Historical background of Odissi

The state of Odisha has a great cultural history. The rulers of this region built grandiose temples, which became the center of art and culture. It was around these temples that Odissi, one of India's scintillating dance-forms was born, nurtured and nourished. Originated in the Hindu temples of Odisha, Odissi went on to become a major internationally acclaimed ancient classical dance form.

The history of Odissi dance is almost two thousand years old. Odissi is a highly inspired, passionate, ecstatic and sensuous form of dance. Like most of the South Indian classical dances of India Odissi too had its origin in the Devadasi tradition.

(Photo Credit: Google Image)

Before the 17th century Odissi dance was held in great esteem due to patronage and support of local rulers and nobles. During this period even the royalty was expected to be accomplished dancers.  The scenario changed after the 17th century. The dancing girls were thought of as prostitutes and from here the social position of dancers began to decline. During the colonial period too the position of Odissi dance suffered due to anti-nautch attitude of the British.

The earliest evidence of dance by professional female dancers known as Nartaki is found in the Stone figures carved in caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri hills near Bhubaneswar. Jain King Kharavela who himself was a great musician depicted these scenes in the 1st Century B.C. The Jainss, the Buddhists and the Hindus all recognized dance as a ritual for worship. Although Odisha was ruled by different royal dynasties in different ages, the dance tradition continued unabated.

(Photo Credit: Google Image)

In Odishan temples, sculptures of dancing and singing girls are found in huge numbers.  The  Konarka temple constructed in the 13th century, and its Natya Mandapa (Dancing Hall) abounds in dancing images, carved out of stone. Odissi dance is full of sculptural poses known as Bhangis. Another exclusive posture of Odissi dance is `Chauki. Apart from archeological and sculptural evidence, a palm-leaf manuscript called `Abhinaya Chandrika’ which was written by Maheswara Mohapatra in the 17th Century contained information about technique of Odissi dance.

The history of Odissi dance did not stop there. Ganga King Chodaganga Dev, who built the Jagannath temple (1077-1147), introduced the ritual of dance before the divinity in the temple by Maharis (Devadasis or dancing girls). By the end of 16th Century A.D., Odisha came under the rule of Afghans, Mughals, Marathas and the British. For over three centuries, Odisha remained in turmoil and ‘Mahari’ tradition declined. In its place “Gotipua” dance appeared where boys dressed as girls danced outside the temples. Most of the Odissi Gurus (Masters) of the earlier times were Gotipua dancers.

(Gotipua dancers, Photo Credit: Google Image)