Music and Dance of Odisha | Odisha State PSC (OPSC): Preparation - OPSC OCS (Odisha) PDF Download

 Page 1


CHAPTER 25
Odisha has a glorious tradition of music and dance. The figures of
dancers, musicians carved on ancient temple walls gave information
about Odisha’s rich musical heritage. There were saint-poets of
Odisha who composed lyrical poems e.g. Jayadeva.The rich cultural
heritage of the state can be seen in the varied dance forms that
include classical dance form Odissi, tribal dances and folk dances.
Music of Odisha
Odissi music is a type of ancient odramagadhi music which was a branch of Indian
Classical Music. Odissi music is a classical form which has all the necessary
components which are common to Hindustani and Carnatic music, such as ragas
and tala. Jayadeva was the first Odia poet who is credited to highlight the classical
ragas prevailing at the time in which these were sung. Earlier to this, Chhandas
(versus) were in tradition which were simple in musical outline.
From the 16th century onwards, treatises (discourses) on music were written or
compiled in Odisha. These were Sangitamava Chandrika, Gita Prakasha, Sangita
Kalalata and Natya Manorama. Two treatises namely, Sangita Sarani and Sangita
Narayana were also written in the early 19th century.Odissi music has the following
classes of music such as:
Dhruvapada It is the first class of Odissi music. It is the first line or lines to be sung
repeatedly.
Chitrakala The use of art in music is called Chitrakala. Kavisurya Baladeva Rath,
the renowned Odia poet, wrote lyrics which are the best examples of Chitrakala.
Chitrapada It means the arrangement of words in an alliterative style. In this form,
there is occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent words.
All these were combined to form the style peculiar to Odissi music.
Page 2


CHAPTER 25
Odisha has a glorious tradition of music and dance. The figures of
dancers, musicians carved on ancient temple walls gave information
about Odisha’s rich musical heritage. There were saint-poets of
Odisha who composed lyrical poems e.g. Jayadeva.The rich cultural
heritage of the state can be seen in the varied dance forms that
include classical dance form Odissi, tribal dances and folk dances.
Music of Odisha
Odissi music is a type of ancient odramagadhi music which was a branch of Indian
Classical Music. Odissi music is a classical form which has all the necessary
components which are common to Hindustani and Carnatic music, such as ragas
and tala. Jayadeva was the first Odia poet who is credited to highlight the classical
ragas prevailing at the time in which these were sung. Earlier to this, Chhandas
(versus) were in tradition which were simple in musical outline.
From the 16th century onwards, treatises (discourses) on music were written or
compiled in Odisha. These were Sangitamava Chandrika, Gita Prakasha, Sangita
Kalalata and Natya Manorama. Two treatises namely, Sangita Sarani and Sangita
Narayana were also written in the early 19th century.Odissi music has the following
classes of music such as:
Dhruvapada It is the first class of Odissi music. It is the first line or lines to be sung
repeatedly.
Chitrakala The use of art in music is called Chitrakala. Kavisurya Baladeva Rath,
the renowned Odia poet, wrote lyrics which are the best examples of Chitrakala.
Chitrapada It means the arrangement of words in an alliterative style. In this form,
there is occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent words.
All these were combined to form the style peculiar to Odissi music.
277 Music and Dance of Odisha
Chhanda The Chhandas were a
combination of bhava (theme),kala
(time) and swara (tune). The Chaurisha
represents the originality of Odissi style.
In the Chhandas, the thirty-four letters
of the Odia alphabet from ‘Ka’ to ‘Ksha’
are used chronologically at the beginning
of each line.
OdissiRagas Unlike Hindustani and
Carnatic music, Odissi ragas have
different style. Kalyana, Nata, Shree
Gowda, Baradi, Panchama, Dhanashri,
Karnata, Bhairavee and Shokabaradi are
chief Odissi ragas.
The greatest exponents of Odissi music
in modern times are the late Singhari
Shyamasundar Kar, Markandeya
Mahapatra, Kashinath Pujapanda,
Balakrushna Das, Bhubaneswari Mishra,
Shyamamani Devi and Sunanda Patnaik.
