hamburger

Folk Dances of India: State-wise Indian Folk Dance, Download PDF

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 25th, 2023

Folk Dances of India: The Staff Selection Commission conducts several top-notch exams for graduates, 12th and 10th passed candidates. One of the subjects that is common in all the SSC & Railway exams is General Awareness which is very vast but scoring, as one does not have to learn tricks or complex formulas to attempt this section. This subject comprises 2-3 questions on Folk Dances of India for all the states.

So keeping the importance of the topic in mind, we are providing you with Important Dance Forms in India which will be helpful to enhance your scores in the impending exams. Candidates should revise the list of folk dances of India state-wise to score better in the upcoming SSC Exams 2023.

We have also provided the Folk Dances of India PDF for your reference, candidates can download the PDF from the link given below at the end of the article!

 

Folk Dances of India

Dance forms of India, which usually consist of just a few basic steps, are performed all over the world to commemorate the arrival of a new season, childbirth, marriages, gatherings, and other social events. Men and women participate individually in some Indian folk dances. Most of the time, the dancers would be joined by singers as they perform. The majority of folk dances of India have elaborately made costumes. Hence, folk dances of India hold high significance in all the states and competitive exams.

The Staff Selection Commission includes questions on folk dances of India to assess the candidates’ awareness of the rich cultural diversity of the country. It also reflects the significance of preserving and promoting traditional art forms, including folk dances, which are integral to the cultural heritage of India.

Folk Dances of India PDF

Below we are going to provide you all with the Folk Dances of India PDF in which you will find the Folk Dances of India State-wise and other important information like dance forms for SSC CGL and much more. Candidates can download the PDF from the link given below which can be saved for future reference. 

Folk Dances of India PDF

Important Dance Forms in India for SSC

The list of Folk Dances in India is the most important SSC Static GK topic for people who are all preparing for graduate-level government examinations. As per the exam analysis done till now, there are approximately 2-3 questions asked from this topic in the SSC & Railways exams. We have provided you with thorough information about this topic in this article. As the SSC exams are one of the most important exams for students who are aspiring to be Government officials therefore candidates need to prepare well for this topic i.e.,  Important folk dances of India for SSC Exams. 

Folk Dances of India State-wise 

We all know that humans are sociable animals, and since the beginning of civilization, people have incorporated recreation into their daily lives. When it comes to dancing, prehistoric digs have yielded figurines of dancing people in groups. Every society that we see today has a long history of evolution, and throughout that evolution, they have acquired certain traits that set them apart. Their culture has become their identity, and India is the center of many such cultures that coexist. Let’s have a thorough knowledge of the State-wise Folk Dances of India below.

Folk dances of India are regionally specific dances that have persisted for generations. They provide us with a look into the past and tell tales that highlight the dignity of society. Therefore, below we are going to provide the Folk Dances of India for all states for your reference.

List of Folk Dances of India

State  Dance forms in India
Arunachal Pradesh Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Bardo Chham
Uttar Pradesh Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita
Chhattisgarh Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Bharthari Charit, Chandaini

Tamil Nadu

Bharatanatyam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi
Goa Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi nrutya, Jagar, Ranmale, Gonph, Tonnya mell
Gujarat Garba, Dandiya Ras, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai
Haryana Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor
Kerala Kathakali (Classical), Ottam Thulal, Mohiniattam, Kaikottikali
Mizoram Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam, Par Lam, Sarlamkai/Solakia, Tlanglam
Andhra Pradesh

Kuchipudi, Vilasini Natyam, Andhra Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Butta Bommalu 

Assam

Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal, Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Jhumura Hobjanai

Bihar

Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama Chakwa, Bidesia
 Himachal Pradesh Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi
Karnataka Yakshagan, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi

Jharkhand

Alkap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua,Hunta Dance, Mundari Dance, Sarhul, Barao, Jhitka, Danga, Domkach, Ghora Naach

Jammu and Kashmir

Bacha Nagma Dance, Dumhal Dance, Rouf Dance, Kud Dance, Bhand Pather, Hafiza dance.
Manipur Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Khamba Thaibi, Nupa Dance, Raslila, Khubak Ishei, Lhou Sha

Nagaland

Rangma, Bamboo Dance, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim, Temangnetin, Hetaleulee
 Maharashtra Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada
 Odisha Odissi (Classical), Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari, Chhau
Madhya Pradesh

Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni, Maanch 

Meghalaya

Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho

Tripura

Hojagiri
Rajasthan Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Suisini, Ghapal, Kalbeliya, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma
 Sikkim Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha, Tashi Yangku Dance, Khukuri Naach, Chutkey Naach, Maruni Dance, Chu Faat Dance, Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion Dance

Uttrakhand

Barada Nati, Choliya Dance, Jagars, Jhora, Bhotiya Dance, Chancheri, Chhapeli, Langvir Dance, Langvir Nritya, Pandav Nritya, Ramola, Shotiya Tribal Folk Dances, Thali-Jadda, and Jhainta

West Bengal

Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan

Punjab

Bhangra, Giddha, Daff,  Naqual, Dhaman, Bhand

Classical Dances of India

India is the land of Art and Culture where there are different folk dances and classical dances of India which have always been a trademark of Indian Culture. There are 8 Classical dances of India which are described as follows:

The table below mentions the eight classical dances of India: 

Name of Classical Dance Place of Classical Dance
Bharatanatyam Tamil Nadu
Kathak Northern India
Kathakali Kerala
Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh
Manipuri Manipur
Mohiniyattam Kerala
Odissi Odisha
Sattriya Assam

The Sangeet Natak Academy (India’s National Academy) only acknowledges eight Indian classical dances, however, the Ministry of Culture also counts the Chhau Dance as one, bringing the total number of Indian classical dances to nine.  

