History of Performing Arts in India – Its Societal Impact

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The history of performing arts in India has been an integral part of its culture for centuries. A land of diverse cultures, each region has a unique style of performing arts. These art forms have been passed down from generation to generation, and they continue to thrive in contemporary India.

The history of performing arts in India dates to ancient times. The Natyashastra, a Sanskrit text written by the sage Bharata Muni, is the oldest surviving text on performing arts in the world. It deals with various aspects of theatre, dance, and music and provides a comprehensive understanding of the art forms. Classical performing arts have been preserved and practiced for centuries. Such as:

• Bharatanatyam,
• Kathak,
• Kuchipudi,
• Manipuri,
• Kathakali, and
• Odissi

Folk performing arts are also an essential part of Indian culture. Such as:

• Bhangra,
• Garba,
• Ghoomar, and
• Lavani

Performing Arts in India’s Rich History

The history of Performing arts in India is an important aspect of Indian culture.

The Vedic Period

The documented history dates to the Vedic period.

The Vedic Period (or Vedic Age) (c. 1500 – c. 500 B.C.E.) is the period in the history of India during which the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, were being composed.

New World Encyclopedia

The Vedas ancient Hindu scriptures contain references to Vedic music, dance, and drama, indicating that the art forms were well-established in India by that time.

Classical Sanskrit Theatre

Classical Sanskrit theatre flourished during the first nine centuries CE.

Britannica

Natyashastra, the 2,000-year-old Sanskrit treatise on dramaturgy, is considered to be the most comprehensive work on Indian performing arts. It lays down the principles of aesthetics and gesture language that have been the mainstay of all traditional dancers and actors in India.

State Traditions

Indian performing arts have evolved and diversified, with each region and state developing its own unique traditions and classical dance forms. We can divide classical music into two main traditions: Hindustani, specific to the North; and Carnatic, which originated in the South.

National Academy for Performing Arts

The Sangeet Natak Akademi, established in 1952 by the Government of India, is the premier national academy for performing arts. Its mission is to preserve, promote, and develop the various art forms of India, including music, dance, and theatre. The academy confers awards and honours on outstanding artists and scholars in the field of performing arts.

Classical Performing Arts

Classical Performing Arts in India is a rich and diverse art form that has been passed down through generations. It includes classical dance and classical music, which are deeply rooted in Indian culture and tradition. The classical dance forms are among the most ancient and well-preserved art forms practiced in India today.

Classical Music

Classical music in India is divided into two main traditions: Carnatic and Hindustani music. Both forms are based on the same principles of melody, rhythm, and harmony but differ in their approach to these elements. Raga and Tala are the two foundational elements of every musical composition.

Classical Dance

Indian classical dance is an umbrella term for different regionally specific classical dance traditions, rooted in Hindu musical theatre performance. The Sangeet Natak Academy recognises eight traditional dances as Indian classical dances, while other sources and scholars may recognise more. They have roots in the Sanskrit text Natyashastra, and the religious performance arts.

Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, and Mohiniyattam are some of the most popular classical dance forms in India. Each dance form has unique style, costumes, and music.

• Bharatnatyam is a classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu and is known for graceful movements and intricate footwork.
• Kathak is a classical dance form originating from Northern India and is known for storytelling through dance.
• Kuchipudi is a classical dance form originating from Andhra Pradesh and is known for its fast-paced footwork.
• Odissi is a classical dance form originating from Odisha and is known for its fluid movements and sculpturesque poses.
• Kathakali is a classical dance form originating from Kerala and is known for its elaborate makeup and costumes.
• Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form originating from Kerala and is known for its graceful movements and facial expressions.

Folk Performing Arts

In the land of diverse cultures, folk performing arts are at the forefront of showcasing this diversity. Folk performing arts in India reflect the country’s rich traditions, customs, and beliefs. These art forms have been passed down from generation to generation and are an essential part of India’s cultural heritage.

Folk performing arts are typically performed in rural areas and are associated with the daily lives of the people. The themes of performances are usually based on folklore, mythology, and social issues.

Bhangra

A famous folk performing art in India is Bhangra. It originated in Punjab and is performed during the harvest season. Bhangra is a high-energy dance form that involves a lot of jumping and twirling. And it is accompanied by the beat of the dhol, a traditional Indian drum.

Jatra

Another popular folk performing art in India is Jatra. It is a traditional folk theatre form that originated in Bengal. Jatra performances typically revolve around mythological stories and are accompanied by music and dance.

Bhavi

Bhavai is another folk performing art that originated in Gujarat. It is a form of folk theatre that involves acrobatics, music, and dance. Bhavai performances are typically based on social issues and are known for their satirical commentary.