Musical Traditions of
Odisha
The present musical tradition (Gharanas) of
Odisha can be broadly grouped under the
following categories:
ClassicalMusic It is the traditional music
of Odisha. It consists of Anirjukta
Pravadha, Sri Geetagovinda, Divya
Manusi, Prabandha, Chhander, Chautisa.
Chaupadi (Odissi), Malasri, Sariman,
Champu Vyanjani, Chaturang, Tribhang,
Kuduka Geeta, Swarnamalya and
Laxana.
LightClassical Music It is consisted of
Bhajan, Janam, Odiya songs based on
Ragas, Rangila Chaupadi, etc.
FolkMusic This music is the expression
of the ethos and moves of the folk
people.
Important folk music are Geeta, Balipuja
Geeta, Kela Keluni Geeta, Dalkhai
Geeta, Kendra Geeta, Jaiphula Geeta,
Ghoda Nacha, Danda Nacha Geeta,
Ghumura Geeta, Gopal Ugala and
Osa-Parva Geeta.
Tribalmusic This type of music is
associated with the tribal population of
the state especially in the hilly forest
regions and coastal belt region.
Musical Instruments of
Odisha
Various musical instruments accompany
the music and dance performances of
Odisha. The Baunsa Taranga and Katha
Taranga are the indigenous musical
instruments in Odisha.
Many musical instruments like Khanjani,
Dholki, Madala, Ghumura and Pakhawaj
are played during festivals that echo the
feeling of joy.
Musical Instruments like Flute,
Dhanakoila, Behela and Kendera are
used during the moment of sorrow and
grief. The conchshells represent good
omens and are played in marriages,
auspicious occasions and invoking the
deities.
Stringed musical instruments like Veena,
Sarangi, Ektara, Behela and Dhenka are
well-known throughout the state. Other
important instruments are Tamak,
Mahuri,Gochi baja, Ghanta, etc.
Page 3


CHAPTER 25
Odisha has a glorious tradition of music and dance. The figures of
dancers, musicians carved on ancient temple walls gave information
about Odisha’s rich musical heritage. There were saint-poets of
Odisha who composed lyrical poems e.g. Jayadeva.The rich cultural
heritage of the state can be seen in the varied dance forms that
include classical dance form Odissi, tribal dances and folk dances.
Music of Odisha
Odissi music is a type of ancient odramagadhi music which was a branch of Indian
Classical Music. Odissi music is a classical form which has all the necessary
components which are common to Hindustani and Carnatic music, such as ragas
and tala. Jayadeva was the first Odia poet who is credited to highlight the classical
ragas prevailing at the time in which these were sung. Earlier to this, Chhandas
(versus) were in tradition which were simple in musical outline.
From the 16th century onwards, treatises (discourses) on music were written or
compiled in Odisha. These were Sangitamava Chandrika, Gita Prakasha, Sangita
Kalalata and Natya Manorama. Two treatises namely, Sangita Sarani and Sangita
Narayana were also written in the early 19th century.Odissi music has the following
classes of music such as:
Dhruvapada It is the first class of Odissi music. It is the first line or lines to be sung
repeatedly.
Chitrakala The use of art in music is called Chitrakala. Kavisurya Baladeva Rath,
the renowned Odia poet, wrote lyrics which are the best examples of Chitrakala.
Chitrapada It means the arrangement of words in an alliterative style. In this form,
there is occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent words.
All these were combined to form the style peculiar to Odissi music.
277 Music and Dance of Odisha
Chhanda The Chhandas were a
combination of bhava (theme),kala
(time) and swara (tune). The Chaurisha
represents the originality of Odissi style.
In the Chhandas, the thirty-four letters
of the Odia alphabet from ‘Ka’ to ‘Ksha’
are used chronologically at the beginning
of each line.
OdissiRagas Unlike Hindustani and
Carnatic music, Odissi ragas have
different style. Kalyana, Nata, Shree
Gowda, Baradi, Panchama, Dhanashri,
Karnata, Bhairavee and Shokabaradi are
chief Odissi ragas.
The greatest exponents of Odissi music
in modern times are the late Singhari
Shyamasundar Kar, Markandeya
Mahapatra, Kashinath Pujapanda,
Balakrushna Das, Bhubaneswari Mishra,
Shyamamani Devi and Sunanda Patnaik.
