Dance was created by the gods, according to Indian mythology. Because it integrates song, drama, shape, and line, dancing is one of the most renowned Hindu arts. Indian dance emphasizes gestures, body positions, and head movements. Dance is a genre of performance art that consists of improvisational or pre-planned movement routines. This trend has both aesthetic and symbolic significance. 9,000-year-old murals at the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka in India and Egyptian tomb paintings portraying dancing figures dated around 3300 BC provide archaeological evidence for early dance. Dance, it has been suggested, was an integral part of the oral and performance means of passing stories down from one generation to the next before written languages were invented. Dancers typically perform in temples, on special events, and throughout the harvest season. Dance was regularly done as a form of worship in front of deities. Deities are still invoked through religious folk dance forms in modern India, as they have been from ancient times. This book details the history of the several styles of Indian dance and gives an account of the cultural, religious, social and political factors which influenced their growth and development.

Chiranjeev Bhan is a leading scholar of Indian classical dance, art, architecture, and art history. He holds advanced degrees in Performing Arts and has undergone rigorous training under renowned dance gurus. With a deep-rooted love for the performing arts, Chiranjeev Bhan has dedicated his life to the exploration and mastery of various dance forms. His expertise spans the intricate techniques, emotive expressions, and cultural nuances of Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi, Bharata Natyam, and Folk Dances. As an esteemed researcher and scholar, Chiranjeev Bhan has published numerous papers and articles in prestigious dance journals, contributing valuable insights to the field. Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Chiranjeev Bhan is also an accomplished performer and choreographer. His captivating stage presence and innovative choreographic creations have garnered acclaim and admiration. Through his mesmerizing performances, he has captivated audiences, transporting them to the realms of emotion and storytelling.