The Evolution of Odissi Dance: from Temple Rituals to Modern Revival

Author(s)	Mamata Ojha
Country	India
Abstract	Odissi dance, originating from the ancient temples of Odisha, India, has evolved from a sacred ritual performed by temple dancers (Maharis) to a renowned classical art form. This essay explores the historical progression of Odissi, highlighting key transformations, including the decline of Maharis and the emergence of Gotipuas—a class of boy dancers trained in acrobatics and religious expression. The 20th century marked a significant revival, spearheaded by figures like Kalicharan Patnaik and initiatives such as the Jayantika project, which standardized and codified the dance. Odissi's modern form integrates elements from ancient texts, temple sculptures, and regional music, characterized by its expressive storytelling (Abhinaya) and intricate movements. Today, Odissi is celebrated globally for its grace, emotional depth, and cultural richness, standing as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this ancient dance tradition.
Keywords	Odissi dance, Gotipuas, dance evolution, Indian classical music, dance drama
Field	Arts
Published In	Volume 6, Issue 3, May-June 2024
Published On	2024-06-23
Cite This	The Evolution of Odissi Dance: from Temple Rituals to Modern Revival - Mamata Ojha - IJFMR Volume 6, Issue 3, May-June 2024. DOI 10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i03.23324
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i03.23324
Short DOI	https://doi.org/gt242j

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9898-5948-55	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research