Indian states and their folk dances: Know about the classical folk dances of India

Safalta Expert Published by: Saloni Bhatia Updated Tue, 26 Apr 2022 05:22 PM IST

Highlights

Find the complete list of Indian states and their dance forms. Folk dances of India are an important aspect from Exam's point of view. Classical and folk dance are the two most popular dance forms in India.

Free Demo Classes

Register here for Free Demo Classes

Please fill the name
Please enter only 10 digit mobile number
Please select course
Please fill the email
Something went wrong!
Download App & Start Learning
The cultural variety of India is well-known. Indian dancing forms are one of our culture's most prized identities. The oldest mention of dance and its forms may be found in the Natyashastra literature from the first century BC. Even before the historical eras, the most basic creatures of the Indian Subcontinent—the inhabitants of Upper Paleolithic times—are represented in cave paintings enjoying different dances. For example, the Bimbeteka and Lakhundyar Cave Paintings. There are two types of modern dance styles in India: classical and folk dance forms.

Source: Safalta.com

These dancing traditions, according to local legend, arose in diverse parts of India. You must also read the Most Important List of Lists for Government Exams
 
This article will provide a general introduction to the many Indian dance styles, as well as the states where they originated, both classical and folk. India's dance traditions are an important element of the IAS exam's art and culture syllabus. In the Civil Services IAS Prelims test in 2012, UPSC offered a question about Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam. In 2014, the UPSC inquired about the Sattriya dance. Let's look at some Classical Dances questions from past UPSC examinations.
 
General Knowledge Ebook Free PDF: Download Here Current Affairs Ebook Free PDF: Download Here Attempt Free Mock Tests- Click Here
 

India's Dance Forms

Classical and folk dance are the two most popular dance forms in India. The origin is the most significant distinction between Classical and Folk dancing. The Natya Shastra, in which the distinctive elements of each of the Classical dance forms are outlined, has a long history with classical dance. Folk dance, on the other hand, arose from the state's, ethnic, or geographic region's local tradition.

India's Classical Dance

The Natya Shastra is the source of classical dance. According to the source and researcher, India has eight traditional dance genres. The Indian Cultural Ministry has added Chhau to the list of classical dances, bringing the total number of classical dance forms to nine.

The following are the eight basic technicalities expressed in classical dance:

  • Shringar: Love
  • Hasya: Humorous
  • Karuna: Sorrow
  • Raudra: Anger
  • Veer: Heroism
  • Bhayanak: Fear
  • Bibhats: Disgust
  • Adbhoot: Wonder
The UPSC exam includes a static GK topic called Indian Dances with States.

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

India's Folk Dances

In India, folk dances showcase the culture and traditions of the group from which they came.
Folk dances are typically performed at communal celebrations such as births, festivals, and weddings.
In India, there are many different types of folk dances.

The following is a list of Indian folk dances:

State of Origin

List of Folk Dances in India

Andhra Pradesh Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam.
Arunachal Pradesh Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir
Assam Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal.
Bihar Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya
Chhattisgarh Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik
Gujarat Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai
Goa Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi nrutya, Jagar, Ranmale
Haryana Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor.
Himachal Pradesh Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu
Jammu & Kashmir Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach
Jharkhand Alkap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua
Karnataka Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga
Kerala Ottam Thullal, Kaikottikali
Maharashtra Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar
Madhya Pradesh Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni
Manipur Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom
Meghalaya Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho
Mizoram Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam
Nagaland Rangma, Bamboo Dance, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim
Odisha Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari
Punjab Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand
Rajasthan Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal
Sikkim Chu Faat, Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion, Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha, Tashi Yangku
Tamil Nadu Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi
Tripura Hojagiri
Uttar Pradesh Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli
Uttarakhand Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila
 

Explore our list of free courses curated for your benefits click here


We hope our complete list of Indian states and their dance forms turned out to be a useful resource for your exam preparation. Art and culture are important aspects of the syllabus, and questions from this section are asked in both the prelims and mains exams every year.
 

If you're preparing for government job exams, then these informational articles will help you

Indian states' chief ministers and governors

How to prepare computer awareness for bank exams

Important dates and days in the year

UPSC full form

Visual vocabulary term


 

Indian states and their folk dances: Know about the classical folk dances of India

Source: Safalta.com

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. The earliest reference to dance and its forms is available in the 1st BC text of Natyashastra. Even before the historic periods the most primitive beings of the Indian Subcontinent- the people of  Upper Paleolithic times- are depicted enjoying various dances in cave paintings. Eg - the Cave Paintings of Bimbeteka, and Lakhundyar. You must also read the Most Important List of Lists for Government Exams

The Modern Dance forms in India can be divided into two categories: classical and folk dance forms. According to local tradition, these dance traditions evolved in various locations of India.
 
This page will give a basic overview of the numerous Indian dance traditions along with their states of origin, both classical and folk. India's dance styles are an essential part of the art and culture syllabus for the IAS exam. UPSC asked a question concerning Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam in the Civil Services IAS Prelims test in 2012. The UPSC questioned about Sattriya dance in 2014. Let's have a look at some of the Classical Dances questions from previous UPSC exams.
 
