Sound and Sovereignty: The Political Role of Music and Dance from Ancient Courts to Contemporary India

This paper explores the enduring relationship between performance arts and political authority in India from ancient to contemporary times.It analyzes how music and dance were more than aesthetic pursuits; they were vital instruments in the consolidation and expression of sovereignty.From the courts of the Maurya, Gupta, and Vijayanagara empires to the modern Indian republic, rulers and governments have harnessed the emotive and symbolic power of performance to shape public memory, religious legitimacy, and national identity.While in ancient India, royal courts and temples hosted performances that emphasized cosmic order and divine right, the postcolonial state has employed music and dance to forge unity, project soft power, and reinforce cultural nationalism.Classical traditions such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi have been redefined as national symbols, while folk performances serve both as instruments of cultural inclusion and as contested sites of regional identity.In the 21st century, debates over authenticity, appropriation, and representation reveal how deeply intertwined performance remains with the politics of identity.This paper argues that the Indian state's relationship with music and dance has not only evolved but also continuously mirrors its ideological aspirations, whether imperial, nationalist, or diplomatic.