Odissi — Definition

Definition

Odissi, often regarded as a dance of love, joy, and intense devotion, is one of the oldest surviving classical dance forms of India, originating from the eastern state of Odisha. Its roots are deeply embedded in the ancient temple culture of the region, particularly the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Sun Temple at Konark, where its sculptural poses come alive.

From a UPSC perspective, Odissi's temple origins make it crucial for understanding the interplay between religion, art, and societal structures in ancient and medieval India. The dance form is characterized by its fluid movements, graceful gestures, and the distinctive 'tribhanga' (three-bend) posture, which divides the body into three parts – head, torso, and lower limbs – creating a captivating S-shaped curve.

This posture, along with the 'chauk' (square) stance, forms the fundamental vocabulary of Odissi, reflecting the sculptures adorning Odisha's temples. The dance is a profound narrative art, where dancers use intricate 'mudras' (hand gestures), 'abhinaya' (facial expressions), and 'bhava' (emotions) to convey stories, primarily from Hindu mythology, particularly those related to Lord Jagannath (Krishna).

The repertoire typically includes 'Mangalacharan' (invocation), 'Pallavi' (pure dance with intricate rhythmic and melodic patterns), 'Abhinaya' (expressive dance), and 'Moksha' (dance of liberation). Historically, Odissi was performed by 'Maharis' (temple dancers) who were dedicated to the service of deities, and later by 'Gotipuas' (young boys dressed as girls) who performed outside the temple precincts.

This rich tradition faced decline during colonial rule but experienced a remarkable revival in the mid-20th century, thanks to the dedicated efforts of gurus like Kelucharan Mohapatra, Sanjukta Panigrahi, and Guru Deba Prasad Das.

Their tireless work in reconstructing, codifying, and popularizing the form brought it to national and international prominence. The accompanying music, known as Odissi music, is a distinct classical tradition, characterized by its unique ragas and talas, and typically features instruments like the pakhawaj, flute, violin, and cymbals.

The costume is vibrant and elegant, featuring a specially draped silk sari, intricate silver jewelry, and a 'mukuta' (headgear). Understanding Odissi is not just about appreciating an art form; it's about grasping a significant aspect of India's cultural heritage, its resilience, and its continuous evolution, making it highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in the Art and Culture section.