Indian Classical Dances - Mohiniyattam and Odissi

Indian Classical Dances

There are 8 different forms of Indian Classical dances.

1. Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)
2. Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
3. Kathakali (Kerala)
4. Kathak (Uttar Pradesh)
5. Odissi (Odisha)
6. Mohiniyattam (Kerala)
7. Sattriya (Assam)
8. Manipuri (Manipur)

Mohiniyattam

• Region - Kerala
• Evolution of Mohiniyattam
• Features of Mohiniyattam
• Some of the famous proponents/personalities associated with Mohiniyattam

Note - Kerala is the only state which have two Classical Dance forms (Mohiniyattam and Kathakali).

Evolution of Mohiniyattam 

• It derives its name from the words 'Mohini' which means Enchantress (i.e., Sundar) and 'Attam' which means Dance, i.e., Mohiniyattam means the dance of enchantress.
• The story of evolution of Mohiniattam can be traced by to the story of Samundra Manthan whereby Lord Vishnu disguised in the form of Mohini to take back Amrit pot from Asuras (demons).
• The Story of Kumbha Mela is also associated with this. The four drops of Amrit fell on the Earth at Prayag (Sangam), Haridwar (Ganga), Nasik (Godavari) and Ujjain (Chipra). Therefore, 4 Kumbha Melas are organised at these places.
• Initially, the dance form was patronised by Travancore rulers but later in 1930s it was revived by V.N. Menon, under the patronage of Mukund Raja.

Features of Mohiniyattam 

1. The postures, mudras and grace of this dance form is inspired from Bharatanatyam and the vigor (energy) is inspired from Kathakali.
2. It is the only Classical dance form which is started as a female preserve and still a female preserve.
3. Lashya aspect of the dance is dominating in this dance.
4. The costume is of utmost importance in Mohiniyattam which is off white/creamy silk saree with golden brocade and a jasmine gajra in the hair lock.
5. The jasmine gazra highlights the element of air (since fragrance of jasmine travels through air).
6. The steps of Mohiniyattam resembles sea waves, swaying of paddy fields and palm trees.
7. Carnatic music is used during the performance.

Some of the famous proponents associated with Mohiniyattam 

1. Madhuri Amma
2. Jaya Prabha Menon
3. Sunanda Nair
4. Hema Malini
5. Baijayanti Mala

Odissi

• Region - Odisha
• Evolution of Odissi
• Features of Odissi
• Some of the famous proponents/personalities associated with Odissi

Evolution of Odissi 

• It is also considered as one of the oldest dance forms of India.
• In Bharat Muni's Natyashastra it has been mentioned as Odru Nritya.
• The sculpture of this dance form is found on the walls of cave of Udaygiri and Khandgiri.
• It was patronised by Jain King Kharvela.
• Maharis were initial repositories of this dance form who were professional temple dancers.
• In the modern time, it received global recognition due to the efforts of Charles Fabri.

Features of Odissi 

1. Odissi is also known as Fluid Dance because dancers can create any shape. It highlights the importance of element of water.
2. The very first step is Mangalam Charanam, which is invocation of god to seek blessings.
3. Mangalam Charanam is followed by Baturitya, Pallavi, Tharijham, and the final step of Odissi is known as Moksha or Trikhand Manjusa, which means exuberant joyous movement symbolising temporary salvation.
4. There are two popular postures in Odissi which are as follows:
1. Tribhanga Posture - It is considered as feminine posture of Odissi whereby body is deflected or bent at three places, neck, torso and knee.
2. Chowk Posture - It is masculine aspect of the dance whereby dancers tries to create shapes of square with the help of their legs.
5. Hindustani Classical music is used during Odissi performance.
6. The major theme of Odissi is Geeta Govinda written by Jayadeva and Vichitra Ramayana written by Vishwanath Kunthia.
7. One of the vey popular form of Odissi is Gotipua Odissi which is performed by young boys in the attire of female on the themes of Vishnu. It is a type of acrobatic performance which includes jumping, leaping and frogging.

Chowk Posture

Some of the famous proponents of Odissi 

1. Guru Kela Charan Mohapatra
2. Sonal Man Singh
3. Sanjukta Prashar
4. Myrty Bravie (from Argentina)
5. Sharon Lowen (from USA)

Note - Odissi is one of the most popular classical dance form outside India.

Previous Article - Kuchipudi and Khatakali

Next Article - Manipuri and Sattriya

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Note - This is my Vision IAS Notes (Vision IAS Class Notes) and Ashutosh Pandey Sir's Public Administration Class notes. I've also added some of the information on my own. 

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