Hindustani music was highly influenced by the Mughal invasion of India, and is the form of music used in Kathak dance, while Carnatic music is used in the styles of Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Mohiniattam. There is a vast array of instruments in both systems of classical music, which include the sitar, tabla, pakhawaj, veena, flute, mridangam, sarod, and sarangi. In more recent years, Western instruments, such as the violoin, harmonium, saxophone, guitar and mandolin have also become commonly used in North and South Indian classical music.

Bharata Natyam
From the province of Tamil Nadu, Bharata Natyam dance originated in temples. Dance was an offering to the gods and goddesses, and later was performed in the courts for the rulers of the day. The Bharata Natyam repertoire of today evolved under the patronage of various rulers in the Tanjore Court, beginning with the Tamil Cola kings, the Telegu Nayaks and finally the Marathas, whose rule ended in 1855.

Kuchipudi
From the southern province of Andhra Pradesh, Kuchipudi began as a dance drama tradition, also known as Bhagavata Mela Natakam. The actors sang and danced, and the style was a blend of folk and classical. Bhagavata mela natakam was performed as an offering to the temples and also enjoyed royal patronage. In the past century, Kuchipudi technique was formulated into a more structured manner of technique and repertoire.

Odissi
From the northeastern province of Orissa, Odissi is based primarily on devotion to Lord Krishna. Odissi dancers use their head, bust and torso in soft flowing movements within Odissi technique and to express specific moods and emotions. The technique is curvaceous, concentrating on the tribhang or the division of the body into three parts, head, bust and torso; It is a soft, lyrical classical dance which depicts the ambience of Orissa and the philosophy of its most popular deity, Lord Jagannath, whose temple is in Puri. On the temple walls of Bhubaneshwar, Puri and Konark the dance sculptures of Odissi are clearly visible.

Kathak
Kathak is a dance form inextricably bound to classical Hindustani music. The rhythmic intricacy of footwork is accompanied by the tabla and pakhawaj. The Moghul invasion of North India had a serious impact on the dance form, and dance was performed in
Muslim courts, causing it to evolve into a more entertaining style, and less religious in content.

Kathakali
From the southern province of Kerala, Kathakali literally means story-play and is an elaborate dance depicting the victory of truth over falsehood. A prominent feature of Kathakali is the use of elaborate make-up and colourful costumes. Kathakali is traditionally performed by only men.

Mohini Attam
The female form of Kathakali, the theme of Mohini attam dance is love and devotion to god. Vishnu or Krishna is most often the hero. The technique is the feminine version of Kathakali movements. The Mohini attam dancer maintains realistic make-up and adorns a simple costume, in comparison to costumes of other dances: the dancer is attired in a
beautiful white with gold border Kasavu saree of Kerala, with the distinctive white jasmine flowers around a French bun at the side of her head.

Manipuri
From the northeastern province of Manipur, this dance style is known for its jumps and lively nature.