Musical Traditions of
Odisha
The present musical tradition (Gharanas) of
Odisha can be broadly grouped under the
following categories:
ClassicalMusic It is the traditional music
of Odisha. It consists of Anirjukta
Pravadha, Sri Geetagovinda, Divya
Manusi, Prabandha, Chhander, Chautisa.
Chaupadi (Odissi), Malasri, Sariman,
Champu Vyanjani, Chaturang, Tribhang,
Kuduka Geeta, Swarnamalya and
Laxana.
LightClassical Music It is consisted of
Bhajan, Janam, Odiya songs based on
Ragas, Rangila Chaupadi, etc.
FolkMusic This music is the expression
of the ethos and moves of the folk
people.
Important folk music are Geeta, Balipuja
Geeta, Kela Keluni Geeta, Dalkhai
Geeta, Kendra Geeta, Jaiphula Geeta,
Ghoda Nacha, Danda Nacha Geeta,
Ghumura Geeta, Gopal Ugala and
Osa-Parva Geeta.
Tribalmusic This type of music is
associated with the tribal population of
the state especially in the hilly forest
regions and coastal belt region.
Musical Instruments of
Odisha
Various musical instruments accompany
the music and dance performances of
Odisha. The Baunsa Taranga and Katha
Taranga are the indigenous musical
instruments in Odisha.
Many musical instruments like Khanjani,
Dholki, Madala, Ghumura and Pakhawaj
are played during festivals that echo the
feeling of joy.
Musical Instruments like Flute,
Dhanakoila, Behela and Kendera are
used during the moment of sorrow and
grief. The conchshells represent good
omens and are played in marriages,
auspicious occasions and invoking the
deities.
Stringed musical instruments like Veena,
Sarangi, Ektara, Behela and Dhenka are
well-known throughout the state. Other
important instruments are Tamak,
Mahuri,Gochi baja, Ghanta, etc.
278 Know Your State ODISHA
Some famous musical instruments of Odisha
are discussed below:
Tamak It is one of a traditional
instrument of the state. It consists of
animal skin stretched over a wooden
base. The membrane is vibrated with
two long wooden sticks. It is usually
played in marriage processions and on
other festive occassions.
Mahuri It is a traditional wind instrument
belonging to the state. It is an auspicious
instrument. It is played during marriages.
It is also used in folk theatres like Rama
Nataka and dances like Chhau.
GochiBaja It is a traditional percussion
instrument belonging to the state. It is
considered auspicious and is usually
played in marriage processions.
Kendera It is an ethnic stringed
instrument ritually used by ascetics of
the Nâtha sect while gathering alms. It is
normally made of a coconut shell on
which the skin of a monitor lizard has
been stretched. A bamboo stick is used
as the bow for the instrument.
Ghanta It is a metallic gong used as a
percussion instrument. It is used during
the majestic Ratha Jatra of Puri in
which hundreds of ghantas play in a
synchronised beat with fervour,
dramatically swinging their torsos back
and forth.
Dance Forms of
Odisha
Dance is the non-verbal form of
expression or the artistic expression of
emotions. Odisha is a land of different
dance forms, which ranges from
classical, tribal and folk dances.The
famous dance forms of Odisha are discussed
below:
Odissi Dance
l
This is one of the eight acknowledged
classical dance forms of India and the
most famous dance of Odisha.
l
Like all other Indian classical dances,
it also has its initiation in religion and
philosophy with an origin in the
temples of Odisha.
l
The rhythm, and mudras used in
Odissi dance have a distinct style of
its own.
l
The dance depicts the theme of
infinite love of Lord Krishna and
Radha.
l
This dance has a long history but it
got its recognition as a classical dance
only in the year 1958.
l
Odissi includes both Tandava and
Lasya elements and hasnavatala system.
l
In Odissi, the torso movement is
considered very important which is
soft, lyrical and graceful.
Page 4


CHAPTER 25
Odisha has a glorious tradition of music and dance. The figures of
dancers, musicians carved on ancient temple walls gave information
about Odisha’s rich musical heritage. There were saint-poets of
Odisha who composed lyrical poems e.g. Jayadeva.The rich cultural
heritage of the state can be seen in the varied dance forms that
include classical dance form Odissi, tribal dances and folk dances.
