Traditional Folk Dances of Indian States
Folk Dance – India is well-known for its cultural diversity. The country’s identity is based on diversity. One of our culture’s most valued identities is Indian dancing. Folk dances of different states are forms of expression that are done to portray society’s happiness, grief, and various moods. Over time, these folk dances have evolved into folk dances, adding individuality and innovation to Indian culture. Dance forms in India are generally divided into two categories: classical and folk dance. These dance traditions originated in diverse locations of India, according to local tradition.
What Makes a Dance a Folk Dance?
Folk should, logically, alter the noun dance to signify a specific type of dance and dancing, as well as the style or some other distinguishing element of the dance or performance. It should also make it clear who will be performing. However, the term folk dance, which has been around since the late 1800s, and its parent term folklore, which was coined in 1846, are not as descriptive or uncontroversial as they appear. The attitudes and goals of early researchers, as well as their audience, are at the root of much of the problem.
Folk was usually employed by those who did not believe themselves to be part of the folk but were secure in their knowledge of who the folk were. Some of these observers condescendingly portrayed folk communities as peasants, simple or quaint people who were ignorant and unconcerned about carrying on apparently primitive and ancient practices. These concluded that “genuine” flok dances were produced anonymously and passed down from generation to generation.
Folk Dance of Indian States
In India, there are various types of flock dances. Check out the states and their dances in the list of folk dances of India (फोक डांस ऑफ इंडिया).
State | Folk Dances |
Andhra Pradesh | Kuchipudi, Vilasini Natyam, Andhra Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Butta Bommalu |
Assam | Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal, Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Jhumura Hobjanai |
Bihar | Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama Chakwa, Bidesia |
Gujarat | Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai |
Haryana | Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor |
Himachal Pradesh | Jhora, Jhali, Chhathi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi |
Jammu and Kashmir | Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach, Damali |
Karnataka | Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi |
Kerala | Kathakali (Classical), Ottam Thulal, Mohiniattam, Kaikottikali |
Maharashtra | Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada |
Odisha | Odissi (Classical), Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari, Chhau |
West Bengal | Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan |
Punjab | Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand, Naqual |
Rajasthan | Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Kalbeliya |
Tamil Nadu | Bharatanatyam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi |
Uttar Pradesh | Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita |
Uttarakhand | Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila, Chappeli |
Goa | Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi nrutya, Jagar, Ranmale, Gonph, Tonnya mell |
Madhya Pradesh | Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni, Maanch |
Chhattisgarh | Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Bharthari Charit, Chandaini |
Jharkhand | Alkap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua,Hunta Dance, Mundari Dance, Sarhul, Barao, Jhitka, Danga, Domkach, Ghora Naach |
Arunachal Pradesh | Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Bardo Chham |
Manipur | Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Khamba Thoibi, Nupa Dance, Raslila, Khubak Ishei, Lhou Sha |
Meghalaya | Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho |
Mizoram | Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam, Par Lam, Sarlamkai/Souvlakia, Tlanglam |
Nagaland | Rangma, Bamboo Dance, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim, Temangnetin, Hetaleulee |
Tripura | Hojagiri |
Sikkim | Chu Faat Dance, Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion Dance, Yak Chaam, Denzong Ganesha, Tashi Yangku Dance, Khukuri Naach, Chutkey Naach, Maruni Dance |
Lakshadweep | Lava, Kolkali, Parichakali |
Classical Dance in India
Even though India has many dances from all throughout the country, only six classical dance genres are recognised on a national basis. Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, and Odissi are the dance forms.
The list of classical dances in India is given below:
List of Classical dances in India | State of Origin |
Bharatnatyam | Tamil Nadu |
Kathak | Uttar Pradesh |
Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh |
Odissi | Odisha |
Kathakali | Kerala |
Sattriya | Assam |
Manipuri | Manipur |
Mohiniyattam | Kerala |
Origin of Dance Forms of Indian States
Indian dances date back thousands of years. Dancing figures can be seen in the cave paintings of Madhya Pradesh’s Bhimbetka rock shelters. Dancing figures can also be seen in sculptures from the Indus Valley Civilization. The scripture Natya Shastra, written by the sage Bharata, contains information about the origins of dance in India. This text comes from the second century AD. Lord Brahma is credited with creating dance in this literature, and he derives his wisdom from the four Vedas.
Questions Frequently Asked
Q: Which is India’s oldest dance form?
Ans: Bharatnatyam is India’s oldest dancing form.
Q: Which is the national dance of India?
Ans: Bharatanatyam is India’s national dances.
Q: Bihu is an Indian folk dance name from which state?
Ans: Bihu is an Assamese folk dance of India.
Q: Name some famous folk dances of Rajasthan.
Ans: The famous folk of India state dances of Rajasthan are- Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor.
Q: Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo are folk dances of which state?
Ans: These folk dances are famous in Goa.
Final Thoughts
Essentially, Indian folk and tribal dances are simple expressions of delight performed to mark the change of seasons, the birth of a child, weddings, and festivals. Folk art is the collective artistic expression of a group of people or a region. The identity of the creators has been lost over time, but the aesthetic has survived. Most of the time, dancers sing by themselves, accompanied by musicians. Each type of famous folk dances of India has its own clothing and rhythm, and some of the outfits are extremely colorful, with elaborate gems and decorations.