.
- Shabdam: Short compositions with words and emotions.
- Varnam: The centerpiece, combining Nritta and Nritya.
- Padam: Expressive dance with devotional songs (Bhajan/Keerthanam).
- Tillana: Concluding dance with fast rhythms, originating from Hindustani Tarana.
What is Abhinaya, and how is it classified in Bharatanatyam?
Abhinaya is the art of expression and is classified into four types:
1. Satvika Abhinaya: Emotional expressions reflecting the character’s mind.
2. Angika Abhinaya: Physical expressions using body movements.
3. Vachika Abhinaya: Verbal expressions through music and dialogue.
4. Aharya Abhinaya: External expressions through costumes and makeup.
Mention some temples associated with Bharatanatyam.
- Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram: Features 108 carved poses of Bharatanatyam.
- Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur: Center for Bharatanatyam since 1000 C.E.
- Badami Cave Temples, Karnataka: Features a sculpture of Lord Shiva as Nataraja performing Tandava.
Name key Bharatanatyam dancers.
- Rukmini Devi Arundale
- Yamini Krishnamurti
- Bala Saraswati
- Mrinalini Sarabhai
- Padma Subramanyam
Where did Kuchipudi originate, and what does its name signify?
Originated in the village of Kuchelapuram, Andhra Pradesh.
Name derived from ‘Kusilava Puram,’ meaning ‘village of actors.’
Who were the key figures in the development of modern Kuchipudi?
Tirtha Narayana Yeti
Siddhendra Yogi (his disciple)
What are the key features of Kuchipudi dance?
Combines speech, mime, and pure dance.
Dancers must be skilled in both singing and dancing.
Incorporates Nritta, Nritya, and Natya elements.
Uses Darus (introductions of the main character).
