There are numerous dance forms in India under the categories of Classical and Folk dance forms in India. Dance in India traces its origins to the country’s rich religious traditions. Devotion is considered the purest form of emotion, and when the heart is filled with divine ecstasy, it naturally expresses itself through music. When this joy overflows, it takes the form of dance, a complete expression involving the entire body. Thus, devotional music and dance have always been deeply intertwined with India’s religious rituals and ceremonies.

Key Facts of Indian Dance Forms

• The oldest text describing performing arts in India is the Natyashastra.

• The Sangeet Natak Akademi promotes Indian dance, drama, and music.

• Indian dances often convey stories from epics such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.

• Costumes, gestures (mudras), and facial expressions (abhinaya) play a vital role in storytelling.

This article is about the list of dance forms in India, with the national dance of India, pictorial representation of all dances, classical and folk dances in India, a list of the top 10 dances in India, statewise list. This article is available in both English and Hindi. A PDF format is attached with this page for free download. For any queries, check the FAQ section given below.

Dance Forms in India - Expected Questions PDF

Candidates can check and download the expected questions from the dance forms in India list PDF from the link below.

Check the Expected Questions from the Dance Forms in India

Types Of Classical Dances

List of Dance Forms in India PDF 2025 in English

List of Dance Forms in India PDF 2025 in Hindi

National Dance Of India

Bharatanatyam is one of the classical dance forms in India from Tamil Nadu, recognised as the National dance of India.

• It traces its origins back to the Natyashastra, an ancient treatise on theatre by mythic priest Bharata.

• Bharatanatyam, originally a dance performed by women in temples, is frequently used to convey Hindu religious tales and devotions.

• It wasn't until the 20th century that it became frequently seen on a public stage.

• Legs are bent during dance moves, and feet maintain rhythm.

• To narrate a story, hands can be utilised in various mudras, or symbolic hand motions.

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List of Dance Forms in India With Pictures

An image consisting of a different list of dance forms in India is added below for the candidates' reference.

Types Of Dances In India

List of Classical Dance Forms of India

The classical dance form originated from the Natya Shastra. There are 8 classical dance forms of India, according to the source and scholars.

How Many Types Of Classical Dances Are  In India?

The 8 basic technicalities that are expressed in classical dance are given below.

• Shringar: Love

• Hasya: Humorous

• Karuna: Sorrow

• Raudra: Anger

• Veer: Heroism

• Bhayanak: Fear

• Bibhats: Disgust

• Adbhoot: Wonder

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Dance Forms of India With States - Classical

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List of Top 10 Dances in India

There is a diverse list of dance forms in India found in multiple states. Some are considered very old by birth. Here, we have tabulated the list of the top 10 dances in India for your reference.

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List of Dance Forms in India - Folk 

Folk dances in India represent the culture and tradition of the community from which they originated.

• They are usually performed during the respective community’s celebrations—childbirth, festivals, weddings, etc.

• There are different types of Folk dances in India.

• Here, we are providing a list of folk dance forms in the states of India, along with a list of folk dances in India.

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Folk Dance Forms in India, State-wise

Folk dance is also one of the most important forms of dance in India. Here we have tabulated the list of Folk Dance forms in India, State-wise.

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List of Dance Forms in India 2025 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। 

FAQs

Q: Why are Indian dance forms important for competitive exams?

They are a frequent topic in Static GK, Art & Culture, and General Awareness sections of exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PSCs.

Q: How are Indian dance forms categorized?

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

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

There are 8 classical dances recognized 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. Which state is famous for Bharatanatyam?

Tamil Nadu is famous for Bharatanatyam.

Q. Which dance form is associated with Assam?

Sattriya (Classical) and Bihu (Folk).

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. Which folk dances are popular in Rajasthan?

Ghoomar and Kalbeliya.

Q. What are some popular folk dances of Maharashtra?

Lavani and Tamasha.

Q. Which dance forms are covered in the PDF?

The PDF covers all 8 classical dances and over 50+ folk dances, along with origin states, cultural context, and exam-relevant notes.

Q. Are visual representations included?

Yes. The guide includes pictures and illustrations of major dance forms to help with better retention.

Q. Are dance forms included in the UPSC and State PSC Mains syllabus?

Yes. Especially under Art & Culture, Indian Heritage, and Essay sections.

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.