Music of Odisha
Odissi music is a type of ancient odramagadhi music which was a branch of Indian
Classical Music. Odissi music is a classical form which has all the necessary
components which are common to Hindustani and Carnatic music, such as ragas
and tala. Jayadeva was the first Odia poet who is credited to highlight the classical
ragas prevailing at the time in which these were sung. Earlier to this, Chhandas
(versus) were in tradition which were simple in musical outline.
From the 16th century onwards, treatises (discourses) on music were written or
compiled in Odisha. These were Sangitamava Chandrika, Gita Prakasha, Sangita
Kalalata and Natya Manorama. Two treatises namely, Sangita Sarani and Sangita
Narayana were also written in the early 19th century.Odissi music has the following
classes of music such as:
Dhruvapada It is the first class of Odissi music. It is the first line or lines to be sung
repeatedly.
Chitrakala The use of art in music is called Chitrakala. Kavisurya Baladeva Rath,
the renowned Odia poet, wrote lyrics which are the best examples of Chitrakala.
Chitrapada It means the arrangement of words in an alliterative style. In this form,
there is occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent words.
All these were combined to form the style peculiar to Odissi music.
277 Music and Dance of Odisha
Chhanda The Chhandas were a
combination of bhava (theme),kala
(time) and swara (tune). The Chaurisha
represents the originality of Odissi style.
In the Chhandas, the thirty-four letters
of the Odia alphabet from ‘Ka’ to ‘Ksha’
are used chronologically at the beginning
of each line.
OdissiRagas Unlike Hindustani and
Carnatic music, Odissi ragas have
different style. Kalyana, Nata, Shree
Gowda, Baradi, Panchama, Dhanashri,
Karnata, Bhairavee and Shokabaradi are
chief Odissi ragas.
The greatest exponents of Odissi music
in modern times are the late Singhari
Shyamasundar Kar, Markandeya
Mahapatra, Kashinath Pujapanda,
Balakrushna Das, Bhubaneswari Mishra,
Shyamamani Devi and Sunanda Patnaik.
Musical Traditions of
Odisha
The present musical tradition (Gharanas) of
Odisha can be broadly grouped under the
following categories:
ClassicalMusic It is the traditional music
of Odisha. It consists of Anirjukta
Pravadha, Sri Geetagovinda, Divya
Manusi, Prabandha, Chhander, Chautisa.
Chaupadi (Odissi), Malasri, Sariman,
Champu Vyanjani, Chaturang, Tribhang,
Kuduka Geeta, Swarnamalya and
Laxana.
LightClassical Music It is consisted of
Bhajan, Janam, Odiya songs based on
Ragas, Rangila Chaupadi, etc.
FolkMusic This music is the expression
of the ethos and moves of the folk
people.
Important folk music are Geeta, Balipuja
Geeta, Kela Keluni Geeta, Dalkhai
Geeta, Kendra Geeta, Jaiphula Geeta,
Ghoda Nacha, Danda Nacha Geeta,
Ghumura Geeta, Gopal Ugala and
Osa-Parva Geeta.
Tribalmusic This type of music is
associated with the tribal population of
the state especially in the hilly forest
regions and coastal belt region.
Musical Instruments of
Odisha
Various musical instruments accompany
the music and dance performances of
Odisha. The Baunsa Taranga and Katha
Taranga are the indigenous musical
instruments in Odisha.
Many musical instruments like Khanjani,
Dholki, Madala, Ghumura and Pakhawaj
are played during festivals that echo the
feeling of joy.
Musical Instruments like Flute,
Dhanakoila, Behela and Kendera are
used during the moment of sorrow and
grief. The conchshells represent good
omens and are played in marriages,
auspicious occasions and invoking the
deities.
Stringed musical instruments like Veena,
Sarangi, Ektara, Behela and Dhenka are
well-known throughout the state. Other
important instruments are Tamak,
Mahuri,Gochi baja, Ghanta, etc.
278 Know Your State ODISHA
Some famous musical instruments of Odisha
are discussed below:
Tamak It is one of a traditional
instrument of the state. It consists of
animal skin stretched over a wooden
base. The membrane is vibrated with
two long wooden sticks. It is usually
played in marriage processions and on
other festive occassions.
Mahuri It is a traditional wind instrument
belonging to the state. It is an auspicious
instrument. It is played during marriages.
