Puppetry is a form of theatre or performance which
involves the manipulation of puppets. It is very ancient,
and is believed to have originated 30,000 years BC
Puppetry is used in almost all human societies both as
an entertainment – in performance – and ceremonially in
rituals and celebrations such as carnivals
Most puppetry involves storytelling. The impact of
puppetry depends on the process of transformation of
puppets, which has much in common with magic and
with play. Thus puppetry can create complex and
magical theatre with relatively small resources.
Shadow puppetry is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment using opaque, often articulated figures in front of an illuminated backdrop to create the illusion of moving images. It is popular in various cultures. At present, more than 20 countries are known to have shadow show troupes.
The term "classical" (Sanskrit "Shastriya") was introduced by Sangeet Natak Akademi to denote the Natya Shastra-based performing art styles. A very important feature of Indian classical dances is the use of the mudra or hand gestures by the artists as a short-hand sign language to narrate a story and to demonstrate certain concepts such as objects, weather, nature and emotion. Many classical dances include facial expressions as an integral part of the dance form.
Dance form State(s) of origin
Bharata Natyam Tamil Nadu
Kathak Uttarpradesh
Yakshagana Karnataka
Kathakali Kerala
Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh
Manipuri Manipur
Mohiniyattam Kerala
Odissi Orissa
Sattriya Assam
• Bharat Natyam or Bharatanatyam is a
classical dance form
originating in Tamil Nadu
• Bharata Natyam comes
from the words Bhava
(Expression), Raga
(Music), Tala (Rhythm)
and Natya (Classic Indian
Musical Theatre).
• A distinctive feature of
Bharata Natyam Dance is
the use of expressive
hand gestures as a way
of communication
Kathak (Hindi: कथक, Urdu: کتھک )is one of the eight forms of Indian
classical dances, originated from
northern India and areas which are
now part of Pakistan.
The name Kathak is derived from
the Sanskrit word katha meaning
story, and katthaka in Sanskrit
means s/he who tells a story
Kathak requires minute foot work
and the reason for the emphasis
on footwork is because it can only
be executed if the weight is
delicately balanced on each foot.
Kathakali originated in the country's present day state of Kerala during the 17th century and has developed over the years with improved looks, refined gestures and added themes besides more ornate singing and precise drumming.
Kuchipudi is a Classical Indian danceformfrom Andhra Pradesh, India. It is also popular all over South India. The performance usually begins with some stage rites, after which each of the character comes on to the stage and introduces him/herself with a daru (a small composition of both song and dance) to introduce the identity, set the mood, of the character in the drama. The drama then begins. The dance is accompanied by song which is typically Carnatic music.
Manipuri dance is one
of the major Indian
classical dance forms.
It originates from
Manipur, a state in
north-eastern India
on the border with
Myanmar The
traditional Manipuri
dance style embodies
delicate, lyrical and
graceful movements.
The aim is to make
rounded movements
and avoid any jerks,
sharp edges or
straight lines
Mohiniyattam, is a
traditional South
Indian dance from
Kerala. It is one of the
eight Indian classical
dance forms. It is
considered a very
graceful dance meant
to be performed as a
solo recital by women.
The term
Mohiniyattam comes
from the words
"Mohini" meaning a
woman who enchants
onlookers and
"aattam" meaning
graceful and sensuous
body movements.
Odissi is one of the eight
classical dance forms of
India. It originates from
the state of Orissa, in
eastern India. It is the
oldest surviving dance
form of India on the basis
of archaeological
evidences is particularly
distinguished from other
classical Indian dance
forms by the importance
it places upon the
tribhangi (literally: three
parts break), the
independent movement of
head, chest and
pelvis,[3][4] and upon the
basic square stance
known as chauka.
Sattriya, or Sattriya Nritya, is one
among eight principal classical
Indian dance traditions. Whereas
some of the other traditions have
been revived in the recent past,
Sattriya has remained a living
tradition since its creation by the
Assamese Vaishnav saint
Srimanta Sankardeva, in 15th
century Assam It is devotional in
character and 'Bhakti Rasa'
(spiritual aspect) is predominant
in this dance form. This dance
form was evolved in Assam in the
15th century by the great
Vaishnavite saint Shri Sankardev
who was a social reformer and a
great performing artist.
References of this dance form are
found in the ancient Indian
classical texts like Natyashastra,
Kalikapurana, Yoginitantra,
State Dance
Andaman and nicobar islands Nicobarese dances
Andhra Pradesh Thapetta Gullu
Arunachal Pradesh Bardo Chham
Jharkhand Karma/Munda
Chhattisgarh Panthi
Goa Tarangamel
Gujarat Garba
Himachal Pradesh Kinnauri Nati
Karnataka Yakshagana
Kashmir Dumhal
Lakshadweep Lava
Madhya Pradesh Jawara
State Dance
Maharashtra Pavri Nach
Manipur Thang Ta
Mizoram Cheraw Dance
Nagaland Chang Lo
Orissa Ghumura Dance
Pondicherry Garadi:
Punjab Bhangra:
Rajasthan Ghoomar:
Sikkim Singhi Chham:
Tamil nadu Kamandi
Tripura Hojagiri
West bangal Gambhira
Tiger dance Tiger Dance
Panthi Karma/Munda Tarangamel Garba
Dumhal Lava Jawara pavri nach
Hojagiri
The origins of Indian classical music can be
found in the Vedas, which are the oldest
scriptures in the Hindu tradition. Indian classical
music has also been significantly influenced by,
or syncretized with, Indian folk music and Persian
music. The Samaveda, one of the four Vedas,
describes music at length.