Study Guide · Chapter 4
Master Reference Table
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Comparative Table of Classical Dances
| Dance | State | Associated Deity/Theme | Distinctive Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bharatanatyam | Tamil Nadu | Shiva (Nataraja) | Margam sequence, fixed geometric postures |
| Kathak | Uttar Pradesh | Krishna, court culture | Chakkars (spins), tatkar (footwork) |
| Kathakali | Kerala | Ramayana/Mahabharata epics | Elaborate make-up, all-male traditionally |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh | Krishna | Tarangam on brass plate |
| Odissi | Odisha | Jagannath/Krishna | Tribhangi posture |
| Manipuri | Manipur | Radha-Krishna (Ras Lila) | Soft, non-percussive movement |
| Mohiniyattam | Kerala | Vishnu (Mohini form) | Solo, lyrical, feminine grace |
| Sattriya | Assam | Vaishnavite (Sankardeva tradition) | Monastic origin, Ankiya Naat |
Major Folk and Tribal Dances by State
| State | Folk Dance(s) |
|---|---|
| Punjab | Bhangra (male, harvest), Giddha (female) |
| Gujarat | Garba, Dandiya Raas |
| Rajasthan | Ghoomar, Kalbelia (snake charmer community), Bhavai |
| Maharashtra | Lavani, Koli (fisherfolk), Dhangari Gaja |
| Goa | Dekhni, Fugdi |
| West Bengal | Chhau (also Odisha/Jharkhand), Gambhira, Baul |
| Odisha | Chhau (Mayurbhanj), Ghumura |
| Jharkhand | Chhau (Seraikella), Karma, Jhumar |
| Bihar | Jat-Jatin, Kajari |
| Assam | Bihu, Bagurumba |
| Nagaland | War dances of Naga tribes |
| Manipur | Thang-Ta (martial), Lai Haraoba |
| Himachal Pradesh | Nati |
| Uttarakhand | Chholiya |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Rouf, Dumhal |
| Karnataka | Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha |
| Andhra Pradesh/Telangana | Kolattam, Perini Shivatandavam |
| Tamil Nadu | Karagattam, Kummi |
| Kerala | Theyyam, Kaikottikali |
| Madhya Pradesh | Karma, Matki |
| Uttar Pradesh | Nautanki, Raslila, Charkula |
| Haryana | Ghoomar, Phag dance |
Costume and Music Accompaniment Quick Reference
| Dance | Typical Music | Key Instruments |
|---|---|---|
| Bharatanatyam | Carnatic | Mridangam, Nattuvangam (cymbals), Veena, Flute |
| Kathak | Hindustani | Tabla, Sarangi, Harmonium |
| Kathakali | Sopana Sangeetham (Kerala vocal style) | Chenda, Maddalam, Chengila |
| Kuchipudi | Carnatic | Mridangam, Violin, Flute |
| Odissi | Odissi music (own gharana) | Pakhawaj, Flute, Sitar |
| Manipuri | Manipuri devotional | Pung (drum), Kartal (cymbals) |
| Mohiniyattam | Carnatic (Sopanam influence) | Mridangam, Veena, Idakka |
| Sattriya | Borgeet (Sankardeva compositions) | Khol (drum), Cymbals, Flute |
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