Which is the Oldest Dance Form in India? Uncovering the Roots of Indian Classical Dance

Which is the Oldest Dance Form in India? Uncovering the Roots of Indian Classical Dance

Which is the Oldest Dance Form in India?

The distinctive dances of India capture worldwide fascination through elaborate costumes, sculptural poses, and symbolic hand gestures conveying sacred stories. But of the myriad classical, folk, and contemporary styles, which constitutes the oldest terpsichorean tradition on the subcontinent?

Which is the oldest dance form in india: Although the oldest proof of existence of dance is a 9000 years old cave painting in India, belly dance is widely considered to be the oldest known dance form.

To discover the genre earning the longest lineage, we reference ancient scriptures first mentioning dance and track key developments revealing the art form claiming provenance as Indian dance’s root source. Through examining historical evidence and chronicling artistic influence, let’s uncover the genre revealed as most seminal.

Understanding Indian Classical Dance

Before revealing the oldest genre, it helps to define Indian classical dance overall as a system possessing:

Ancient origins tracing back 2000+ years

Elaborate codification of hand mudras and foot patterns

Traditional repertoire conveying spiritual/mythic themes

Detailed costuming and stage ornamentation

A guru-shishya lineage ensuring the preservation

Within the classical heading, two genres are widely honored as the most senior regarding origination and sophistication – Bharatanatyam and Odissi. Let’s weigh their historical timelines.

Bharatanatyam History

Of South Indian derivation, the dance style now recognized as Bharatanatyam first appears in reference around 200 BCE-200CE in the ancient Tamil textual epic Silappatikaram where characters praise a celestial dancer. Through invading periods, the dance evolves from temple stage through courts until revived after Indian independence to reflect regained cultural pride. Telltale signs of its maturity include:

2000 year+ textual mentions
Refined aesthetic codes for movement and dramaturgy
Melodic Carnatic music compositions specifically for its repertoire

Odissi History

Hailing from Odisha region, the Odissi style cites even earlier origins based in sacred Hindu text describing dancers entrancing deities through sensual abhinaya (expression) and intricate footwork. Evolving from Gotipua boys’ troupes of 500+ years in temples like Konark Sun Temple and Jagannath Temple of Puri, Odissi reigns as the oldest extant dance genre alive preserving sculptural poses intact from archeological evidence. Unique traits confirming its seniority comprise:

Depictions on 2000 year old bas reliefs
Signature tribhangi stance shaping lithe feminine sculpture
Archaeological findings of actual dance poses

So with tangible ancient relics and the longest sustained lineage through villages and kings’ courts before revival, Odissi proves India’s original surviving classical dance. Its lasting global popularity through annual festivals and international tours continues flourishing as new generations disseminate their intangible heritage. Through this millennia-spanning legacy, Odissi prevails as foremost Indian classical dance.

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