GS PAPER I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Context: Traditionally performed by young men, Gotipua, the precursorof Odissi, is being modernised and gentrified, losing the raw energy that is its essence.

About odissi dance:

• Odissi is a dance form from the state of Odisha in eastern India.
• It is recognised as one of the eight classical dance forms of India, and celebrated around the world for its lyricism, sensuality and emphasis on bhakti bhava (attitude of devotion and surrender).
• Another significant tradition in the history of Odissi is that of
• Gotipua (literally translated as ‘one boy’) were young (usually prepubescent) boys dedicated by their families to temples or akhadas (gymnasiums), where they trained in acrobatics, singing and dancing.
• One of the most predominant features of Odissi is its relation to many of the sculptures that can be found in temples around Orissa.
• Stylistically Odissi revolves around the Tribhanga as the central posture.
• The head, torso and lower body move in deflection, with each part moving in opposition to the one above, thus creating a figure with three bends to its shape. The Tribhanga combine with the Chakua, a square, half-seated pose and form the core posture of Odissi.
• It is indigenous to Orissa, eastern India, and follows the principles of the Natya-shastra. Its close replication of poses found on classical temple sculptures suggests great antiquity.
• Related to bharata natyam in its basic pattern, odissi emphasizes sinuous postures and is enlivened by a variety of elevations and jumps. It is predominantly a dance for women.

https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/dance-like-a-boy/article34386625.ece?homepage=true

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