

Dances of India State Wise List (With Classical & Folk Dance Table)
Dances of India State Wise refers to the full list of classical and folk dances matched with each state and union territory. This topic holds importance for school exams, competitive tests like UPSC and SSC, and general cultural knowledge. Knowing these dances helps students answer quiz, interview, and exam questions on Indian society and heritage.
State / UT | Main Classical Dance(s) | Main Folk/Tribal Dance(s) |
---|---|---|
Andhra Pradesh | Kuchipudi | Veeranatyam, Lambadi, Dappu, Kolattam, Burrakatha |
Arunachal Pradesh | - | Wancho, Ponung, Buiya, Chalo, Popir |
Assam | Sattriya | Bihu, Bagurumba, Bhortal, Deodhani |
Bihar | - | Jat-Jatin, Bidesia, Jhijhia, Paika, Kajari |
Chhattisgarh | - | Panthi, Raut Nacha, Suwa, Gaur Maria |
Goa | - | Dekhni, Fugdi, Dhalo, Ghode Modni |
Gujarat | - | Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani, Padhar, Bhavai |
Haryana | - | Phag, Dhamal, Ghoomar, Loor, Jhumar |
Himachal Pradesh | - | Nati, Dangi, Lahauli, Chamba, Kullu Nati |
Jharkhand | - | Chhau, Jhumar, Domkach, Paika, Phagua, Mardana Jhumar |
Karnataka | Bharatanatyam | Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha, Veeragase, Bhootha Aradhane |
Kerala | Kathakali, Mohiniyattam | Ottamthullal, Thiruvathirakali, Kaikottikali, Oppana |
Madhya Pradesh | - | Matki, Gangaur, Grida, Tertali, Jawara |
Maharashtra | - | Lavani, Tamasha, Dhangari Gaja, Koli, Povada, Lezim |
Manipur | Manipuri | Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Khamba Thoibi, Pung Cholom |
Meghalaya | - | Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho, Wangala |
Mizoram | - | Cheraw (Bamboo Dance), Khuallam, Chheihlam, Chailam |
Nagaland | - | Chang Lo, Zeliang, Rengma, Akhu Khiya |
Odisha | Odissi | Dalkhai, Ghumura, Chhau, Gotipua, Sambalpuri |
Punjab | - | Bhangra, Giddha, Kikli, Jhumar, Sammi, Malwai Giddha |
Rajasthan | - | Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Bhavai, Chari, Terah Taali, Kathputli |
Sikkim | - | Chu Faat, Singhi Chaam, Yak Chaam, Tashi Yangku |
Tamil Nadu | Bharatanatyam | Karakattam, Kavadi, Kolattam, Oyilattam, Theru Koothu |
Telangana | - | Perini Shivathandavam, Lambadi, Dappu, Oggu Katha |
Tripura | - | Hojagiri, Lebang Boomani, Garia |
Uttar Pradesh | Kathak | Raslila, Charkula, Nautanki, Kajri, Rai, Jhora |
Uttarakhand | - | Langvir Nritya, Barada Nati, Jhora, Chhapeli |
West Bengal | - | Gambhira, Santhali, Chau, Kathi, Brita |
Jammu & Kashmir | - | Rouf, Kud, Dumhal, Hafiza, Bacha Nagma |
Ladakh (UT) | - | Shondol, Jabro, Losar, Mask Dance of Lamayuru |
Delhi (NCT) | - | Kathak (practiced), Punjabi Folk, Rajasthani Folk |
Puducherry (UT) | - | Garadi |
Andaman & Nicobar Islands | - | Nicobari, Andamanese Tribal Dances |
Lakshadweep | - | Lava, Kolkali, Parichakali |
Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu | - | Garba, Dandiya (settler influenced) |
Dances of India State Wise: Meaning and Importance
Dances of India State Wise lists showcase India's vast diversity in performing arts. Each state's dances reflect its unique culture, history, and rituals. Students preparing for school exams or government jobs must know these lists for static GK questions and cultural topics. This knowledge promotes respect and understanding of India's cultural unity in diversity.
Difference between Classical and Folk Dances of India
Classical dances have ancient origins, codified rules, and often link with spiritual themes and temple traditions. They are recognized officially and deeply influenced by texts like the Natya Shastra. Folk dances evolve from local customs, festivals, and daily life, expressing the collective joy or sorrow of communities. They are simpler, regional, and often passed through oral tradition.
Main Classical Dances of India
- Bharatanatyam – Tamil Nadu
- Odissi – Odisha
- Kathak – Uttar Pradesh/North India
- Kuchipudi – Andhra Pradesh
- Kathakali – Kerala
- Mohiniyattam – Kerala
- Manipuri – Manipur
- Sattriya – Assam
- Chhau – Odisha/Jharkhand/West Bengal
Folk Dance Highlights (with examples)
- Bihu (Assam) celebrates the harvest festival.
