All About Indian Dances Forms | List of Folk Dances of India State Wise | Check Indian Classical Dance Forms List

Folk Dances of India: India is a place known for a lot of traditional & rich cultural heritage found all over the place. One of the main cultures in every state of the country is Dance. In India, there are various dance forms that have so much rich heritage. They are classified into two main categories as Classical and Folk dance forms. All these dance forms are originated from various parts of India according to their local traditions.

In this article, you will be seen more information about Folk Dances of India state-wise as well as a list of Indian classical dance forms. Knowing about the Indian Culture is very important for students who answering GK General Knowledge Questions in UPSC Exams. As the Indian dance forms are crucial elements of the Art and Culture syllabus for the IAS Exam. Let’s take a look at the below sections and learn complete information about Indian Folk Dance Forms.

List of Indian Folk Dances – State Wise

Folk Dance Form has appeared from the local tradition of the respective state, ethnic or geographic regions. Indian Folk Dances are a kind of expression, played to reflect the happiness, sorrow, and distinct mood of the society. These folk dances have grown and become folk dances over the years, carrying uniqueness and freshness to the Indian culture. All these forms of Indian Folk Dances can be performed by men, women, or a group of peoples.

Also Check: Difference Between Classical Dance and Folk Dance & Their Comparisons

Here we have compiled the list of various state folk dances of India that aid in your exam preparation like Bank, UPSC, SSC, State PSC Exams, etc. Hence, refer to this table of state-wise categorization of Indian folk dances and answer all direct questions asked about the state-folk dance relation.

State Name	Name of Folk Dances
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.
Gujarat	Garba, Dandiya Ras, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai.
Haryana	Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor.
Himachal Pradesh	Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi.
Jammu and Kashmir	Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach, Damali.
Karnataka	Yakshagan, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi.
Kerala	Kathakali (Classical), Ottam Thulal, Mohiniattam, Kaikottikali.
Maharashtra	Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar Bohada.
Odisha	Odissi (Classical), Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari, Chhau.
West Bengal	Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan.
Punjab	Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand, Naqual.
Rajasthan	Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Kalbeliya.
Tamil Nadu	Bharatanatyam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi.
Uttar Pradesh	Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita.
Uttarakhand	➤ Garhwali, ➤ Kumayuni, ➤ Kajari, ➤ Jhora, ➤ Raslila, ➤ Chappeli.
Goa	➤ Tarangamel, ➤ Koli, ➤ Dekhni, ➤ Fugdi, ➤ Shigmo, ➤ Ghode, ➤ Modni, ➤ Samayi nrutya, ➤ Jagar, ➤ Ranmale, ➤ Gonph, ➤ Tonnya mell.
Madhya Pradesh	➤ Jawara, ➤ Matki, ➤ Aada, ➤ Khada Nach, ➤ Phulpati, ➤ Grida Dance, ➤ Selalarki, ➤ Selabhadoni, ➤ Maanch.
Chhattisgarh	➤ Gaur Maria, ➤ Panthi, ➤ Raut Nacha, ➤ Pandwani, ➤ Vedamati, ➤ Kapalik, ➤ Bharthari Charit, ➤ Chandaini.
Jharkhand	Alkap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua, Hunta Dance, Mundari Dance, Sarhul, Barao, Jhitka, Danga, Domkach, Ghora Naach.
Arunachal Pradesh	Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Bardo Chham.
Manipur	Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Khamba Thaibi, Nupa Dance, Raslila, Khubak Ishei, Lhou Sha.
Meghalaya	Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho.
Mizoram	Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam, Par Lam, Sarlamkai/ Solakia, Tlanglam.
Nagaland	Rangma, Bamboo Dance, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim, Temangnetin, Hetaleulee.
Tripura	Hojagiri.
Sikkim	Chu Faat Dance, Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion Dance, Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha, Tashi Yangku Dance, Khukuri Naach, Chutkey Naach, Maruni Dance.
Lakshadweep	Lava, Kolkali, Parichakali.

About Classical Dances of India | List of Indian Classical Dances

One more most important dance form that India known for is Classical Dance. It was originated from the Natya Shastra. According to the source and scholar, the Indian classical dance is separated into eight so we have a total of 8 classical dance forms. After some time, the cultural ministry of India added Chhau to the list of classical dance forms and that makes a total of Nine Classical Dance Forms in India.

All these dance forms are connected to the Hindu Goddess. These are acted by very talented, trained, and skilled artists. For the sake of extra knowledge about the Indian Classical Dance here, we have listed the eight technicalities that are expressed in the classical dance. Remember & practice those expressions to perform a classical dance with ease and confidence. They are as such,

1. Shringar: Love
2. Hasya: Humorous
3. Karuna: Sorrow
4. Raudra: Anger
5. Veer: Heroism
6. Bhayanak: Fear
7. Bibhats: Disgust
8. Adbhoot: Wonder

Given table is the list of classical dances forms of India as per the state:

List of Classical dances in India	State of Origin
Bharatnatyam	Tamil Nadu
Kathak	Uttar Pradesh
Kuchipudi	Andhra Pradesh
Odissi	Odisha
Kathakali	Kerala
Sattriya	Assam
Manipuri	Manipur
Mohiniyattam	Kerala

FAQs on Folk Dances In India

1. How many Indian classical dances are there?

There are 9 Classical Dance forms of India as of the latest source.

2. What are the 8 popular folk dances of India?

Here is the list of 8 Famous Traditional Folk Dance Forms of India:

• Bhangra – Punjab,
• Jhumar – Haryana,
• Garba – Gujarat,
• Bihu – Assam,
• Hikat – Jammu and Kashmir,
• Lavani – Maharashtra,
• Kathakali – Kerala,
• Chhau Dance.

3. How many types of folk dances are there in the Philippines?

There are five types of folk dances in the Philippines such as Maria Clara Dance, Cordillera Dance, Muslim Dance, Rural Dance, and Tribal Dance.

4. What are the 9 classical dance forms of India?

The list of nine Indian classical dances are given below:

• Bharatanatyam.
• Kathak.
• Kathakali.
• Kuchipudi.
• Odissi.
• Sattriya.
• Manipuri.
• Mohiniyattam.
• Chhau.