Chhau Dance

Context: Tarapada Rajak and team performed Purulia Chhau at an event in Kolkata. 

About Chhau dance form: 

Introduction: 

• It is a semi-classical Indian dance form that intricately weaves together martial and folk traditions.
• Some narrations also use natural themes such as Sarpa Nritya (serpent dance) or Mayur Nritya (peacock dance) 
• Chhau encompasses elements from martial arts, folk themes and religious motifs inspired by Shaivism, Shaktism, and Vaishnavism.
• In 2010, UNESCO inscribed Chhau in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• Traditionally performed by all-male troupes, Chhau holds regional significance in the East Indian region and is believed to have its origins traced to various linguistic roots.
  • Some propose a connection to the Sanskrit term Chaya, signifying shadow, image, or mask, while others associate it with the Sanskrit root Chadma, implying disguise. 
  • An alternative research, adds that it is derived from the Odia language, pointing to the term Chhauni, encompassing meanings related to military camp, armour, and stealth.

Characteristics: 

• In Chhau dance, costumes inspired by Shaktism themes, such as the depiction of Durga with a lion, are prominently featured, particularly in the Purulia style.
• This vibrant dance form is primarily showcased during festivals, with a notable emphasis on community participation, especially during the spring festival of Chaitra Parva.
• Masks hold a significant role in the Purulia (West Bengal) and Seraikella styles (Jharkhand), contributing to the unique visual appeal of the dance.
• Chhau dance in northern Odisha (Mayurbhanj) incorporates masks only during the initial stage when the artists make their introductory appearance to the audience.
• The transmission of knowledge related to dance, music, and mask-making is often passed down orally.
• The masked styles of Chhau dance seamlessly blend elements of dance and martial practices, incorporating mock combat techniques (khel), stylized walk of birds and animals (Chalis and Topkas), and movements inspired by the daily chores of village housewives (Uflis).
• Executed exclusively by male dancers, Chhau performances take place at night in open spaces referred to as Akhada or asar.
  • However, several all-women troupes are also participating now. 
  • Mousumi Chowdhury, from Purulia’s, is credited with starting the trend.
  • In 2010, Mousumi set up the first all-women Chhau troupe of Purulia known as Mitali Chhau Maldi.

• The featured instruments are: reed pipes (Mohuri), shehnai, a variety of drums such as cylindrical dhol, the large kettle drum Dhumsa, and the Kharkai or chad-chadi.
• The roots of Chhau dance, particularly in the Purulia style, can be traced back not only to Paika and Natua but also to the significant influence of Nachni dance.
  • Nachni dance contributed female walks and movements to Chhau, introducing elements of Lasya Bhava from the Natya Shastra, characterized by elegance, sensuality, and beauty.
  • Conversely, the male dance movements in Chhau are attributed to Shiva's Tandava style, adding a dynamic dimension to the dance form.

Three Varieties of Chhau:

• There are three main styles of Chhau dance:
  • Saraikela Chhau in Jharkhand;
  • Mayurbhanj Chhau in Odisha;
  • Purulia Chhau in West Bengal;

• Mayurbhanj Chhau artists don’t wear masks.
• The distinctiveness of the three primary styles of Chhau, lies in their regional origins and distinctive characteristics.

(Seraikela)

Seraikela Chhau: 

• It evolved in the region of Seraikela, during the era of Kalinga's Gajapati rule (1434 to 1541 CE), in Jharkhand.
• The Seraikella Chhau's techniques are shaped by the erstwhile nobility of the region, who not only performed but also choreographed the dance.
• In the contemporary era, individuals from diverse backgrounds engage in the performance of Seraikella Chhau.
• This style employs symbolic masks, with the acting itself establishing the role played by each performer.
• Notably, these masks are skillfully crafted by potters who specialize in creating clay images of Hindu deities.

(Mayurbhanj)

Mayurbhanj Chhau:  

• Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, bordering Bengal and Jharkhand and known for the Similipal biosphere, was ruled by the Bhanja dynasty from 7th century AD.
• The rulers were great patrons of the arts. 
• Chhau, which is believed to have derived its name from the Chhauni or military camp, evolved from the mock fights and drills that used to be held to keep the soldiers battle-ready.
• Mayurbhanj Chhau opts for a mask-free approach, yet shares technical similarities with Seraikella Chhau in its execution.
• Mayurbhanj Chhau is the most vigorous of the three styles of Chhau. 
• The technique and choreography are directly drawn from war practices of Odia soldiers, who were popularly known as Paikas. 
• The Government of Odisha took significant steps to promote Chhau dance by establishing the Mayurbhanj Chhau Nritya Pratisthan in Baripada in 1960.

(Purulia)

Purulia Chhau: 

• The Chhau dance that originated from Purulia finds its inspiration from martial arts and combative training.
• The dancers perform a repertoire that explores a variety of subjects like mythological episodes from Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas, local legends and folklores and abstract themes.
• The traditional dance is performed at open spaces at the rhythm of various kinds of drums and other musical instruments.
  • Indigenous drums like Dhol, Dhumsa and Kharkai are used along with the melody of Mohuri and Shehnai.
• Over the centuries, this dance form was patronized by the royal families, rich landlords as well as by a few British Governors of the region.
• It is believed that the Raja (king) of Baghmundi in Purulia was the main patron of these dances. 
• The Chhau mask from Purulia has been officially recognized under Geographical Indications, emphasizing its unique and traditional nature
• The masks for Purulia Chhau are crafted by artists from the Sutradhar community.

Read about folk dances in India: 

Folk Dances in India