Book excerpt: India's rich cultural legacy has been founded on the abiding faith of the Indians in the divine power, whose worship had found expression through dance. 'Bhakti' or devotion was the underlying essence of the various dance forms that developed in India. Indian Classical Dances is a unique presentation of the eight classical dance styles -- Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi and Sattriya, through a concise portrayal of the background of each dance form, the salient features, format of presentation, music and costume. The simplistic approach of the narration coupled with the unique collection of photographs, will enable the lay reader to visualise, comprehend and appreciate the diverse dance forms of India.