Important Aspects of Classical Dances

There are two basic aspects of Natya Shastra (Classical Dances):  

  • Lasya: It denotes grace, bhava, rasa, and abhinaya. It is symbolic to the feminine features of dance as an art form.
  • Tandava:  This is symbolic of the male aspects of dance and has more emphasis on rhythm and movement.

Three basic elements of a Classical Dance Act

  • Nritta – These are the basic dance steps and are performed rhythmically but devoid of any expression or mood
  • Natya – It means dramatic representations and refers to the story that is elaborated through the dance recital
  • Nritya – refers to the sentiment and the emotions evoked through dance. It includes the mime and the different methods of expression including mudras in the dance

9 Rasas of Indian Classical Dance

The 9 Rasas of Indian Classical Dances are as follows:

Rasas Attributes
Shringaara Love
Roudra Anger
Bibhatsa Disgust
Veera Heroism
Shaant Peace and Tranquility
Hasya Laughter and Comedy
Karuna Tragedy
Bhayanak Horror
Adbhuta Wonder

Folk Dances of India Previous Year Questions

The Folk Dances of India are an important topic for competitive exams like SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, RRB NTPC, etc. Therefore below we have provided important Folk Dances of India that have been asked in the previous year Question papers. These questions will give ideas to aspirants regarding the types of questions that are going to be asked in the examination. 

1.‘Ponung’ and ‘Tapu’ are popular dance forms from the state of ______. 

A. Chhattisgarh
B. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Goa
D. Bihar

Answer ||| B

2. From which of the following English words is the name ‘Bhangra’ derived in the context of Bhangra Dance?

A. Hemp
B. Rhythm
C. Style
D. Movement

Answer ||| B

3. Which of the following is a UNESCO-recognised dance from?

A. Bhangra
B. Dalkhai
C. Kalbelia
D. Giddha

Answer ||| C

4. The efforts of Siddhendra Yogi have brought glory to the dance form called ______.

A. Bharatanatyam
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Kuchipudi
D. Kathakali

Answer ||| C

5. Which of the following states does NOT figure among the places of origins of the Chhau Dance?

A. Madhya Pradesh
B. Jharkhand
C. Odisha
D. West Bengal

Answer ||| A

6. The Koya Dance is associated with which of the following states?

A. Uttarakhand
B. Odisha
C. Punjab
D. Rajasthan

Answer ||| B

7.‘Aaluyattu’ is a folk-dance form from the state of _____.

A. Nagaland
B. Kerala
C. Goa
D. Haryana

Answer ||| A

8. Kathakali is a dance form traditionally associated with the state of:

A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Odisha
C. Kerala
D. Tamil Nadu

Answer ||| C

Check out: SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers

9. Which is a solo woman dance which was further developed by Vadivelu in 19th century?

A. Manipuri
B. Sattriya
C. Mohiniattam
D. Kathak

Answer ||| C

10. Nayana, Suvarna, Ranjana and Darshana are major proponents of which dance?

A. Manipuri
B. Odissi
C. Bharatnatyam
D. Sattriya

Answer ||| A

Important Folk Dances in India

India is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, which are beautifully reflected in its folk dances. Here are five important folk dances of India:

Bhangra of Punjab

Bhangra is a lively and energetic folk dance from Punjab, known for its rhythmic beats and colorful costumes. It is performed during the harvest festival of Baisakhi and is characterized by vigorous movements, high jumps, and loud music created by dhol, a traditional Punjabi drum. This Indian dance form is a symbol of joy, celebration, and the spirit of Punjabi culture.

Garba of Gujarat

Garba is a popular folk dance from Gujarat, usually performed during the Navratri festival. It involves circular and rhythmic movements performed by men and women in traditional attire, accompanied by live music and clapping. This Indian folk dance is a symbolic representation of the worship of Goddess Durga and is a vibrant celebration of Gujarat’s rich culture and traditions.

Kathakali of Kerala

Kathakali is a classical dance-drama from the southern state of Kerala, known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and dramatic expressions. It is performed by male dancers who portray various characters from Indian mythology and epics using facial expressions, gestures, and footwork. Kathakali is a highly stylized and visually captivating art form that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.

Ghoomar of Rajasthan

Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance from Rajasthan, performed by women during special occasions and festivals. It involves graceful movements, twirling, and spinning, accompanied by traditional Rajasthani music and singing. Ghoomar is known for its colorful costumes, intricate jewelry, and graceful movements of the dancers, which reflect the vibrant culture of Rajasthan.

These are just a few examples of the diverse folk dances that are an integral part of India’s cultural heritage. Each folk dance has its unique style, costumes, music, and significance, reflecting the traditions, customs, and beliefs of different regions of India.

 

RRB NTPC

Our Apps Playstore
POPULAR EXAMS
SSC and Bank
Other Exams
GradeStack Learning Pvt. Ltd.Windsor IT Park, Tower - A, 2nd Floor, Sector 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201303 help@byjusexamprep.com
Home Practice Test Series Premium