Odissi
Odissi is one of the eight major classical dance forms of India. It originated in the eastern state of Odisha, and is known for its intricate footwork, graceful hand gestures, and expressive facial expressions. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of live music, and often tells stories from Hindu mythology.
Odissi is believed to have originated in the temples of Odisha, where it was performed as a form of worship. The earliest known reference to Odissi dance is in the 6th century CE, in the writings of the poet Kalidasa. The dance was further developed in the 10th century CE, by the saint-poet Jayadeva, who wrote the Gita Govinda, a poem about the love between Krishna and Radha.
Odissi dance reached its peak in the 16th century CE, during the reign of the Gajapati kings. The kings were patrons of the arts, and they supported the development of Odissi dance. The dance was performed at court, and it was also popular among the people.
Odissi dance declined in the 18th and 19th centuries, due to the British colonial rule. The British did not support the arts, and they discouraged the performance of Odissi dance. The dance was only performed in a few isolated villages, and it was on the verge of extinction.
In the early 20th century, there was a revival of interest in Odissi dance. This was due to the efforts of a few dedicated dancers and teachers, who worked to preserve and promote the dance. The most famous of these was Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, who is considered the father of modern Odissi dance.
Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was born in 1928 in the village of Raghurajpur, Odisha. He began learning Odissi dance at the age of six, from his father, Guru Raghunath Mohapatra. He later studied with other gurus, including Guru Pankaj Charan Das and Guru Deba Prasad Das.
Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was a pioneer in the revival of Odissi dance. He developed a new style of dance, which was based on the traditional techniques of Odissi dance, but which also incorporated elements of other dance forms, such as Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. He also choreographed many new dances, based on stories from Hindu mythology.
Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was a highly respected dancer and teacher. He taught Odissi dance to students all over the world, and he was instrumental in the spread of the dance form. He died in 2004, at the age of 76.
Odissi dance is a beautiful and expressive art form. It is a living tradition, which is constantly evolving. The dance is performed by both men and women, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages. Odissi dance is a valuable part of the Indian cultural heritage, and it is a joy to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Odissi dance?
Odissi is one of the eight major classical dance forms of India. It originated in the eastern state of Odisha, and is known for its intricate footwork, graceful hand gestures, and expressive facial expressions. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of live music, and often tells stories from Hindu mythology. - When did Odissi dance originate?
Odissi dance is believed to have originated in the temples of Odisha, where it was performed as a form of worship. The earliest known reference to Odissi dance is in the 6th century CE, in the writings of the poet Kalidasa. The dance was further developed in the 10th century CE, by the saint-poet Jayadeva, who wrote the Gita Govinda, a poem about the love between Krishna and Radha. - Who is the father of modern Odissi dance?
Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra is considered the father of modern Odissi dance. He was born in 1928 in the village of Raghurajpur, Odisha. He began learning Odissi dance at the age of six, from his father, Guru Raghunath Mohapatra. He later studied with other gurus, including Guru Pankaj Charan Das and Guru Deba Prasad Das. - What are the basic elements of Odissi dance?
The basic elements of Odissi dance are the footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions. The footwork is intricate and complex, and it is based on the traditional rhythms of Odisha. The hand gestures are graceful and expressive, and they tell the story of the dance. The facial expressions are also expressive, and they help to convey the emotions of the dancer. - What are some of the most famous Odissi dancers?
Some of the most famous Odissi dancers include Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Sanjukta Panigrahi, and Priyamvada Natarajan.
MCQS
1. Where did this classical dance form originate?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Karnataka
c) Odisha
d) West Bengal
2. What is the typical attire for performers?
a) White or off-white sari with gold borders
b) Brightly colored lehenga
c) Traditional sari with silver jewelry
d) Salwar kameez
3. What are the main themes depicted in this dance form?
a) Historical events
b) Nature and seasons
c) Religious stories and spiritual themes
d) Daily life activities
4. What type of music accompanies this dance form?
a) Hindustani Classical
b) Carnatic Classical
c) Odissi music
d) Folk Music
5. What are the distinctive movements of this dance?
a) Vigorous jumps and spins
b) Graceful, fluid torso movements and intricate footwork
c) Strong, sharp movements
d) Fast-paced footwork
6. Who is considered a key figure in the revival of this dance style?
a) Rukmini Devi Arundale
b) Vallathol Narayana Menon
c) Kelucharan Mohapatra
d) Birju Maharaj
7. What is the role of facial expressions in this dance?
a) They are minimal and not emphasized
b) They are crucial for conveying emotions and storytelling
c) They are used only in certain parts of the performance
d) They are exaggerated and comical
8. Are there specific hand gestures used in this dance?
a) No, hand movements are freeform
b) Yes, specific hand gestures (mudras) are used to communicate different meanings
c) Hand gestures are borrowed from other dance forms
d) Hand gestures are minimal
9. How does this dance form differ from others in India?
a) It is more vigorous and athletic
b) It is known for its gentle and feminine style
c) It incorporates martial arts
d) It combines fluid movements of the upper body with firm footwork
10. Is this dance performed solo or in groups?
a) Always in groups
b) Only as duets
c) Traditionally performed as a solo dance
d) Only during festivals