Dance and Music :Karnataka

Music

Karnataka holds a prominent position in enhancing classical form of music in India and abroad. The two forms i.e. Carnatic and Hindustani music are sources of inspiration for the cultural enthusiasts. Carnatic is one of the two most dominant forms of music in India that originates in Karnataka.

Purandara Dasa (1480-1564 AD), one of the earliest singers and composers of south India, belonged to Karnataka. He is believed to have composed 475,000 songs in Kannada and was a source of inspiration to the later composers like Tyagaraja. He also invented the tala system of Carnatic music. Owing to his contribution to the Carnatic Music he is referred to as the Father of Carnatic Music or Karnataka Sangeeta Pitaamaha.

The state offers enormous opportunities to the enthusiasts to develop their innermost talent in these fields. North Karnataka is predominantly famous for Hindustani music and South Karnataka is well known for Carnatic music.


Dance

Karnataka Folk Dance
Several dance forms exist in Karnataka from ancient time. Kannadigas used to perform dance in the courts of Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagara empires. The rulers of Chalukyas were great patrons of dance and music.

The ritualistic dances of Karnataka are known as Kunitha. One of such ritualistic dances is the Dollu Kunitha. Other dance forms like Devare Thatte Kunitha, Yellammana Kunitha, Suggi Kunitha are named after the deity or the symbol or instruments which are balanced on the head or held in the hand of the dancer.

Among the classical dances of India, the Mysore style of Bharatanatyam is the oldest and most popular dance form. It is widely performed here. Other popular classical dances here include Kuchipudi and Kathak.

The popularity of folk art and dances in this region is due to the endeavor of the people of the state in raising the state’s folk art and culture to new height. The popular folk dances in the state include Krishna Parijatha, Bhootha Aradhane and Nagamandala. Some people of coastal areas also perform dance drama which include perfect blend of dance, music, songs, scholarly dialogues and colorful costumes. Yakshagana literally means celestial music is a popular dance drama of this region.