Understanding Categorization—The ‘Tribal,’ the ‘Folk’, and the ‘Classical’ Dance Forms

While the economic implications of being categorized as either of the three have always been glossed over by governmental policymaking or implementing bodies such as Sangeet Natak AkademiSangeet Natak Akademi, the livelihood options and visibility of any form designated as tribal or folk are undeniably different and lower in possibilities than the classical forms. In the context of the recognition of classical forms as superior in presentational possibilities, skills, and public appeal, there are ample evidence of hierarchization in the way these two forms are treated differently within the cultural policies in the country.