- Garba and Dandiya (Gujarat) are performed during Navratri.
- Bhangra (Punjab) marks the joy of harvest and community bonding.
- Lavani (Maharashtra) connects farming and social storytelling.
- Ghoomar (Rajasthan) is traditional for royal and festive events.
Most Famous Indian Dances: Quick Reference
- Bharatanatyam – Classical, Tamil Nadu
- Kathak – Classical, Uttar Pradesh/North India
- Odissi – Classical, Odisha
- Kathakali – Classical, Kerala
- Bihu – Folk, Assam
- Bhangra – Folk, Punjab
- Garba – Folk, Gujarat
- Manipuri – Classical, Manipur
- Ghoomar – Folk, Rajasthan
- Kuchipudi – Classical, Andhra Pradesh
Tips to Memorize Dances of India State Wise
- Group dances as classical (8 or 9) and then learn folk by region (north, south, east, west, northeast).
- Make flashcards or quick PDFs for self-practice during travel.
- Link each dance with the state map or visual icon for better recall.
- Remember key festivals (like Bihu with Assam; Garba with Gujarat).
- Practice with quizzing apps or tests for active memory.
Practical Uses and Student Relevance
Knowing Dances of India State Wise helps in multiple areas. For school and board exams, questions often focus on dance forms and their origins. In competitive exams (UPSC, SSC, PSC), static GK sections feature such lists. This knowledge also nurtures national pride and enhances understanding of Indian heritage. Students can use such lists for projects, quiz contests, and cultural presentations.
Related Topics and Further Reading
For a stronger foundation, read about Indian states, tribes, and symbols. Explore National Emblem of India, Diverse Democracy, Tribes, Nomads, and Settled Communities, and India After Independence on Vedantu for more context.
Summary of Dances of India State Wise
Dances of India State Wise is a complete guide pairing every Indian state and union territory with its important classical and folk dance forms. This topic is essential for students, competitive exam aspirants, and anyone interested in India's culture. Understanding these dances builds strong static GK and deeper appreciation for India's unity in diversity. At Vedantu, we make such social science topics easier to learn and remember.
FAQs on Dances of India State Wise: Classical and Folk Forms
1. What is the dance of 29 states of India?
India's diverse states each boast unique classical and folk dance forms. A comprehensive state-wise list would include prominent dances like Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (Uttar Pradesh), and Bihu (Assam), among many others. This guide helps you master these Indian dance forms for competitive exams.
2. What are the 7 famous dance of India?
Seven of India's most famous dances include Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (Uttar Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Kathakali (Kerala), Manipuri (Manipur), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), and Mohiniyattam (Kerala). These classical dances showcase India's rich cultural heritage.
3. How many dances are there in India state wise?
Pinpointing an exact number of dances across India's states is difficult due to the vast diversity of folk and classical dance forms. Each state possesses numerous traditional dances with diverse styles and histories. This page provides a guide to some of the most important examples for competitive exam preparation.
4. What are the 10 traditional dances in India?
Ten traditional dances representing India's diversity include: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Bhangra (Punjab), Bihu (Assam), and Garba (Gujarat). These showcase India's varied dance culture.
5. What are the differences between folk and classical dances?
Classical dances are highly structured, codified, and have ancient lineages. They follow strict rules and techniques. Folk dances are more spontaneous, often associated with specific regions, communities, or festivals, and evolve organically over time. Both forms are vital parts of Indian culture.
6. Which dance is famous in which Indian state?
Many Indian dance forms are associated with specific states. For example, Bharatanatyam is from Tamil Nadu, Kathak from Uttar Pradesh, and Odissi from Odisha. However, some dances may be popular across multiple states, reflecting cultural exchange and overlap. This state-wise list clarifies these connections.
7. Can you provide a PDF list of Indian dances state wise?
While a downloadable PDF isn't directly available here, this page offers a comprehensive state-wise list of Indian dances, which you can easily print or save as a PDF from your browser's print options. This structured table efficiently presents the data for quick revision and memorization, meeting your need for a readily accessible state-wise dances of India pdf.
8. How to remember all state-wise dances?
Memorizing state-wise dances effectively requires a structured approach. Use mnemonics, create flashcards, and utilize visual aids like maps associating states with their dances. Repeated revision using this state-wise guide will aid memorization for exams like UPSC and SSC.
9. What is the dance of Uttar Pradesh?
Kathak is the most renowned classical dance form of Uttar Pradesh. Known for its intricate footwork and expressive hand gestures, Kathak is a significant part of India's rich dance tradition.
10. List of classical Dances of India state wise PDF?
Although a dedicated PDF isn't provided, this state-wise page functions as a readily printable resource for your needs. Easily convert this page into a PDF using your browser's print-to-PDF feature. This curated list covers classical dances and their origins making it a valuable study aid.

















