What are the main schools of Indian dance?

There are four schools of Indian dance, namely: balata dance, Katakali dance, Manipur dance and Katak dance. The most popular, oldest and most influential dance in India is the balata dance. This dance was originally performed in Hindu temples. At that time, there were some "dancing Darcy" in the temples, which meant "the maid of God". These people have been sent to temples since childhood and will never get married. Their only "sacred mission" is to dance for God and make him happy. Later, these dances gradually spread outside the temple.

Ancient Indian dance has a wide range of themes, including religion, myths and legends, court affairs and the daily life of working people. Religious themes are mostly taken from the Vedas. Religious ceremonies are usually accompanied by dancing. The actress who specializes in teaching dance skills in the temple is called "Dipadasi". Two well-known epics in India are often used as the themes of dance performances. Dancers praise heroes with graceful movements, showing justice and kindness will surely overcome evil thoughts.

Drama has existed in India for a long time, and it is very old. Ritual and festival ceremonies, religious parades, ancient dances and epic singing, these comprehensive factors have created Indian drama and endowed it with religious characteristics.

But before Ashoka, there was no conclusive evidence of drama in ancient India, and after the Peacock Dynasty, drama had made great achievements. At that time, A?vagho?a was a friend of King Garnishiga, a Buddhist master and poet, and a famous playwright. At present, three of his plays have been preserved in ancient dramas that have been handed down to this day. Among them, The Story of Sharifutsu, a nine-act drama, tells the story of two great disciples of Sakyamuni, Todo Loki and Mu Jianlian, who converted to Buddhism. Literary historians believe that the play shows that ancient Indian drama has reached a fully mature stage at this time. In the 2nd to 3rd century AD, it is said that sudra Gaya's Little Clay Car is an immortal work representing the maturity of ancient Indian drama. This play is a perfect combination of popular drama and humor, mixed with poetic enthusiasm.