Direct Answer: The Sangeet Natak Akademi (India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama) officially recognizes 8 Classical Dance forms of India: Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (Uttar Pradesh / North India), Kathakali (Kerala), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Sattriya (Assam), Manipuri (Manipur), and Mohiniyattam (Kerala). All classical dances trace their theoretical foundations to Bharata Muni's ancient treatise, the Natya Shastra.
The 8 Classical Dance Forms Table
| Dance Form |
State of Origin |
Key Distinctive Features & Themes |
Eminent Exponents |
| 1. Bharatanatyam |
Tamil Nadu |
Oldest classical dance tradition; evolved from Devadasi temple tradition (Dasiyattam). Characterized by fixed upper torso, bent legs (aramandi), crisp rhythmic footwork, and expressive eye gestures. |
Rukmini Devi Arundale, Yamini Krishnamurthy, Padma Subrahmanyam |
| 2. Kathak |
Uttar Pradesh / Northern India |
Derived from 'Katha' (storytellers). Famous for intricate footwork (Tatkar), rapid pirouettes (Chakkars), and mime. Major gharanas include Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras. |
Pandit Birju Maharaj, Sitara Devi, Shambhu Maharaj |
| 3. Kathakali |
Kerala |
Dance-drama known for elaborate colorful face makeup (Paccha, Kathi, Thadi), heavy headgear, stylized hand mudras, and vigorous facial expressions portraying epic battles between good and evil. |
Kalamandalam Gopi, Guru Kunchu Kurup |
| 4. Kuchipudi |
Andhra Pradesh |
Originated in Kuchelapuram village by Siddhendra Yogi. Combines fast-paced rhythmic footwork with dramatic dialogue. Unique item: Tarangam (dancing on the rim of a brass plate holding a pot of water on the head). |
Raja & Radha Reddy, Yamini Reddy, Swapnasundari |
| 5. Odissi |
Odisha |
Evolved from the Mahari temple dancers. Known for sculptural body postures reminiscent of Konark sun temple sculptures, particularly the iconic Tribhanga posture (three-bend body curve) and Chowk. |
Kelucharan Mohapatra, Sonal Mansingh, Sanjukta Panigrahi |
| 6. Sattriya |
Assam |
Introduced in the 15th century by Vaishnavite saint-reformer Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva in monastic institutions (Sattras). Recognized as a classical dance by Sangeet Natak Akademi in the year 2000. |
Jatin Goswami, Bhabananda Barbayan |
| 7. Manipuri |
Manipur |
Centuries-old devotional dance celebrating Radha-Krishna's Raas Leela. Distinguished by gentle, sinuous, floating movements without abrupt jerks, ankle bells (ghungroos) are not worn, and female dancers wear the cylindrical stiff skirt called Kumil. |
Guru Bipin Singh, Jhaveri Sisters (Darshana, Nayana, Suverna, Ranjana) |
| 8. Mohiniyattam |
Kerala |
The dance of the enchantress (Mohini, celestial avatar of Vishnu). Solo dance by women marked by graceful, swaying, circular torso movements like palm leaves waving in the breeze. Costume features white/off-white kasavu saree with gold border. |
Sunanda Nair, Kanak Rele, Bharati Shivaji |
Note for UPSC/Competitive Exams: While Sangeet Natak Akademi officially recognizes 8 dances, the Ministry of Culture also includes Chhau (folk/martial dance of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha) in its list, bringing the count to 9 under cultural ministry programs.