General Knowledge Ebook Free PDF: Download Here Current Affairs Ebook Free PDF: Download Here Attempt Free Mock Tests- Click Here
 

India's Dance Forms

Classical and folk dance are the two most popular dance forms in India. The origin is the most significant distinction between Classical and Folk dancing. The Natya Shastra, in which the distinctive elements of each of the Classical dance forms are outlined, has a long history with classical dance. Folk dance, on the other hand, arose from the state's, ethnic, or geographic region's local tradition.

India's Classical Dance

The Natya Shastra is the source of classical dance. According to the source and researcher, India has eight traditional dance genres. The Indian Cultural Ministry has added Chhau to the list of classical dances, bringing the total number of classical dance forms to nine.

The following are the eight basic technicalities expressed in classical dance:

  • Shringar: Love
  • Hasya: Humorous
  • Karuna: Sorrow
  • Raudra: Anger
  • Veer: Heroism
  • Bhayanak: Fear
  • Bibhats: Disgust
  • Adbhoot: Wonder
The UPSC exam includes a static GK topic called Indian Dances with States.

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

India's Folk Dances

In India, folk dances showcase the culture and traditions of the group from which they came.
Folk dances are typically performed at communal celebrations such as births, festivals, and weddings.
In India, there are many different types of folk dances.

The following is a list of Indian folk dances:

State of Origin

List of Folk Dances in India

Andhra Pradesh Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam.
Arunachal Pradesh Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir
Assam Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal.
Bihar Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya
Chhattisgarh Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik
Gujarat Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai
Goa Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi nrutya, Jagar, Ranmale
Haryana Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor.
Himachal Pradesh Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu
Jammu & Kashmir Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach
Jharkhand Alkap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua
Karnataka Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga
Kerala Ottam Thullal, Kaikottikali
Maharashtra Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar
Madhya Pradesh Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni
Manipur Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom
Meghalaya Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho
Mizoram Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam
Nagaland Rangma, Bamboo Dance, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim
Odisha Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari
Punjab Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand
Rajasthan Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal
Sikkim Chu Faat, Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion, Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha, Tashi Yangku
Tamil Nadu Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi
Tripura Hojagiri
Uttar Pradesh Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli
Uttarakhand Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila
 

Explore our list of free courses curated for your benefits click here


We hope our complete list of Indian states and their dance forms turned out to be a useful resource for your exam preparation. Art and culture are important aspects of the syllabus, and questions from this section are asked in both the prelims and mains exams every year.
 

If you're preparing for government job exams, then these informational articles will help you

Indian states' chief ministers and governors

How to prepare computer awareness for bank exams

Important dates and days in the year

UPSC full form

Visual vocabulary term


 

Important points to remember

  • English is an important section of  SSC, Banking, Railways & Defence exams and aspirants who are preparing for the upcoming exams in 2021 must be well prepared with this section
  • It includes the subject of English (Tuesday: Idiom and Phrases | Thursday: New Paper Analysis | Saturday: Previous Year Paper Discussion)
  • Alternate Days Recorded Sessions
  • Course subscription for Life Time
  • Downloadable PDF study material to boost your preparation
  • Recorded Backup available for quick Revision

Which is the oldest dance of India?

Based on archaeological findings, Odissi is believed to be the oldest of the surviving Indian classical dances.

What is the national dance of India?

Bharatanatyam is the national dance of India.

What is the history of Indian dance?

Dances performed in India are considered to have originated in the Vedic period, circa 1000 B.C., including dances and ceremonies. Creation is described in the earliest Indian religious scriptures as a dance.

Is Subli a folk dance?

The Sublî is a devotional traditional dance of the Philippines' Tagalog ethnolinguistic group.

Free Demo Classes

Register here for Free Demo Classes

Trending Courses

Professional Certification Programme in Digital Marketing (Batch-5)
Professional Certification Programme in Digital Marketing (Batch-5)

Now at just ₹ 49999 ₹ 9999950% off

Master Certification Digital Marketing Program Batch-10
Master Certification Digital Marketing Program Batch-10

Now at just ₹ 64999 ₹ 12500048% off

Advanced Certification in Digital Marketing Online Programme (Batch-22)
Advanced Certification in Digital Marketing Online Programme (Batch-22)

Now at just ₹ 20999 ₹ 3599942% off

Advance Graphic Designing Course (Batch-9) : 90 Hours of Learning
Advance Graphic Designing Course (Batch-9) : 90 Hours of Learning

Now at just ₹ 15999 ₹ 3599956% off

Flipkart Hot Selling Course in 2024
Flipkart Hot Selling Course in 2024

Now at just ₹ 10000 ₹ 3000067% off

Advanced Certification in Digital Marketing Classroom Programme (Batch-3)
Advanced Certification in Digital Marketing Classroom Programme (Batch-3)

Now at just ₹ 29999 ₹ 9999970% off

Basic Digital Marketing Course (Batch-24): 50 Hours Live+ Recorded Classes!
Basic Digital Marketing Course (Batch-24): 50 Hours Live+ Recorded Classes!

Now at just ₹ 1499 ₹ 999985% off

WhatsApp Business Marketing Course
WhatsApp Business Marketing Course

Now at just ₹ 599 ₹ 159963% off

Advance Excel Course
Advance Excel Course

Now at just ₹ 2499 ₹ 800069% off