Indian Classical Dance Forms

Eight classical dance forms recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi of India. Rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence.

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TL;DR: Eight classical dance forms recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi of India. Rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence.

Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated Sep 17, 2026

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Eight classical dance forms recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi of India. Rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence.

Bharatanatyam: Origin: Tamil Nadu; solo female dancer in temple tradition
Kathak: Origin: North India; features rapid footwork and spins
Kathakali: Origin: Kerala; elaborate makeup and costumes, tells epics
Kuchipudi: Origin: Andhra Pradesh; blend of drama and dance
Odissi: Origin: Odisha; graceful movements and triple bend posture
Manipuri: Origin: Manipur; soft, lyrical movements and hand gestures
Mohiniyattam: Origin: Kerala; feminine dance of enchantment
Sattriya: Origin: Assam; taught in Sattras (monasteries); recognized 2000
Chhau: Origin: Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha; masked dance form with acrobatics
Yakshagana: Origin: Karnataka; night-long performance with music and dance

Frequently Asked Questions

Eight classical dance forms: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Sattriya, and Chhau.

Bharatanatyam originated in Tamil Nadu and is the oldest dance form still performed.