It is also used in folk theatres like Rama
Nataka and dances like Chhau.
GochiBaja It is a traditional percussion
instrument belonging to the state. It is
considered auspicious and is usually
played in marriage processions.
Kendera It is an ethnic stringed
instrument ritually used by ascetics of
the Nâtha sect while gathering alms. It is
normally made of a coconut shell on
which the skin of a monitor lizard has
been stretched. A bamboo stick is used
as the bow for the instrument.
Ghanta It is a metallic gong used as a
percussion instrument. It is used during
the majestic Ratha Jatra of Puri in
which hundreds of ghantas play in a
synchronised beat with fervour,
dramatically swinging their torsos back
and forth.
Dance Forms of
Odisha
Dance is the non-verbal form of
expression or the artistic expression of
emotions. Odisha is a land of different
dance forms, which ranges from
classical, tribal and folk dances.The
famous dance forms of Odisha are discussed
below:
Odissi Dance
l
This is one of the eight acknowledged
classical dance forms of India and the
most famous dance of Odisha.
l
Like all other Indian classical dances,
it also has its initiation in religion and
philosophy with an origin in the
temples of Odisha.
l
The rhythm, and mudras used in
Odissi dance have a distinct style of
its own.
l
The dance depicts the theme of
infinite love of Lord Krishna and
Radha.
l
This dance has a long history but it
got its recognition as a classical dance
only in the year 1958.
l
Odissi includes both Tandava and
Lasya elements and hasnavatala system.
l
In Odissi, the torso movement is
considered very important which is
soft, lyrical and graceful.
l
The basic body position is chowka that is supposed to be a replica of Lord
Jagannath’s body position.
l
The dance has a mention in Bharata Natyashastra as ‘Odra Magadhi’.
l
Odissi dance style comprises of the following phases Mangalacharan, Sthai or
Batu Nrutya, Pallavi, Abhinaya and Moksha.
l
Some of the renowned Odissi dancers are Sonal Mansingh, Guru Pankaj Charan,
Guru Kelucharna Mohapatra, Late Debiprasad, Late Sanjukta Panigrahi,
Kumkum Mohanty, Indrani Rahman, Guru Nabakishore, Guru Gangadhar
Pradhan, Guru Subrat Patnaik and Ileana Citaristi.
l
Odissi dance performers created a Guinnees World Record when 555 dancers
performed for 28 minutes on 23rd December, 2011 at Kalinga Stadium in
Bhubaneswar. These Odissi dances were taught by three gurus, Pankaj Charan
Das, Kelucharan Mohapatra and Debaprasad Das.
Mahari Dance
l
This is one of the important dance forms of Odisha which has a history of nearly a
thousand years old since the time of Gauya rulers of Utkala.
l
It was originated in the temples of Odisha. Maharis were the temple dancers or
devadasis of the Jagannath  temple at Puri. Thus the dance got its name as Mahari.
l
During the reign of Chodaganga Dev, Maharis were employed in the temples of
Puri. After his death, Ananabhimadeva built Natyamandapa in the Jagannath
temple for the dance performance.
l
The Mahari dancers belonged to different categories namely, the Nachunis
(dancers), the Bahara Gauni, the Bhitara Gauni and the Gaudasanis.
279 Music and Dance of Odisha
s WOMENOFODISHAINTHEIRTRADITIONALDRESSESPERFORMINGODISSIDANCE
Page 5


CHAPTER 25
Odisha has a glorious tradition of music and dance. The figures of
dancers, musicians carved on ancient temple walls gave information
about Odisha’s rich musical heritage. There were saint-poets of
Odisha who composed lyrical poems e.g. Jayadeva.The rich cultural
heritage of the state can be seen in the varied dance forms that
include classical dance form Odissi, tribal dances and folk dances.
Music of Odisha
Odissi music is a type of ancient odramagadhi music which was a branch of Indian
Classical Music. Odissi music is a classical form which has all the necessary
components which are common to Hindustani and Carnatic music, such as ragas
and tala. Jayadeva was the first Odia poet who is credited to highlight the classical
ragas prevailing at the time in which these were sung. Earlier to this, Chhandas
(versus) were in tradition which were simple in musical outline.
