The 2 major dance forms in India are classical and folk dance. The major difference between Classical and Folk dance is the origin. India has eight recognised classical dance forms: Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (Uttar Pradesh), Kathakali (Kerala), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Manipuri (Manipur), Sattriya (Assam), and Mohiniyattam (Kerala). Each dance reflects its region's cultural, spiritual, and artistic heritage. Folk dances in India represent the culture and tradition of the community from which they originated. Folk dances are usually performed during the respective community’s celebration- childbirth, festivals, weddings, etc. India is known for its rich cultural heritage. Diversification is the identity of the country. Indian dance (classical dance of India) is one of the most revered identities of our culture. In India, dance forms can be broadly classified into 2 categories: classical and folk dance forms.

List of Dance Forms in India PDF 2026 in English

List of Classical Dances of India with States

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List of Folk Dances in India

Indian folk dances represent the rich culture and traditions of the communities from which they originate. These dances are usually performed during important occasions such as festivals, weddings, and childbirth celebrations, showcasing the joy, customs, and heritage of the people.

Check the Expected Questions from the Dance Forms in India

National Dance Of India

Bharatanatyam is one of the most popular classical dance forms of India, originating from Tamil Nadu and widely regarded as the national dance form of the country. Its roots can be traced back to the ancient Sanskrit text Natyashastra, written by the sage Bharata, which is the foundation of Indian performing arts.

Traditionally, Bharatanatyam was performed by women in Hindu temples as a form of devotional expression, depicting stories of gods and goddesses through graceful movements and expressions. In the 20th century, the dance form gained global recognition and began to be widely performed on public stages.

Bharatanatyam is known for its distinctive style, with bent knees, rhythmic footwork, expressive eye movements, and intricate hand gestures known as mudras, which are used to narrate mythological and spiritual stories.

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History and Evolution of Classical Dances in India

The history and evolution of classical dances in India can be traced back to ancient temples and sacred scriptures, especially the Natya Shastra, written more than 2,000 years ago by sage Bharata Muni. Indian classical dance developed as a spiritual and artistic expression that beautifully blends storytelling, music, rhythm, and emotion. These dance traditions were preserved through generations across different regions of India, giving rise to the diverse classical dance forms seen today.

According to the Natya Shastra, Lord Brahma created the Natya Veda, the fifth Veda, by combining words from the Rig Veda, gestures from the Yajur Veda, music from the Sam Veda, and emotions from the Atharva Veda. This divine art form was created at the request of the Gods to provide entertainment and spiritual enlightenment to humankind, highlighting the sacred importance of dance in Indian culture.

Indian mythology is rich with references to dance, from Lord Shiva’s Tandava, symbolising creation, preservation, and destruction, to Goddess Parvati’s graceful Lasya, representing beauty and femininity. The social and cultural importance of dance is also evident in ancient archaeological findings, such as the community dance engravings at Bhimbetka and the famous Harappan bronze dancing girl.

The Natya Shastra, compiled between 200 BC and 200 AD, is the earliest and most comprehensive written work on Indian classical dance. It provides detailed guidance on stage design, costumes, ornaments, dance techniques, postures, expressions, and audience engagement. Bharata Muni described dance as the “complete art”, as it brings together music, sculpture, poetry, and drama into one powerful form of expression.

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Interesting Facts about Classical Dances of India

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most popular classical dance forms of India, rooted in the principles of Bharata’s Natyashastra. It features a rich repertoire of compositions in Tamil, Telugu, and Sanskrit, expressing themes of Shringara (romantic love) and Bhakti (devotion). Bharatanatyam music follows the Carnatic music tradition of South India and blends rhythm, expression, and storytelling.

Kathak is the principal classical dance of North India and is widely performed in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. It originated from the storytelling tradition of Kathakaras, who narrated tales from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas through expressive movement and rhythm.

Kuchipudi, one of India’s major classical dance styles, originated in Andhra Pradesh and flourished under the influence of the Bhakti movement. It is a dance-drama tradition that combines Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natya (dramatic storytelling) using graceful movements, rhythmic patterns, and symbolic hand gestures.

