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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!
Table of content
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.
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
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
3. Which of the following is a UNESCO-recognised dance from?
A. Bhangra
B. Dalkhai
C. Kalbelia
D. Giddha
4. The efforts of Siddhendra Yogi have brought glory to the dance form called ______.
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Mohiniyattam
C. Kuchipudi
D. Kathakali
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
6. The Koya Dance is associated with which of the following states?
A. Uttarakhand
B. Odisha
C. Punjab
D. Rajasthan
7.‘Aaluyattu’ is a folk-dance form from the state of _____.
A. Nagaland
B. Kerala
C. Goa
D. Haryana
8. Kathakali is a dance form traditionally associated with the state of:
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Odisha
C. Kerala
D. Tamil Nadu
9. Which is a solo woman dance which was further developed by Vadivelu in 19th century?
A. Manipuri
B. Sattriya
C. Mohiniattam
D. Kathak
10. Nayana, Suvarna, Ranjana and Darshana are major proponents of which dance?
A. Manipuri
B. Odissi
C. Bharatnatyam
D. Sattriya
