Odissi Dance During the Mughal Era
Attacks by Muslim invaders in temples and monasteries in Odisha and other institutions in Eastern India not only witnessed the plunder of ancient sites, but these raids also negatively affected the development of all art forms and restricted the freedom of artists. For instance, the invasion of Odisha by Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1360–1361) witnessed the destruction of several temples, including the Jagannath Temple in Puri, which included damage and destruction of the dance halls and the dancing statues.
Whatever little of the dance forms of this period survived was due to the patronage of some generous rulers. In the Mughal and Sultanate periods, temple dancers entertained the family and courts of the Sultans and sort of became the concubines of the royals.
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.
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