Indian Classical Dances - Manipuri and Sattriya

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)

Manipuri

• Region - Manipur
• Evolution of Manipuri
• Features of Manipuri
• Some of the famous proponents/personalities associated with Manipuri

Evolution of Manipuri dance 

• It is believed that once Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati descended to the hills of Manipur and danced with local Gandharvas (musicians and dancers). This celestial dance marked the beginning of Manipuri dance.
• Later on, Manipuri borrowed many elements from the local traditions of Manipur. For example, they incorporated Lai Hairoba (post harvest) festival dance and some elements of Thang-Ta Martial dance of Manipur.
• The themes of the dance is related to Krishna and Rasleela (Love affairs of Lord Krishna) and Sankirtana (Life of Lord Krishna) was also incorporated in Manipuri.
• In the modern time, this dance form was brought into limelight from the oblivion by Rabindra Nath Tagore, who introduced this dance form in Vishwabharti University, Shanti Niketan.

Features of Manipuri 

1. Manipuri emphasised on Sarvang Abhinaya (i.e., bodily expression) rather than Mukabhinaya (i.e., facial expression).
2. Nagabandha is the most important mudra in Manipuri whereby dancers try to create the shape of 8 with the help of body curves.
3. In Manipuri also, dancers take up the role of singing.
4. Local Manipuri music is used during the performance which involves the following instruments -
1. Pung (a type of drum)
2. Pena (a long flute)
3. Kartals (which creates music with hand clapping)
4. Cumbals (a Manjira)

Note - In Kuchipudi and Manipuri, dancers also take up the role of singing along with dancing.

Some of the famous proponents of Manipuri 

1. Bimbavati Devi
2. Nayana Jhaveri
3. Suverna Jhaveri
4. Ranjana Jhaveri
5. Darsana Jhaveri

Nayana Jhaveri, Suverna Jhaveri, Ranjana Jhaveri and Darsana Jhaveri are popularly known as Jhaveri Sisters.

Sattriya

• Region - Assam
• Evolution of Sattriya
• Features of Sattriya
• Some of the famous proponents/personalities associated with Sattriya

Evolution of Sattriya 

• It derives its name from the word 'Sattar' which means Vaishnavite Monastery.
• One of the Bhakti Saint of Assam, Shankar Dev introduced the folk dances of Oja Palli and Devdasi (thsi devdasi is the folk dance of Assam, and is not related to the devdasi system of South India) into the rituals of Sattar which came to be known as Sattriya.

Features of Sattriya 

1. The theme of Sattriya is based on the writings of Shankar Dev known as Borgeets.
2. It is performed by both male and female. Male devotees are termed as Bhokots.
3. Costume of the dancers must be made up of Pat Silk of Assam.
4. They use musical instruments like Khol (a type of drum) and Flute.
5. It is till now confined to temples. It is only performed inside Sattar. So, there is no such famous proponents of it.

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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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