📘 Introduction
Indian dance forms are frequently asked in JKSSB, SSC, Railway, and other state-level exams. This post gives you a complete list of classical, folk, and tribal dances that have appeared in previous year questions — including lesser-known but high-probability ones like Cham, Chu-Faat, Cheraw, etc.
✅ State-wise Indian Dance List with Descriptions (Exam-Specific)
| State/UT | Dance Name(s) | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Kuchipudi, Burrakatha, Veeranatyam | Classical/Folk | Kuchipudi is a classical dance-drama. Veeranatyam is a warrior dance in honor of Lord Shiva. |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Bardo Chham | Tribal | Masked dance representing the fight between good and evil spirits. |
| Assam | Bihu, Sattriya, Bagurumba | Classical/Folk | Bihu is the harvest dance. Sattriya is a classical dance from monasteries. Bagurumba is a nature-themed dance by Bodo tribe. |
| Bihar | Jat-Jatin | Folk | A duet representing love and daily struggles of rural life. |
| Chhattisgarh | Panthi, Raut Nacha, Saila | Folk | Saila is a stick dance by boys post-harvest. Panthi is spiritual in nature. |
| Goa | Fugdi, Dhalo | Folk | Performed by women during festivals and social occasions. |
| Gujarat | Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani, Bhavai | Folk | Garba/Dandiya are circular festive dances. Bhavai includes pot-balancing acts. |
| Haryana | Phag, Loor | Folk | Springtime dances performed by women. |
| Himachal Pradesh | Nati | Folk | Known as the world’s most participated folk dance. |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Rouf, Dumhal, Cham | Folk/Ritual | Rouf is a rhythmic women’s dance. Dumhal is ceremonial. Cham is a masked dance by Lamas in Ladakh. |
| Jharkhand | Chhau, Santhal | Folk | Chhau is a martial masked dance. Santhal is tribal, performed during harvests. |
| Karnataka | Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha | Folk | Yakshagana is dance-theatre. Dollu Kunitha is a high-energy drum dance. |
| Kerala | Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam | Classical | Kathakali uses elaborate masks. Koodiyattam is Sanskrit theatre. |
| Ladakh | Cham, Jabro, Spawo | Ritual/Folk | Cham is a masked Tantric dance by Buddhist monks. |
| Madhya Pradesh | Tertali, Rai | Folk | Tertali involves balancing swords and pots with cymbals tied to body. |
| Maharashtra | Lavani, Koli | Folk | Lavani is expressive and fast-paced. Koli is the fisherfolk dance. |
| Manipur | Manipuri, Thang Ta | Classical/Martial | Manipuri is devotional and graceful. Thang Ta involves sword and spear combat. |
| Meghalaya | Nongkrem, Shad Suk Mynsiem | Folk | Nongkrem is performed to appease the goddess Ka Blei Synshar. |
| Mizoram | Cheraw | Tribal | The bamboo dance — dancers move between rhythmic bamboo sticks. |
| Nagaland | Chang Lo (Sua Lua) | Folk | Warrior dance performed post-victory or at tribal festivals. |
| Odisha | Odissi, Gotipua, Chhau | Classical/Folk | Odissi is temple-based classical dance. Gotipua is performed by boys dressed as girls. |
| Punjab | Bhangra, Giddha | Folk | Bhangra is male harvest dance; Giddha is the female version. |
| Rajasthan | Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Kachhi Ghodi | Folk | Kalbelia mimics snake movements. Kachhi Ghodi is a mock horse fight dance. |
| Sikkim | Maruni, Singhi Cham, Chu-Faat | Tribal/Folk | Chu-Faat is performed by Lepchas to worship Mt. Kanchenjunga. Singhi Cham symbolizes the Snow Lion. |
| Tamil Nadu | Bharatanatyam, Karagattam | Classical/Folk | Bharatanatyam is the oldest classical form. Karagattam involves pot-balancing. |
| Telangana | Perini Thandavam | Folk | Warrior dance performed in Shiva temples before battle. |
| Tripura | Hojagiri | Tribal | Women balance lamps and pots on knees and heads while dancing. |
| Uttar Pradesh | Kathak, Raslila | Classical/Folk | Raslila depicts Krishna’s life through dance. |
| Uttarakhand | Chholiya, Langvir Nritya | Folk | Langvir Nritya is performed on poles by men; it’s a martial-style dance. |
| West Bengal | Chhau, Alkap, Gambhira | Folk | Alkap uses satire and music; Gambhira gives moral messages. |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Nicobari Dance | Tribal | Group circular dance performed during festivals like the Ossuary Feast. |
| Lakshadweep | Lava Dance | Folk | Performed by men on festive occasions. |
| Delhi (NCR) | Dilli Gharana Kathak | Classical | Variant of Kathak that emphasizes grace and subtle expressions. |
🎯 Quick Revision Tricks
- Masked Dances: Cham (Ladakh), Chhau (WB/OD/JH), Theyyam (Kerala)
- Sword/Warrior Dances: Perini (Telangana), Thang Ta (Manipur), Chholiya (Uttarakhand)
- Tribal Dances: Santhal, Hojagiri, Chu-Faat, Cheraw
- Bamboo Dance: Cheraw – Mizoram
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