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The earliest period known to Indian history of which we
have recorded evidence is that of the Vedas and dancing was practiced at
that time. Dance finds mention right through Vedic literature and the
references reveal that not only was it a part of ritual – so common in
early societies – but also a popular mode of creation and a coveted
accomplishment. The next period that stands as a milestone in the
pageant of early Indian history is that of the two great epics Ramayana
and Mahabaratha. Here too, we have ample evidence of the existence of
dance as an art, as an activity and as an adjunct to ceremony. Next in
importance are the Puranas whose compilation began 1000 years before
Christ and concluded about the 10th century AD.
('Traditions of Indian Classical Dance,' Mohan Khokar, 1979, Chapter ‘Down the centuries’)
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