The traditional Indian culture floating down from the classical era of The Ramayana and The Mahabharata, has now introduced itself to the doorway of the world, for its abundant influx into the mansion of the ‘cocktail of cultures’, by pervading its aroma in every nook and cranny of the world, resulting in the unveiling of the so far clouded folk histories. Multiplicity of races and vertical societal structure aided India to breed folk dances like Bihu, bhangra karkattam and many others, and among them, chhau, though eclipsed upon the dusty blanket of history till the 1970s, is in the process to achieve its deserving glory. “Chhau”, the term which fastens the people of Purulia into a single thread, sets the wheels of the district into motion for a journey from mossy path to street. Though done with minimum steps or movements, the dance makes maximum impact on people, especially on those who were alienated from it so far. With its first ascendance in 1972 when a “chhau” party from Purulia district under the guidance of Gambhir Singh Mura took a journey abroad, “chhau” has now made its place in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This article attempts to excavate the lyrical evolution of chhau, enkindling its path from “chhau nritya” to “chhau nrityanatya”. The incessant venture to come out off its previous slough of Jhumur, upon the ground of which the lyrics of chhau were basically edified, results in the derivation of other folk and pop music. The journey henceforth germinates a question, whether this hybridism in the lyrics of chhau is a pollution or a solution, within the periphery of which my term paper revolves.
Table of Contents
The journey of Purulia Chhau Dance: From Vague to Vogue
Objectives and Research Focus
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the Purulia Chhau dance, tracing its origins, historical transformations, and its current state within the context of globalization. It examines the transition of the dance form from its traditional tribal roots to its contemporary manifestation as a dance drama, exploring the impact of patronage, modernization, and socio-economic challenges on the livelihoods of its performers.
- The historical evolution and etymological origins of Chhau dance.
- The impact of patronage, from royal support to contemporary commercialization.
- The technical and stylistic transformation of the dance, including masks, music, and performance spaces.
- The socio-economic struggles of the artists and the influence of globalization on the folk tradition.
Excerpt from the book
The journey of Purulia Chhau Dance: From Vague to Vogue
“Peculiarity of mask made the Chhau of Purulia colorful” (qtd. in Sing 62, my translation).
The comment, made by Padma Shri awardee Chhau artist Gambhir Sing Mura, may well define the individual identity of the Chhau of Purulia in comparison with the other folk cultures, as well as with Chhau dances of other regions. In spite of being a cultural identity of the marginalized people, Chhau, only because of its individuality and peculiarity, was patronized by the kings and landlords. With the transition of a period to a newer one, Chhau also tries to adjust itself in the newly defined territory by reciprocation of characteristics. This paper attempts to take a grip of that transition, a panoramic shot that will encircle Chhau from its inception to what it is now. Again, not only the dance but also the history of the term Chhau is itself a result of an evolution. The evolution of the dance, its instruments, the narrative style, the music, the mask and the livelihood of the artists are taken into consideration in the process of writing the paper. The transition of Chhau from dance to dance drama has also been brought to focus.
Summary of Chapters
The journey of Purulia Chhau Dance: From Vague to Vogue: This introductory section establishes the historical significance, individuality, and cultural roots of Purulia Chhau, outlining the paper's goal to track its evolutionary path from a traditional folk dance to a modern performance art.
Keywords
Purulia Chhau, Folk Dance, Tribal Culture, Mask, Performance Art, Mythology, Globalization, Socio-economic, Dance Drama, Jhumur, Tradition, Modernization, Gambhir Sing Mura, Cultural Heritage, Intangible Heritage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research?
The research explores the historical development, cultural significance, and modern-day transformation of the Purulia Chhau dance in West Bengal, India.
What are the primary themes analyzed in the paper?
Key themes include the evolution of the dance form, the impact of royal patronage and its decline, the shift from folk dance to modern dance drama, and the challenges posed by globalization and poverty.
What is the overarching goal of the study?
The study aims to document the transition of Purulia Chhau from its traditional, marginalized origins to its recognition as an intangible cultural heritage, while highlighting the struggles of its practitioners.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The research utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, combining historical analysis, literary interpretation of folk origins, and primary data gathered through personal interviews with Chhau artists and experts.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The text covers the etymology of "Chhau," the history of mask usage, the impact of the abolition of kingship on the arts, the influence of Bollywood and modern technology on traditional performances, and the socioeconomic reality of the artists.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Relevant keywords include Purulia Chhau, folk tradition, cultural evolution, dance drama, globalization, and social survival.
How did the role of the mask evolve in Purulia Chhau?
Originally, dancers painted their faces; later, masks made of dried gourds and wood were introduced, eventually evolving into the modern papier-mâché masks to enhance the portrayal of mythological characters.
How has the music of Chhau changed over time?
Traditional Jhumur songs and folk instruments have increasingly been supplemented or replaced by modern influences, including Bollywood music, synthesizers, and electronic organs to cater to contemporary audiences.
What is the significance of "dance drama" in this context?
It represents the shift from pure folk performance to a more structured, narrative-driven theatrical format often utilized for social awareness campaigns and contemporary storytelling.
- Citation du texte
- Rahul Mahata (Auteur), 2017, The Journey of Purulia Chhau Dance. From Vague to Vogue, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/413298