Others

In addition to these, there are many other folk performing arts in India worth exploring. They include Koodiyattam, a traditional theatre form from Kerala, and Chhau, a form of masked dance from eastern India.

Performing Arts and Society

Performing arts have always been an integral part of Indian society and culture. The traditional performing arts of India are deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage, and they reflect the daily work, beliefs, and customs of the people. These art forms have been passed down from generation to generation and are an essential part of Indian life.

Aspects of Daily Life

In Indian society, performing arts reflect aspects of daily life. For example, dance and music are an essential part of religious ceremonies, festivals, and weddings. They are used to express emotions and celebrate various milestones in life. Indian classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathakali have been performed for centuries and are still popular today.

Cultural Heritage

Performing arts in India are linked to cultural heritage and identity. Many traditional art forms have been preserved and are still performed today. They serve as a reminder of India’s rich cultural heritage and help to keep traditional art forms alive.

The Struggle to Earn

Despite the importance of performing arts in Indian society, the artists who perform these art forms often struggle to make a living. Many artists are not paid well for their performances and must rely on other sources of income to support themselves and their families. This has led to a decline in the number of people pursuing careers in the performing arts.

Performing Arts and Entertainment

The evolution of Indian performing arts has been influenced by different cultures. Each art form is a source of entertainment but also a way to express emotions, tell stories, and preserve cultural heritage.

Bollywood

Indian films, commonly known as Bollywood films, are a major source of entertainment for the masses. Bollywood films are known for their elaborate song and dance sequences that promote Indian classical and folk dances. These films have a huge following in India and other countries. The Indian film industry is one of the largest in the world and produces many films every year.

Acting is an important aspect of Indian performing arts. Indian actors are known for their versatility and ability to portray different characters convincingly. The Indian film industry has produced many talented actors who have gained international recognition for their work.

Mime

Mime has gained popularity in recent years. It involves the use of gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey a story or message without using words. Mime artists use their bodies as a canvas to express themselves and create a visual spectacle that is entertaining and thought-provoking.

Social and Cultural Significance

Indian performing arts are not just entertainment – they have a social and cultural significance as well. They bring people together and foster a sense of community, and the audience plays a big role. They are an active participant in the performance and their reactions and responses are an integral part of the performance.

Music in Performing Arts

The two main classical music traditions have complex systems of melody and rhythm, and they share a common origin in ancient Hindu musical traditions.

1. Carnatic music is practiced in South India, while
2. Hindustani music is popular in North India.

Raga

Indian classical music is based on the concept of Raga, which is a specific set of notes that evoke a particular mood or emotion. The performer improvises and elaborates on the Raga, exploring its different facets and nuances. Rhythm is equally important, and the concept of Tala refers to the rhythmic cycle that underlies the music.

Common Instruments

Most common instruments used are the:

• Flute – a wind instrument that produces a sweet, melodious sound.
• Veena – a string instrument that has a deep, resonant tone.
• Sitar –that has a distinctive sound.
• Sarod – a plucked string instrument similar to the sitar, and
• Tabla – a pair of small drums that provide rhythmic accompaniment.

Folk Music

In addition to classical music, India has a rich tradition of folk music that varies widely from region to region. Folk music tells stories of everyday life and is accompanied by traditional dance. The dance forms include Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kuchipudi.

Performing Arts in Contemporary India

The contemporary performing arts scene in India is diverse and vibrant, with traditional and modern forms coexisting and influencing each other.

Surging Popularity

The 21^st century has seen a surge in popularity of Indian performing arts, nationally and globally. Contributing factors include the rise of Bollywood, growing interest in Indian culture and spirituality, and the international recognition of Indian artists.

Diversity

A defining feature of performing arts in contemporary India is their diversity. India has a vast array of traditional dance, music, and theatre, each with its own distinct flavour and cultural significance. However, performing arts in contemporary India are not limited to traditional forms. There has been a growing trend of experimentation and fusion, where artists blend traditional elements to create new and exciting works.

Political Climate

The political climate of contemporary India impacts the shape of performing arts. Many artists use their art forms as a means of expressing social and political commentary. They address issues such as:

• gender,
• caste, and
• religious discrimination.

This has led to a resurgence of interest in traditional performing arts forms, such as protest theatre and street plays, which are recognised as a means of political activism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of traditional Indian performing arts dance?

Traditional Indian performing arts include classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Odissi. Apart from these, there are folk dances that are unique to different regions of India. Bhangra, Garba, Dandiya, and Ghoomar are among them.

What is the oldest performing art form in India?

The oldest performing art form in India is believed to be the Vedic chant, which dates to around 1500 BCE. The Vedic chant is a form of recitation of hymns and mantras from the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures. The Natyashastra, written around 200 BCE, is the oldest surviving text on Indian performing arts and provides a detailed description of various forms of dance, music, and drama.

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