There is sculptural evidences from all parts of India that underlines the rich tradition of dance that flourished over a thousand years ago. Through this evidence, we see that in ancient India dance and music were not only seen as ways to celebrate, but also as offerings of worship and thanksgiving to the diety. Over the course of time, the dance forms practiced in different parts of the country were codified and development distinct identities according to the geographic, socio-economic and political conditions of each region. All dance forms were structured around the nine ‘Rasa’ or emotions. They are Hasya (happiness), Shoka (sorrow), Krodha (anger), Karuna (compassion), Bhibatsa (disgust), Adhbhuta (wonder), Bhaya (fear), Viram (courage) and Shanta (serenity).

There is sculptural evidences from all parts of India that underlines the rich tradition of dance that flourished over a thousand years ago. Through this evidence, we see that in ancient India dance and music were not only seen as ways to celebrate, but also as offerings of worship and thanksgiving to the diety. Over the course of time, the dance forms practiced in different parts of the country were codified and development distinct identities according to the geographic, socio-economic and political conditions of each region. All dance forms were structured around the nine ‘Rasa’ or emotions. They are Hasya (happiness), Shoka (sorrow), Krodha (anger), Karuna (compassion), Bhibatsa (disgust), Adhbhuta (wonder), Bhaya (fear), Viram (courage) and Shanta (serenity).

EAST

 

Naga Dance

 

Each tribe of the Nagas has its distinct style of performing this dance. The Nagas live in Manipur, Tripura, Nagalamd, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Assam. In this dance, the erect torso and the unbent knees always maintain a balance of deportment which is marked by an austerity and dignity in the earlier phases. The later phase of the dance exhibits an ecstatic vigour. The floor patterns of the Naga dances are one of the most complex and intricate amongst the tribes in India. The formations are determined by the social organisation of the tribe. For example, a single dancer leads the dance of those who subscribe to the institution of headman and similarity group formations are common to those where a council governs.

NORTH

 

Dumhal : The Dumhal is a dance performed by men in the Wattal tribe of Kashmir. The performers wear long colourful robes and tall conical caps which are studded with beads and shells. These performers move in a procession, carrying a banner in a ceremonial fashion. This banner is then dug into ground and the men begin to dance, forming a circle. The musical accompaniment comprises of a dum and the singing of the participants.

Dance

 

There is sculptural evidences from all parts of India that underlines the rich tradition of dance that flourished over a thousand years ago. Through this evidence, we see that in ancient India dance and music were not only seen as ways to celebrate, but also as offerings of worship and thanksgiving to the diety. Over the course of time, the dance forms practiced in different parts of the country were codified and development distinct identities according to the geographic, socio-economic and political conditions of each region. All dance forms were structured around the nine ‘Rasa’ or emotions. They are Hasya (happiness), Shoka (sorrow), Krodha (anger), Karuna (compassion), Bhibatsa (disgust), Adhbhuta (wonder), Bhaya (fear), Viram (courage) and Shanta (serenity).