India Dance

About Indian Dance

Dance in India comprises the varied styles of dances in the country. As with other aspects of Indian culture, different forms of dances originated in different parts of India, developed according to the local traditions and also imbibed elements from other parts of the country.

In Hindu mythology, dance is believed to have been conceived by Brahma. Brahma inspired the sage Bharata Muni to write the Natya Shastra, a treatise on performing arts, from which a codified practice of dance and drama emerged. He used pathya (words) from the Rigveda, abhinaya (gestures) from the Yajurveda, geet (music) from the Samaveda and rasa (emotions) from the Atharvaveda to form the Natyaveda (body of knowledge about dance). The best-known of Hindu deities—Shiva, Kali and Krishna—are typically represented dancing. Shiva's cosmic dance, tandava, Kali's dance of creation and destruction and Krishna's dance with the gopikas (cow-herd girls)—Rasa Lila—are popular motifs in Hindu mythology.

India Classical Dance

Indian classical dance is the embodiment of a whole range of expressions, which include fantasy and yogic discipline. The different forms represent the meeting point of three arts: music, drama and dance. Though highly defined and codified, they are perceived primarily as a form of worship, as homage to the almighty. Their classicism lies in the continuity of an unbroken history of over five thousand millennia, one which overwhelms yet inspires.

Using the body as a medium of communication, the expression of dance is perhaps the most intricate and developed, yet easily understood art form.

Indian dance is a blend of

NRITTA - the rhythmic elements
NRITYA - the combination of rhythm with expression and
NATYA - the dramatic element

Classical Indian Dances

1.Bharat Natyam - Classical Dance from Tamil Nadu.
2.Kathak - Classical dance from Northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
3.Kuchipudi - Classical dance from Andhra Pradesh.
4.Kathakali - Traditional dance from Kerala.
5.Manipuri - Traditional dance from Manipur and N.E. India.
6.Odissi - Traditional dance from the E. Indian state of Orissa.

 

Indian classiical dance images

India Folk Dance

Folk dances and plays in India retain significance rural areas as the expression of the daily work and rituals of village communities. These dances have their roots in religious and seasonal festivals that have become a background for such celebrations. They are mostly performed in groups.

While Indian classical dance is considered a higher form of art and was practiced in courts, temples and on special occasions, folk dance forms are practiced in groups in rural areas as an expression of their daily work and rituals. They are performed on religious or seasonal festivals. Some of the popular folk dances that are performed across villages and cities are Bhangra, Garba, Kalbelia and Bihu.

Folk dances can be located according to the regions of their origin. Every state has its own folk dance forms like Garba, Gagari (dance), Ghodakhund in Gujarat, Kalbelia, Ghoomar, Rasiya in Rajasthan, Neyopa, Bacha Nagma in Jammu and Kashmir, Bhangra & Giddha in Punjab, Sambalpuri Dance in Western Orissa and likewise for each state and smaller regions in it.

Indian folk dance  images

India Music

About Music of India

The music of India includes multiple varieties of folk, popular, pop, classical music and R&B. India's classical music tradition, including Carnatic and Hindustani music, has a history spanning millennia and developed over several eras. It remains fundamental to the lives of  Indians today as sources of spiritual inspiration, cultural expression and pure entertainment. India is made up of several dozen ethnic groups, speaking their own languages anddialects, having distinct cultural traditions.

India’s musical history dates back to the prehistoric times and is in fact regarded as one of the oldest in the world. Most experts claim that the origins of Indian music dates back to the era when the Vedas were created. India’s music is based on the combination of vocal and instrumental music, along with dance. The basis for Indian music is "sangeet".Sangeet is a combination of three artforms: vocal music, instrumental music and dance. One of oldest music forms known as Sama was developed during the Vedic period, which stretched from 1500 to 500 BC. The hymns that were penned by the learned men of that age were put to tune. Ever since the history of Indian music saw continuous evolution from the devotional folk to the present day structural form based on the melody and rhythm, also called raga and taal, respectively.

Rag is the melodic form while tal is the rhythmic.Rag may be roughly equated with the Western term mode or scale.  There is a system of seven notes which are arranged in a means not unlike Western scales.  However when we look closely we see that it is quite different what we are familiar with.The tal (rhythmic forms) are also very complex.  Many common rhythmic patterns exist.  They revolve around repeating patterns of beats.

Indian music has continued to evolve and develop through the eras. It undoubtedly, forms an essential part of every Indian’s life living in this country or overseas. In fact there are a large number of foreigners who have taken to learning the various forms of Indian music.

India Standard Time

Standart Time of India

India Standard Time (IST) is 5:30 hours (5 hours 30 minutes). India does not operate Daylight Saving Time (DST) or other seasonal adjustments. In military and aviation time, IST is designated E* ("Echo-Star"). Indian Standard Time is calculated on the basis of 82.5° E longitude, from a clock tower in Mirzapur (25.15°N 82.58°E) which is nearly on the corresponding longitude reference line.

Current Indian Time