Mallika Sarabhai is associated with which artform?
Mallika Sarabhai is an activist and Indian classical dancer and actress from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Mallika is an accomplished Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dancer and performer who has specialized in using the arts for social change and transformation.
She received the Padma Bhushan by government of India.
What are the classical dances of India?
Sangeet Natak Academy (India’s National Academy) recognizes eight classical dances of India.
Bharatanatyam
Originating from Tamil Nadu.
Earlier its name was Sadhir Attam.
Bharatanatyam is a temple dance and it tells stories from various Hindu scriptures.
The foundations of Bharatanatyam are present in Natya Shastra.
Historical reference of Bharatanatyam style is found in spics like Manimegali (6th century) as well as Silappatikaram (2nd century).
2. Kathak
Kathak originated from the state of Uttar Pradesh.
It is a mix of worshipping deities and story narration.
Grace, hand gestures and body pose as well as eye movements combine to make Kathak a graceful sight.
The music that accompanies a Kathak performance uses different classical instruments like Sarangi Seeta, Manjira, Tabla, Harmonium, etc.
3. Odissi
Originating from Odisha.
Temple dance form
The ‘bhakti bhava’ aspect, of an Odissi performance, is surreal.
The central theme of the dance form is Lord Jagannath’s worship.
The other themes of Odissi are inspired by the sun god, Vaishnavism, Shakti as well as Lord Shiva.
4. Manipuri
From the state of Manipur.
Based on the ‘Raasleela’ trope where Radha and Lord Krishna share a dance.
Manipuri is considered a religious dance form, which combines singing as well as dancing.
5. Mohiniyattam
From Kerala.
The central theme of this dance form is devotion to God.
Mudras or hand gestures are important in Mohiniyattam.
6. Kuchipudi
This Indian dance form gets its name from the Kuchipudi village in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Temple dance.
A Kuchipudi performance begins much like a religious act, with water sprinkling, lighting incense and invoking god’s blessings.
In addition to this, it is a magnificent dance form comprising 28 hand mudras or hand gestures.
In the Sanskrit text Natya Shastra, Bharata Muni describes the graceful Kuchipudi as Kaishiki vritti.
7. Kathakali
Originated in the 17th Century, Kerala.
The makeup in Kathakali is very significant.
The ‘Pacha’ or green facial makeup represents a noble character.
While ‘Kathi’ and ‘Kari’ means a villain as well as a demon respectively.
In addition, there are also three types of beards that are a part of Kathakali makeup.
8. Sattriya
From Assam
There are several different forms of Sattriya such as Mati Akhara, Jhumura, Krishna Nritya, Nadubhangi, Gopi Prabesh, Gosain Prabesh, Chali, etc.
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