Classical Indian Dancing is a captivating art form that seamlessly blends intricate movements, expressive storytelling, and deep spiritual resonance. Among the diverse tapestry of Indian classical dance styles, Odissi stands out as a particularly mesmerizing tradition, renowned for its lyrical grace and profound connection to yoga. My first encounter with Odissi was an unexpectedly intimate experience that forever etched itself into my memory, offering a glimpse into the dedication and artistry that defines classical Indian dance.
Visiting a local dance school in Bhubaneswar, the heart of Odisha and the epicenter of Odissi, was an unplanned detour that turned into an unforgettable immersion. We found ourselves in a modest house, the home of the Rudrakshya Dance Institute, where, amidst everyday furniture, dancers were intensely rehearsing for a state competition. The female dancers entered with a fluid, almost ethereal quality, embodying the tribhangi posture characteristic of Odissi – a graceful three-bend pose that allows for independent movement of the head, chest, and pelvis. Moments later, the male dancers joined, their movements sharp and dynamic, showcasing agility and powerful footwork. The interplay between the masculine and feminine energies was breathtaking, a visual dialogue of strength and fluidity. We were close enough to witness the dancers’ intense focus, the subtle ripples of muscle control, and the expressive flicker in their eyes. The rhythmic pulse of the punkawaj drum and the melodic strains of the veena filled the room, creating an atmosphere charged with palpable energy that elevated the spirit.
The Rudrakshya Dance Institute’s performance, whether in an intimate setting or on a grand stage, promises to deliver a similar profound experience. Their program, often themed around “Yoga in Dance,” beautifully illustrates the intrinsic link between Odissi and yoga. Like yoga, classical Indian dance, particularly Odissi, aspires to moksha, or spiritual liberation. The rigorous training involved in mastering classical dance mirrors the sadhana, the spiritual discipline, of yoga, demanding complete physical and mental concentration. Performances often weave in elements of hatha and raja yoga, showcasing the mastery of the physical body and intense mental focus central to both disciplines.
Odissi holds a distinguished place among the eight recognized classical dance forms of India, boasting roots that stretch back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence dating back to the 2nd century B.C. in Udaygiri, Odisha, reveals relief sculptures depicting dancers accompanied by orchestras, adorning the walls of the Rani-Gumpha Sanskrit theater. Further solidifying its antiquity, the Natyashastra, a comprehensive treatise on performing arts from two millennia ago, mentions the dance of Ordhra Magadha, the ancient name for present-day Odisha, widely considered to be the earliest form of Odissi.
Temples have historically been the nurturing grounds for arts in India, and Odisha is no exception. From early times, dance was integral to worship in Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu shrines. Temple walls were adorned with sculptures capturing various dance poses, reflecting the sacred significance of dance. With the construction of the magnificent Puri temple dedicated to Lord Jagannatha (a form of Krishna) in the 11th century, dance was formally incorporated into the elaborate temple rituals.
Female dancers, known as maharis (meaning “great chosen ones”), were dedicated to Lord Jagannatha, considered married to the deity and serving him within the temple throughout their lives. These highly skilled women were proficient in both dance and music, and their performances narrated stories of Krishna for the pleasure of Lord Jagannatha.
Parallel to the mahari tradition, a unique tradition of male dancers known as gotipuas (meaning “single boys”) emerged outside the temple walls. These young boys, typically aged 5 to 17, dressed as females and carried devotional poetry and dance to the public sphere, a space largely inaccessible to women performers at the time. Gotipuas were not only skilled dancers but also renowned for their acrobatic and yogic prowess, incorporating impressive physical feats into their performances. Their physical strength was so recognized that King Ramachandradeva, when Puri faced invasion threats, allocated a street near the temple specifically to gotipuas, designating them as protectors of Lord Jagannath. Gymnasiums were established to train these young boys in both physical exercises and the art of dance, highlighting the dual emphasis on physical and artistic discipline.
The gotipua tradition gained prominence in the 16th century during a surge in devotional movements centered on Krishna worship, where devotees saw themselves as consorts of Krishna. Gotipuas, dressed as females, became ideal messengers for this evolving spiritual sentiment.
However, the Odissi dance style faced a period of decline starting in the 17th century. The Mughal and then British rule diminished the power and wealth of royal patrons, who were crucial supporters of temples and the arts. This shift in power dynamics, coupled with Victorian sensibilities that viewed temple dancing as inappropriate, led to a decline in patronage and social standing for dancers. Maharis, in particular, faced immense hardship, with many forced into prostitution due to lack of support. The entire ecosystem of artists – sculptors, musicians, dancers, and painters – suffered. By the dawn of the 20th century, the once vibrant dance tradition was significantly diminished. Gotipuas, being outside the direct control of temple institutions targeted by colonial administrations, fared relatively better, and this proved crucial for the future. The survival of the gotipua tradition played a vital role in the reconstruction of Odissi dance in post-independent India. Dedicated scholars and artists drew upon ancient texts, temple sculptures, and the living gotipua tradition to revive and revitalize Odissi, bringing this exquisite form of classical Indian dancing back to prominence.
Classical Indian dancing, in its Odissi form, offers a profound journey into spirituality, history, and artistic expression. It represents a rich tapestry woven from centuries of tradition, devotion, and dedicated practice. Experiencing Odissi is not merely witnessing a dance performance; it’s an immersion into a world where movement becomes meditation, and art becomes a pathway to the divine.
