art and culture

Hindustani Music, Origin, and Different Styles

Hindustani music, a classical tradition of northern India, centers on ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles). Vocalists (ragis or ustads) and instrumentalists (sursangat and talasangat) play key roles, with instruments like sitar and tabla prominent. Gharanas, distinct stylistic traditions,...

Evolution of Indian Music, History and Division

 The evolution of Indian music is a rich and complex journey that spans centuries, reflecting the diverse cultural, social, and historical influences of the Indian subcontinent. Indian music can be broadly classified into two main traditions: classical and folk. Each...

Odissi Dance, Origin, Evolution, Repertoire, Costumes and Exponent

Odissi, a classical dance originating in Odisha, India, finds its roots in the ancient Sanskrit Hindu text 'Natya Shastra.' Evolving from the sacred environs of Odisha's Hindu temples, this dance form is a visual narrative of mythical tales and religious...

Sattriya Dance, Origin, Evolution, Repertoire, Costumes and Exponent

Sattriya, a classical Indian dance form, originated in Assam and evolved from one-act plays known as Bhaona. Established by the polymath Sankardev in the 15th century, it centers around themes of Lord Krishna and other Vishnu avatars. Recognized as one...

Mohiniyattam Dance, Origin, Evolution, Repertoire, Costumes and Exponent

Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form that originated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the eight major Indian classical dance forms and is known for its graceful and feminine movements. The name "Mohiniyattam" is derived...

Manipuri Dance, Origin, Repertoire, Costumes and Famous Exponents

Manipuri dance, a prominent Indian classical form originating in Manipur, stands among the six classical dance styles of India. Revered for its graceful and fluid movements resembling waves, the dance unfolds with seamless, continuous motions devoid of abruptness. Integral to...

Kuchipudi Dance, History, Evolution, Repertoire, Costumes and Exponent

Kuchipudi, a classical Indian dance from Andhra Pradesh, seamlessly blends dance, drama, and music. Rooted in the Natya Shastra, it features vibrant costumes, expressive makeup, and intricate hand gestures (mudras). Abhinaya, or storytelling through expression, is pivotal. Performances include dynamic...

Kathak Dance, History, Evolution, Repertoire, Costumes and Exponent

Kathak, a revered Indian classical dance, is believed to trace its origins to North Indian wandering bards known as Kathakars. Emerging during the Bhakti movement, this art form evolved as a means of storytelling through rhythmic foot movements, hand gestures,...

Kathakali Dance, Origin, Evolution, Repertoire, Costumes and Exponent

Kathakali is a major form of classical Indian dance that originated in the southern state of Kerala. It is a blend of dance, music, and acting that dramatizes stories, mostly adapted from Indian epics. The dance is characterized by the...

Bharatanatyam Dance, History, Evolution, Repertoire and Costumes

Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that traces its origins to the temples of Tamil Nadu in South India. Its roots can be found in the ancient Natya Shastra, a comprehensive treatise on the performing arts attributed to the sage...