Performing Arts of India
various nuanced art forms and disciplines performed with rhythmic movements using one’s whole or partial body, limbs, voice, or facial expressions. They are majorly divided into the categories of Dance, Theatre, and Music. These performing art forms are much deeper than physical aspects as they play an important role in shaping and understanding a society’s culture.
Various Types of Performing Arts in India
India being one of the oldest civilizations is a haven for numerous unique performing arts. The Government of India diligently focuses on the preservation of its rich culture and heritage in various forms like arts, crafts, religion, philosophy, and tradition. Some, dating back to as old as 1st millennium CE like Koodiyattam and Kalaripayattu.
Enlisting below some of the renowned performing arts of India:
- Kalaripayattu
- Yoga
- Sankirtana
- Kalbelia
- Chhau
- Mudiyettu
- Bharatnatyam
- Kathak
- Mohiniattam
- Kathakali
- Koodiyattam
- Yakshgana
Kalaripayattu as a Performing Arts of India
Kerala being home to some of the most ancient performing arts of India which have also been recognized as nation’s intangible cultural heritage is also the birthplace of the most ancient and battlefield art in India, Kalaripayattu.
Kalaripayattu is an art born in Malabar region of India around 4th century B.C.E and is known to be one of the most powerful and scientific martial art in ancient times. Founded by Lord Parshurama, Kalaripayattu is known to be a perfect amalgamation of body, mind and soul training. Hence, it is often referred to as a complete guide to an authentic way of life.
Kalaripayattu, commonly referred to as Kalari is based on the survival instincts and fighting techniques of wild animals and follows the laws of nature. Thus, the initial lesson is to prepare a body that is as agile, flexible and strong, mind that is vigilant and instincts as sharpened as an animal who hunts their own food in the wilderness. Only through practicing these flexibility and stamina building body movements of Gaja(the elephant), ashwa(the horse), varaha(the boar), sarpa(the snake),Matsya(the fish) one can experience the precision and depth of this ancient performing art. Regular practice of this performing art of India can enhance the control and balance in the mind and body of an artist by multifold and it teaches its abhyasi the art of mental discipline and breath control that improves the overall fitness of one’s body by killing all the doshas while activating the chakras of the body.
Kalaripayattu having a historical base in Southern India and being a legendary art which is relevant even in today’s time to be called as a mother of all martial arts is now one of the most exhilarating act of performance on stage in events and shows all over the world. Kalari fights are demonstrated and showcased in its original glory through choreographed movements of performers that leaves the audience awestruck with its grandeur and unique moves.
once an art of battlefield, kalari today I widely practiced as an Indian Martial Art as conserved by a few learned Gurus of Kalaripayattu alive today. It has been admiringly also widely spread as a performing art only with a single aim to conserve it from extinction and create awareness amongst the future generation about the rich heritage and roots of the nation they’re born into.