Odissi developed in Odisha (formerly Orissa) and was originally performed by temple dancers known as Maharis. In the 20th century, it was revived as a classical theatre art inspired by ancient sculptures, paintings, and literary traditions of the region.

Kathakali, meaning “story play,” originated in Kerala during the 17th century. Supported by royal patronage, it evolved into a powerful dance-drama tradition depicting stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and dramatic expressions.

Sattriya is a classical dance form from Assam, developed in the 16th century in Vaishnava monasteries known as Sattras under the guidance of saint-reformer Srimanta Shankaradeva. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and features refined hand gestures, footwork, expressive storytelling, and devotional themes.

Manipuri dance originated in Manipur and is deeply rooted in the Vaishnava traditions of the Meitei community. It consists of two major forms — Jagoi (Lasya) and Cholom (Tandava) — representing graceful and vigorous dance traditions, respectively.

Mohiniattam is a graceful classical dance from Kerala, named after the mythical enchantress Mohini. It is a solo female dance style known for soft movements, gentle expressions, and temple traditions. The dance uses traditional Kerala rhythms with instruments like the Maddalam and Edakka.

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Other Dance Forms of India

List of Dance Forms in India 2026 in Hindi

राज्यों के साथ भारत के नृत्य रूप - भारत में शास्त्रीय नृत्य रूप 

यहां हमने आपके संदर्भ के लिए भारत के शास्त्रीय नृत्य रूपों की सूची जैसे तमिलनाडु का शास्त्रीय नृत्य, केरल का शास्त्रीय नृत्य, आंध्र प्रदेश का नृत्य आदि को राज्यवार सारणीबद्ध किया है। 

भारत में शीर्ष 10 नृत्य: 

भारत के विभिन्न राज्यों में विभिन्न प्रकार के नृत्य पाए जाते हैं। उनमें से कुछ को जन्म से ही बहुत पुराना माना जाता है। यहां हमने आपके संदर्भ के लिए भारत के शीर्ष 10 नृत्यों की सूची सारणीबद्ध की है। 

भारत में लोक नृत्य रूपों की सूची:

भारत में लोक नृत्य उस समुदाय की संस्कृति और परंपरा का प्रतिनिधित्व करते हैं जहां से इसकी उत्पत्ति हुई है। लोक नृत्य आमतौर पर संबंधित समुदाय के दौरान किए जाते हैं

उत्सव- प्रसव, त्यौहार, शादियाँ आदि। भारत में विभिन्न प्रकार के लोक नृत्य हैं। यहां हम भारतीय राज्यों में लोक नृत्य रूपों की एक सूची प्रदान कर रहे हैं। 

राज्यों के साथ भारत के नृत्य रूप - भारत में लोक नृत्य रूप

लोक नृत्य भी भारत के महत्वपूर्ण नृत्य रूपों में से एक है। यहां हमने आपके संदर्भ के लिए भारत में राज्यवार लोक नृत्यों की सूची जैसे आंध्र प्रदेश के नृत्य, सिक्किमी नृत्य, बिहार के लोक नृत्य, महाराष्ट्र के लोक नृत्य आदि को सारणीबद्ध किया है। 

List of Dance Forms in India PDF 2026 in Hindi

FAQs

Q: How are Indian dance forms categorised?

Broadly into Classical Dances (recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi) and Folk Dances (region-specific traditional performances).

Q: How many classical dance forms are officially recognised in India?

There are 8 classical dances recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, and Sattriya.

Q: What is the national dance of India?

India does not officially have a national dance, but Bharatanatyam is often regarded as one of the most iconic classical dance forms.

Q. What is the difference between classical and folk dances?

Classical dances follow structured grammar, formal training, and religious themes, while folk dances are community-based, performed during festivals, and regionally diverse.

Q. What government schemes promote Indian dance forms?

Schemes like Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana, and Sangeet Natak Akademi’s grant programs.

Q. Which dance form is associated with Assam?

Sattriya (Classical) and Bihu (Folk).