Gaudiya Nritya, a classical dance form of ancient Bengal, is a mixture of drama, poetry colour and rhythm. It is a temple art mainly meant for spiritual expressions. The word 'Gaudiya' literally means 'old Bengal.'
The dance form has its roots in the Natyashastra, the earliest extant monumental document and treatise on Indian Dance. Gaudiya Nritya comprises chau which is a heroic dance, nachni which is romantic, and kushan which is devotional. Lack of patronage and political disturbances has led to the decline of Gaudiya Nritya. Attempts are now on to revive this remarkable classical performing art.
