SangeetKalaKendraKolkata

             Natyashastra is a comprehensive work on the art of Dance, Drama and Music by Bharata Muni. Every dance form of India and most of the dance forms of south east Asia  The initial slokas talk about Bhoomi pranam, Natyarambham and even the way to greet Gods, Gurus and Audience/ Elders are mentioned. In Bharatnatyam, these are followed with absolute respect and to the last word.  Namaskaram : Every dance form in India starts with Bhoomi pranam. This is a way to show respect to the Bhoo Devi (Mother Earth) and seeking her permission before striking feet on her. The Natyashastra slokam related to this is as follows Samudravasanae Devii |  Parvathasthana Mandalae |                                                                          Vishnu Patni Namastubhyam |  Padaaghathan Krishamaswamae | | Meaning : The dance should seek forgiveness (Krishamaswamae) from the Bhoomi devi who or mother Earth for stamping feet on her (Padaaghathan)   who is adorned by the oceans (Samudra) 

India is a huge country. Since ancient times the concept of Akhand Bharat  existed, which included a lot of small states governed by individual kingdoms. It is but natural to have variety in every aspect of life, music being not an exception. However, widely speaking, the music can be divided broadly into folk and classical music. Another broad division is North Indian Music (Hindustani Music) and South Indian Music (Carnatic Music).  Though both these music have vaguely similar base and have taken birth from the same land, yet there are distinctive difference that are visible.