Conversation so far:
What was the time frame of the Indian Medieval era?
The Hindu, Jain and Buddhist archaeological sites in Odisha state show inscriptions and carvings of dances that are dated to the 6th to 9th century CE.
Where are the carvings of the Odissi dances?
The Hindu, Jain and Buddhist archaeological sites in Odisha state, particularly the Assia range of hills show inscriptions and carvings of dances.
Anything else interesting about the Odissi dance?
The Buddhist icons, for example, are depicted as dancing gods and goddesses, with Haruka, Vajravarahi, and Marichi in Odissi-like postures.
Have the sculptures showing the Odissi dance been dated to be from the Indian medieval era?
Historical evidence, states Alexandra Carter, shows that Odissi Maharis (Hindu temple dancers) and dance halls architecture (nata-mandap) were in vogue at least by the 9th century CE.
What were the Odissi dancers called?
Odissi was performed in the temples by the dancers called Maharis.

Question: What were their dances based on?
Self-contained rewrite: What were the Odissi dances based on?