From the 16th century onwards, treatises (discourses) on music were written or
compiled in Odisha. These were Sangitamava Chandrika, Gita Prakasha, Sangita
Kalalata and Natya Manorama. Two treatises namely, Sangita Sarani and Sangita
Narayana were also written in the early 19th century.Odissi music has the following
classes of music such as:
Dhruvapada It is the first class of Odissi music. It is the first line or lines to be sung
repeatedly.
Chitrakala The use of art in music is called Chitrakala. Kavisurya Baladeva Rath,
the renowned Odia poet, wrote lyrics which are the best examples of Chitrakala.
Chitrapada It means the arrangement of words in an alliterative style. In this form,
there is occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent words.
All these were combined to form the style peculiar to Odissi music.
277 Music and Dance of Odisha
Chhanda The Chhandas were a
combination of bhava (theme),kala
(time) and swara (tune). The Chaurisha
represents the originality of Odissi style.
In the Chhandas, the thirty-four letters
of the Odia alphabet from ‘Ka’ to ‘Ksha’
are used chronologically at the beginning
of each line.
OdissiRagas Unlike Hindustani and
Carnatic music, Odissi ragas have
different style. Kalyana, Nata, Shree
Gowda, Baradi, Panchama, Dhanashri,
Karnata, Bhairavee and Shokabaradi are
chief Odissi ragas.
The greatest exponents of Odissi music
in modern times are the late Singhari
Shyamasundar Kar, Markandeya
Mahapatra, Kashinath Pujapanda,
Balakrushna Das, Bhubaneswari Mishra,
Shyamamani Devi and Sunanda Patnaik.
Musical Traditions of
Odisha
The present musical tradition (Gharanas) of
Odisha can be broadly grouped under the
following categories:
ClassicalMusic It is the traditional music
of Odisha. It consists of Anirjukta
Pravadha, Sri Geetagovinda, Divya
Manusi, Prabandha, Chhander, Chautisa.
Chaupadi (Odissi), Malasri, Sariman,
Champu Vyanjani, Chaturang, Tribhang,
Kuduka Geeta, Swarnamalya and
Laxana.
LightClassical Music It is consisted of
Bhajan, Janam, Odiya songs based on
Ragas, Rangila Chaupadi, etc.
FolkMusic This music is the expression
of the ethos and moves of the folk
people.
Important folk music are Geeta, Balipuja
Geeta, Kela Keluni Geeta, Dalkhai
Geeta, Kendra Geeta, Jaiphula Geeta,
Ghoda Nacha, Danda Nacha Geeta,
Ghumura Geeta, Gopal Ugala and
Osa-Parva Geeta.
Tribalmusic This type of music is
associated with the tribal population of
the state especially in the hilly forest
regions and coastal belt region.
Musical Instruments of
Odisha
Various musical instruments accompany
the music and dance performances of
Odisha. The Baunsa Taranga and Katha
Taranga are the indigenous musical
instruments in Odisha.
Many musical instruments like Khanjani,
Dholki, Madala, Ghumura and Pakhawaj
are played during festivals that echo the
feeling of joy.
Musical Instruments like Flute,
Dhanakoila, Behela and Kendera are
used during the moment of sorrow and
grief. The conchshells represent good
omens and are played in marriages,
auspicious occasions and invoking the
deities.
Stringed musical instruments like Veena,
Sarangi, Ektara, Behela and Dhenka are
well-known throughout the state. Other
important instruments are Tamak,
Mahuri,Gochi baja, Ghanta, etc.
278 Know Your State ODISHA
Some famous musical instruments of Odisha
are discussed below:
Tamak It is one of a traditional
instrument of the state. It consists of
animal skin stretched over a wooden
base. The membrane is vibrated with
two long wooden sticks. It is usually
played in marriage processions and on
other festive occassions.
Mahuri It is a traditional wind instrument
belonging to the state. It is an auspicious
instrument. It is played during marriages.
It is also used in folk theatres like Rama
Nataka and dances like Chhau.
GochiBaja It is a traditional percussion
instrument belonging to the state. It is
considered auspicious and is usually
played in marriage processions.
Kendera It is an ethnic stringed
instrument ritually used by ascetics of
the Nâtha sect while gathering alms. It is
normally made of a coconut shell on
which the skin of a monitor lizard has
been stretched. A bamboo stick is used
as the bow for the instrument.
