Synopsis When the first edition of `Traditions of Indian Flok Dance' was released in 1976 it was universally acclaimed as a path-breaking work. Why? For the first time it provided a clear conceptual framework for comprehending the seemingly simple, but actually complex, panorama of dance traditions generally classified as `folk' and `tribal'. It placed the numerous dance forms in their ecological, regional, linguistic, social and cultural context. By doing so it argued that dance movement and body language are indicators for comprehending and appreciating the multi-layered phenomenon of the cultural patterns of India in their pan-Indian identity as also local specificity.

The book inspired and guided scholarship over the last three decades. Today when these forms have received attention and are presented in urban milieus and international forums, there is the danger of these forms being de-contextualized. The book is an invaluable guide for those who wish to present these forms with authenticity. Besides, it has valuable material for social scientists and cultural historians.