Summary of "Indian Classical Dances | Facts for UPSC l Art and Culture l StudyIQ IAS Hindi"

Summary of “Indian Classical Dances | Facts for UPSC l Art and Culture l StudyIQ IAS Hindi”

This video provides an overview of Indian classical dance forms, their history, significance, and distinguishing features, aimed at UPSC aspirants studying art and culture.

Main Ideas and Concepts

Introduction to Indian Classical Dance

India has a rich and diverse cultural heritage with dance as a significant art form.
Dance has been part of Indian tradition since ancient times, evidenced by archaeological findings such as sculptures from Mohenjodaro and cave paintings in Bhimbetka.
Classical dance is deeply connected to religious devotion and is mentioned in ancient texts like the Vedas, Puranas, Mahabharata, and Ramayana.

Eight Classical Dances Recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi

Bharatanatyam
Kuchipudi
Kathakali
Mohiniyattam
Odissi
Manipuri

(The video mainly discusses some of these key dances.)

Detailed Overview of Selected Classical Dances

1. Kathakali

Origin: Kerala, evolved under feudal patronage.
Nature: Narrative dance-drama depicting stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Performance: Usually by an all-male troupe.
Features:
- Use of body postures, hand gestures (mudras), and footwork to express the story.
- Minimal stage props.
- Color-coded makeup to signify character traits:
  - Red spot on nose = royalty.
  - Black = evil/vice.
  - Yellow = saints/women.
  - Completely red face = evil.
  - White beard = divine beings.
Language blend: Malayalam and Sanskrit.
Notable artist: Guru Gopinath Ganguly.

2. Bharatanatyam

Origin: Tamil Nadu, linked to the ancient text Natyashastra.
History: Initially performed by Devadasis; later revived and respected through efforts by freedom fighter Rukmini Devi Arundale.
Characteristics:
- Emphasis on body structure and postures resembling temple sculptures.
- Combines dance and expressive storytelling through Bhava (emotion), Raga (melody), and Tala (rhythm).
- Physical components: Sabang (head), Abhang (body), Trivang (limbs).
- Dance actions include Lepo Jati, Swaram, Shabdam, Varna, Padma, and Tilana.
- Known as the “fire dance” symbolizing fire in the human body.
Famous artists: Yamini Krishnamurthy, Lakshmi Vishwanath, Raja Reddy, Vedantam Satyanarayana, Swapna Sundari.

3. Odissi

Origin: Odisha, with references found in ancient caves (Udayagiri Khandagiri) and temples (Parameswaran, Sun Temple of Konark).
History: Performed by Maharis (temple dancers) and patronized by Jain king Kharavela.
Characteristics:
- One of the oldest surviving classical dances.
- Movements and expressions similar to Bharatanatyam.
- Unique feature: Dancers create imaginary figures on the floor with footwork.
- Themes often depict Lord Krishna.
- Hymns used are from Sanskrit drama Geet Govindam.
Notable artists: Guru Pankaj Charan Das, Guru Charan Mahapatra, Sonal Mansingh.

Important UPSC Exam-Related Points

Difference between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam:
- Kuchipudi uses contextually rigid syllables; Bharatanatyam does not.
- Bharatanatyam involves dancing on the edge of brass rivets; Kuchipudi does not.
Dance historically performed only by men but later performed by women due to Ragini Devi:
- Kathakali (Correct answer to 2013 UPSC question).

Methodology / Instructional Points

Understand the historical and cultural context of each dance form.
Recognize the significance of colors, costumes, and gestures in Kathakali.
Know the components of Bharatanatyam including its physical postures and dance actions.
Remember key artists associated with each dance form.
Be aware of differences between similar dance forms for exam preparation.
Review previous UPSC questions related to Indian classical dances for better exam readiness.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Primary Speaker: Shilpi (host and narrator from StudyIQ IAS Hindi channel)
Mentioned Artists:
- Guru Gopinath Ganguly (Kathakali)
- Yamini Krishnamurthy (Bharatanatyam)
- Lakshmi Vishwanath (Bharatanatyam)
- Raja Reddy (Bharatanatyam)
- Vedantam Satyanarayana (Bharatanatyam)
- Swapna Sundari (Bharatanatyam)
- Guru Pankaj Charan Das (Odissi)
- Guru Charan Mahapatra (Odissi)
- Sonal Mansingh (Odissi)
Historical Figures:
- Ragini Devi (credited with breaking male monopoly in Kathakali)

This summary captures the essence of the video and highlights the key points relevant for UPSC aspirants studying Indian classical dance forms under art and culture.