திருவாலவாயுடையார் திருவிளையாடற் புராணத்தில் கலிவிருத்தங்கள்

The heritage traditional dance form of Kalinga: Odissi dance

Abstract

Originating in the ancient region of Kalinga in Odisha, Odissi is one of India's oldest classical dance traditions—recognized as one of the country's eight official classical dances—renowned globally for its fluid body movements, sculptured postures, rich emotional expressions (abhinaya), and spiritual depth. Deeply tied to temple worship traditions, particularly in the iconic Jagannath, Konark Sun, and Lingaraj temples, the art form draws its foundational posture, hand gestures, and footwork from temple carvings, while historically preserved through the Mahari (temple dancers) and Gotipua (young boys performing in female attire) traditions. Characterized artistically by its signature postures like Tribhanga (a three-bend stance) and Chauka (a stable, square posture representing divine energy), Odissi encompasses pure dance (Nritta), expressive dance (Nritya), and dramatic enactment (Natya) to convey emotions ranging from devotion to heroism. Despite declining under British rule, the art form underwent a significant revival post-Independence through the efforts of scholars and gurus, evolving today into a internationally taught and performed classical art. This study explores the historical, religious, aesthetic, and cultural evolution of Odissi, analyzing its interconnections with temple architecture, sculpture, and devotional literature, while emphasizing the vital need for its preservation, academic research, and global dissemination as a living testament to Kalinga’s rich cultural heritage.