|

This north Indian dance form is inextricably bound with classical
Hindustani music, and the rhythmic nimbleness of the feet is accompanied by
the table or pakhawaj. Traditionally the stories were of Radha and Krishna, in
the Natwari style (as it was then called) but the Moghul invasion of North
India had a serious impact on the dance. The dance was taken to Muslim courts
and thus it became more entertaining and less religious in content. More
emphasis was laid on nritta, the pure dance aspect and less on
abhinaya (expression and emotion) |