An Overview of Odissi Dance
Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves in Odisha provide some of the finest examples of the earliest instances of Odissi dance. The dance derives its name from the ‘Odra nritya’ mentioned in the Natya Shastra. It was mainly practiced by the’maharis’ and patronized by Kharavela, the Jain king. Maharis were ritually married to Lord Jagannath (considered a form of Vishnu), who was regarded as a living entity. Young girls, aged 8 or 9, were mostly made a part of the temple service; either their families dedicated them to the Lord as an expression of devotion or gratitude, or they were adopted by older maharis as their daughters.
With the spread of Vaishnavism in the region, the Mahari system became defunct. Instead, young boys were recruited as ‘Gotipuas.’ ‘Nartala’ another variant of this art, continued to be practiced at the royal courts. Outward appearances, hand signals, and body developments altogether propose a specific feeling, or one of the nine rasas.
Odissi | Odissa’s Classical Dance
Odissi dance comes from the Indian state of Odisha. According to Natya Shastra, ‘Odhra Magadha’ is the earliest form of present-day Odissi dance. It is one of the eight Indian classical dances. It is a sensual and lyrical dance form. Considered to be a dance of love, Odissi depicts the human and divine aspects of life. It also highlights the subtleties of life, as well as the mundane. Evidence of the continuing tradition of Odissi dance can be seen from the 2nd to the 10th century AD in the form of Buddhist sculptures, Nataraja, tantric images, celestial dancers, and musicians in the ancient Shaivite temples.
In this article, we will discuss the history, evolution, and revival of Odissi dance form. Also, learn about its distinctive features and elements.
Odissi Dance
Table of Content
- An Overview of Odissi Dance
- History and Evolution of Odissi Dance
- Odissi Dance During the Mughal Era
- Decline and Revival of Odissi
- Features of Odissi Dance
- Elements of Odissi Dance