The Dance India Forgot: The Rediscovery of Odissi

Odissi, once on the verge of disappearance, has re-established itself as a globally recognized classical dance form. For centuries, it remained within temple sanctuaries, deeply tied to ritual traditions; but colonial-era restrictions and evolving social structures led it to near-extinction by the early-20th century.

Its revival was led by four eminent gurus—Kelucharan Mohapatra, Pankaj Charan Das, Deba Prasad Das, and Mayadhar Raut—who meticulously reconstructed its movements by studying temple sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts, and oral traditions.

 
Institutions like Nrityagram introduced ensemble choreography, taking it beyond its solo format and onto contemporary stages and training new generations of dancers.

The structure of Odissi remains deeply rooted in its classical foundation, characterized by two defining postures:

 
Chowk, a symmetrical stance symbolizing strength, and Tribhangi, a three-bend posture that gives Odissi its fluidity. The torso moves independently from the lower body, the hands and eyes articulate intricate mudras, and the feet establish rhythmic patterns in-sync with the mardala, Odissi’s principal percussion instrument.

Dancers inhabit multiple characters, conveying narratives of longing, devotion, and surrender through subtle facial expressions and controlled gestures. Much of Odissi’s abhinaya is drawn from Gita Govinda, a 12th-century text written by Jayadeva.

Performers wear Sambalpuri or Bomkai silk saris, pleated for fluid movement, paired with finely crafted silver jewelry. The mukoot (headpiece) echoes temple architecture, while alta(red dye) on the hands and feet accentuates gestures.

Odissi has continued to evolve through distinct gharanas. Kelucharan Mohapatra’s style emphasizes sculptural grace, Deba Prasad Das’s retains folk and tribal influences, while Pankaj Charan Das’s approach remains close to the meditative Mahari tradition.

Archival footage, online masterclasses, and international tours have ensured that Odissi is no longer limited by geography. From classical festivals in India to global arts platforms, the dance continues to evolve while staying true to its origins.