ASKiIMAN™ REALM 54 / EIGHT CLASSICAL DANCES
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The Living Mandala

The Eight Sastriya Nritya Recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi

REALM 54 — EIGHT CLASSICAL DANCES

MICRO-REALM 01

Bharatanatyam

  • Origin: Tamil Nadu.
  • Oldest classical dance, associated with the Fire element.
  • Defined by the deep half-seated Araimandi posture and geometric, linear movements.
MICRO-REALM 02

Kathak

  • Origin: North India (Uttar Pradesh).
  • Name derives from 'Katha' (storyteller).
  • Characterized by rapid pirouettes (Chakkars), straight legs, and intricate footwork with heavy ghungroos.
MICRO-REALM 03

Kathakali

  • Origin: Kerala.
  • A highly stylized dance-drama.
  • Known for elaborate green/red facial makeup (Paccha, Kathi) depicting epic characters without spoken dialogue.
MICRO-REALM 04

Kuchipudi

  • Origin: Andhra Pradesh.
  • Combines fast footwork with expressive theatrical acting (Vachikabhinaya).
  • Famous for the Tarangam , dancing on the rim of a brass plate.
MICRO-REALM 05

Odissi

  • Origin: Odisha.
  • Associated with the Water element, highly lyrical and sensuous.
  • Defined by the Tribhangi (three-part body bend) and Chowk (square) postures.
MICRO-REALM 06

Manipuri

  • Origin: Manipur.
  • Themes focus heavily on Vaishnavism and the Ras Leela.
  • Dancers wear the stiff, cylindrical Potloi skirt and a translucent veil.
MICRO-REALM 07

Mohiniyattam

  • Origin: Kerala.
  • "Dance of the Enchantress" (Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu).
  • Slow, swaying, graceful movements, traditionally wearing white and gold Kasavu attire.
MICRO-REALM 08

Sattriya

  • Origin: Assam.
  • Introduced in the 15th century by Saint Sankaradeva.
  • Originally practiced by male monks (Bhokots) in monasteries (Sattras) as a form of Bhakti.
MICRO-REALM 09

Aharya (Costume)

  • Elaborate temple jewelry (Temple, Filigree, or Kundan depending on region).
  • Use of Alta (red dye) on hands and feet to highlight mudras and footwork.
  • Costumes designed to accentuate lines and curves (e.g., pleated fans in front).
MICRO-REALM 10

Nattuvangam & Music

  • Dances are accompanied by Carnatic (South) or Hindustani (North) live music.
  • Nattuvangam: The vocal percussionist conducting the dance with small hand cymbals (Talam).
  • Dancers wear Ghungroos (ankle bells) to audibly emphasize the Tala.
MICRO-REALM 11

Temple to Stage

  • Many dances (Bharatanatyam, Odissi) began as rituals by Devadasis/Maharis in temples.
  • Later received royal patronage and shifted to the court (Darbar).
  • Modern era brought them to the proscenium stage.
MICRO-REALM 12

SNA Recognition

  • The Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) officially confers "Classical" (Shastriya) status.
  • Recognition is based on adherence to the Natyashastra principles.
  • Chhau (Eastern India) is often considered the 9th, recognized by the Ministry of Culture but not fully by SNA.