Indian Dances for SSC CGL 2025 Preparation
1. Concept Notes ✅ (Classification + Trends)
Classification of Indian Dances
Category Details
Based on Natya Shastra, with codified gestures, expressions, and stories from mythology. Usually temple
Classical Dances
or court dances.
Major Classical Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (Uttar Pradesh), Kathakali & Mohiniyattam (Kerala), Odissi
Forms (Odisha), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Manipuri (Manipur), Sattriya (Assam)
Regional, vibrant, linked to festivals, seasons, or community traditions. More informal, less codified than
Folk Dances
classical.
Famous Folk Bhangra (Punjab), Garba & Dandiya Raas (Gujarat), Ghoomar & Kalbelia (Rajasthan), Bihu (Assam),
Dances Chhau (Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal), Lavani (Maharashtra)
Trends
Classical dances preserve ancient tradition and mythology through stylized gestures (mudras) and facial expressions
(abhinaya).
Folk dances often celebrate harvests, festivals, or local stories; vibrant costumes and energetic movements are
common.
Revival and promotion of folk dances through festivals, government initiatives like Khelo India, and cultural exchanges.
2. Direct PYQs (2015–2025) ✅
Q: Which classical dance form originates from Tamil Nadu?
A: Bharatanatyam (SSC CGL 2022)
Q: Which folk dance is associated with the harvest festival Baisakhi?
A: Bhangra (SSC CGL 2020)
Q: Kathakali is a classical dance form from which state?
A: Kerala (SSC CGL 2019)
Q: Garba and Dandiya Raas are folk dances of which Indian state?
A: Gujarat (SSC CGL 2018)
Q: Which dance form is known for its martial movements and use of masks?
A: Chhau (SSC CGL 2021)
3. Eduquity New Pattern Types ✅
A. Match-the-Following
Dance Form State/Region
Bharatanatyam Tamil Nadu
Kathak Uttar Pradesh
Bhangra Punjab
Garba Gujarat
Odissi Odisha
Kathakali
Kerala
Mohiniyattam
Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh
Sattriya Assam
B. Assertion–Reason
A: Bharatanatyam is a classical dance performed mainly in temples.
R: It uses mudras and abhinaya to depict stories from Hindu mythology.
Answer: Both A and R are true; R correctly explains A.
C. Incorrect Statement
Bhangra is a folk dance from Gujarat. (Incorrect — Bhangra is from Punjab)
Kathak is known for its spins and storytelling. (Correct)
Garba is performed during Navratri festival in Rajasthan. (Incorrect — Garba is from Gujarat)
4. High-Probability Facts + Tricks ✅
“Bharatanatyam = Tamil Nadu temple dance with mudras.”
“Kathak = North Indian dance with spins and storytelling.”
“Bhangra = energetic harvest dance from Punjab.”
“Garba & Dandiya = Gujarat’s Navratri folk dances.”
“Kathakali = Kerala classical dance with dramatic makeup.”
“Chhau = martial folk dance with masks from eastern India.”
1. Classical Dances of India ✅
Dance Form State/Region Key Features Famous Exponents / Facts
Temple dance, expression of Hindu myths through facial Rukmini Devi Arundale, Padma
Bharatanatyam Tamil Nadu
expressions and hand gestures (Mudras) Subrahmanyam
Kathak Uttar Pradesh Storytelling through footwork and spins; Mughal influence Birju Maharaj
Dramatic storytelling, elaborate costumes and face
Kathakali Kerala Kalamandalam Gopi
makeup
Andhra
Kuchipudi Combines dance and drama, includes dialogues Vempati Chinna Satyam
Pradesh
Odissi Odisha Graceful movements, sculpturesque poses Kelucharan Mohapatra
Manipuri Manipur Smooth, flowing, devotional themes Priti Patel
Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty
Mohiniyattam Kerala Feminine, graceful, Lasya style
Amma
Sattriya Assam Originated in Vaishnavite monasteries (Sattras) Jayanta Hazarika
2. Major Folk Dances of India ✅
Dance Form State/Region Key Features Occasion / Festival
Energetic, performed during harvest festival
Bhangra Punjab Popular worldwide
(Baisakhi)
Garba Gujarat Circular group dance during Navratri festival Worship of Goddess Durga
Ghoomar Rajasthan Graceful swirling dance by women Weddings and festivals
Performed during Ganesh
Lavani Maharashtra Expressive dance with quick tempo music
Chaturthi
Dandiya Celebrates victory of good over
Gujarat Stick dance performed during Navratri
Raas evil
Jharkhand, Odisha, West
Chhau Martial dance with masks Celebrates mythological stories
Bengal
Kalbelia Rajasthan Dance of the snake charmer community Known for fluid movements
Performed during Bihu festival to celebrate Symbolizes fertility and harvest
Bihu Assam
Assamese New Year season
3. Direct PYQs on Indian Dances ✅
Which classical dance form is associated with the state of Kerala?
→ Kathakali and Mohiniyattam (SSC CGL 2023)
Bhangra is a folk dance of which Indian state?
→ Punjab (SSC CGL 2022)
Which dance form is famous for its facial makeup and elaborate costumes?
→ Kathakali (SSC CGL 2021)
Garba and Dandiya Raas are folk dances of which state?
→ Gujarat (SSC CGL 2020)
Which classical dance originated in Odisha?
→ Odissi (SSC CGL 2019)
4. High-Probability Facts & Tricks ✅
“Bharatanatyam = Tamil Nadu temple dance.”
“Kathak = UP spinning and storytelling.”
“Kathakali = Kerala with colorful makeup.”
“Bhangra = energetic Punjab harvest dance.”
“Garba = Gujarat’s Navratri dance.”
“Odissi = Odisha graceful temple dance.”
“Chhau = martial dance with masks.”
