Content Details

1.1 Identification of the element

Performing arts

1.2 Name of the element, as used by the community or group concerned

Indian classical dances performed in Dhaka.

1.3 Short, maximally informative title (including indication of domain(s))

The culture of performing Indian classical dances took roots in Dhaka after 1971, and falls in the domain of Performing Arts.

1.4 Community(ies)/group(s) that recognize the element as part of their cultural heritage

A practise of urban communities in Dhaka and other parts of the country.

1.5 Physical location(s) of the element/how often it is practiced

Dhaka Division

1.6 Short description (max. 200words)

Classical' Dance in the South-Asian context refers primarily to Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Odissi and Manipuri dances. These are traditional dances and associated with particular styles received from different regional schools. For example, Kathak is associated with northern India, Bharatnatyam and Kathakali with southern India, and Odissi and Manipuri with eastern India. However, most dances are performed all over India and Bangladesh. Unlike other Indian provinces, Bengal had no particular dance styles of its own. Bengali artistes learned classical dancing in the past from teachers coming from south India, Madhya Pradesh and Manipur schools of dances. During British rule, Indian classical dancing was patronised by the ruling classes, such as, rajas, maharajas, nawabs and zamindars as well as by British high officials who held 'nautches' in their private chambers. Professional dancing girls, known as baijis, were brought from Lakhnau to perform these dances, many of which were degenerate forms of the Kathak. As the quality of these dances declined, the dancers came to be held in disrepute.

1.7 Domain of the element (select one or more/suggest alternative domain)

2. Characteristics of the element

2.1 Practitioners(s)/performer(s): roles, age, gender, social status, and/or professional category etc)

2.2 Other tradition bearers (individuals/groups and their roles)

2.3 Language(s), register(s), speech level(s) involved

2.4 Associated tangible elements ( if any)

2.5 Associated intangible elements (if any)

2.6 How are women and people of other genders associated with this ICH element

2.7 Division of labour during the practice of aforementioned ICH element

2.8 Customary practices governing access to the element or to aspects of it

2.9 Modes of transmission

2.10 Organizations concerned (non-governmental organizations and others)

3. State of the element (viability)

3.1 Threats to the enactment (if any)

3.2 Threats to the transmission (if any)

3.3 Threat to associated tangible elements and resources (if any)

3.4 Viability of associated intangible elements (if any)

3.5 Safeguarding measures in place (if any)

4. Data gathering/documentation, Consent and preparation of inventory entries

4.1 Consent of community/group/individuals concerned for data collection with a view to inventorying

4.2 Restrictions, if any, on use of data collected

5. Resource Person

5.1 Persons/groups, including community representatives

5.2 Date(s) and place(s) of data gathering

Date :
Place(s) :

6. Safeguarding techniques

6.1 Existing safeguarding techniques in the community for the safeguarding of the ICH element

6.2 Suggestions for safeguarding of the ICH element from the community

7. References to literature, discography, audiovisual materials or archives

7.1 References to/in literature

7.2 Audiovisual materials or archives

7.3 Discography or archives

8. Modalities for updating the information contained in the inventory entry

8.1 Persons/groups, including community representatives, who compiled the inventory entry

8.2 Consent of community/group/individuals concerned for data collection with a view to inventorying

8.3 Date of community consent to include the entry on an inventory

8.4 Present condition of the cultural element

9. Community suggestions

(a)Brief description of suggestions for safeguarding of the element by community members/experts/holders, if any

(b)Brief description of restrictions on use of data collected, if any