A Silence That Says So Much: The Dance World During India’s Emergency (1975–1977) and Its Aftermath

Abstract

The Emergency period in India (1975–1977) marked a tumultuous chapter in the nation’s political history, defined by authoritarian measures, suppression of dissent and civil liberties, and state-led cultural interventions. While this era provoked widespread reactions across various sectors of society, a conspicuous silence prevailed within the realm of classical Indian dance. This presentation examines the socio-political factors underlying the dance community’s apparent lack of response during a time when other art forms either resisted or were co-opted into state propaganda.

Drawing on historiographical and archival materials, and employing a critical lens, this study interrogates the apolitical stance of the classical dance fraternity. It contrasts this silence with the few notable exceptions, such as the bold choreographic innovations of Chandralekha and the politically charged cultural activities of the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA). By analysing the work of these artists, the presentation explores how the silence of the broader classical dance community might “speak” to the larger controversies surrounding dance, politics, and postcolonial modernity.

This inquiry into the “silence that speaks” not only illuminates the intricate interplay between politics and cultural expression during the Emergency and following years, but also offers critical insights into how art negotiates power, autonomy, and resistance.