Ghanta It is a metallic gong used as a
percussion instrument. It is used during
the majestic Ratha Jatra of Puri in
which hundreds of ghantas play in a
synchronised beat with fervour,
dramatically swinging their torsos back
and forth.
Dance Forms of
Odisha
Dance is the non-verbal form of
expression or the artistic expression of
emotions. Odisha is a land of different
dance forms, which ranges from
classical, tribal and folk dances.The
famous dance forms of Odisha are discussed
below:
Odissi Dance
l
This is one of the eight acknowledged
classical dance forms of India and the
most famous dance of Odisha.
l
Like all other Indian classical dances,
it also has its initiation in religion and
philosophy with an origin in the
temples of Odisha.
l
The rhythm, and mudras used in
Odissi dance have a distinct style of
its own.
l
The dance depicts the theme of
infinite love of Lord Krishna and
Radha.
l
This dance has a long history but it
got its recognition as a classical dance
only in the year 1958.
l
Odissi includes both Tandava and
Lasya elements and hasnavatala system.
l
In Odissi, the torso movement is
considered very important which is
soft, lyrical and graceful.
l
The basic body position is chowka that is supposed to be a replica of Lord
Jagannath’s body position.
l
The dance has a mention in Bharata Natyashastra as ‘Odra Magadhi’.
l
Odissi dance style comprises of the following phases Mangalacharan, Sthai or
Batu Nrutya, Pallavi, Abhinaya and Moksha.
l
Some of the renowned Odissi dancers are Sonal Mansingh, Guru Pankaj Charan,
Guru Kelucharna Mohapatra, Late Debiprasad, Late Sanjukta Panigrahi,
Kumkum Mohanty, Indrani Rahman, Guru Nabakishore, Guru Gangadhar
Pradhan, Guru Subrat Patnaik and Ileana Citaristi.
l
Odissi dance performers created a Guinnees World Record when 555 dancers
performed for 28 minutes on 23rd December, 2011 at Kalinga Stadium in
Bhubaneswar. These Odissi dances were taught by three gurus, Pankaj Charan
Das, Kelucharan Mohapatra and Debaprasad Das.
Mahari Dance
l
This is one of the important dance forms of Odisha which has a history of nearly a
thousand years old since the time of Gauya rulers of Utkala.
l
It was originated in the temples of Odisha. Maharis were the temple dancers or
devadasis of the Jagannath  temple at Puri. Thus the dance got its name as Mahari.
l
During the reign of Chodaganga Dev, Maharis were employed in the temples of
Puri. After his death, Ananabhimadeva built Natyamandapa in the Jagannath
temple for the dance performance.
l
The Mahari dancers belonged to different categories namely, the Nachunis
(dancers), the Bahara Gauni, the Bhitara Gauni and the Gaudasanis.
279 Music and Dance of Odisha
s WOMENOFODISHAINTHEIRTRADITIONALDRESSESPERFORMINGODISSIDANCE
280 Know Your State ODISHA
Gotipua
l
Gotipua dance is a fascinating folk dance of Raghurajpur village in Puri district. In
this dance form, boys below 14 years, dressed in female dress dance to the tune of
the music.
l
They perform acrobatic poses and praise Jagannath and Lord Krishna. It is
believed that this dance form originated during the reign of Prataprudradev
(1497 CE to 1540 CE).
l
The subject matter of Gotipua dances is invariably mythology and stories from
Puranic literatures.
l
The Gotipua dance is now introduced in the village Jatras. It is also performed
during festivals.
l
Gotipua is responsible for popularising the old age Champu and Chhanda
literature.
Jhoomar Dance
l
This is a tribal dance named after the Jhoomar songs. It is prevalent among the
Mahanta and Munda communities of the Sundargarh, Balasore, Jharsuguda and
Mayurbhanj districts.
l
Among the Mahantas, the dance is performed by the men only.
l
Among the Mundas, the singers who accompany the dancers sing songs and the
dancers follow them in chorus in accompaniment of Madal.
l
The Mundas are especially experts in Jhoomar dance having established expertise
in the intricate footsteps.
l
It is mainly performed during Chaitra puja and Kalipuja.
s YOUNGGIRLSPERFORMINGGOTIPUADANCE