Context: In the rural landscapes of Odisha, the centuries-old tradition of Gotipua, where young boys are trained to perform intricate dances dressed as girls in homage to Hindu deities, is facing a grave crisis. While these boys, once celebrated on international stages, dedicate their early years to rigorous training, their futures after puberty often paint a starkly different picture.
About Gotipua Dance
- The Gotipua dance, a centuries-old tradition from Odisha, India, is a mesmerizing form of folk dance performed by young boys dressed as females.
- Sculptures of dancers on bas-reliefs in temples in Orissa (like the Konark Sun and Jagannath Temples in Puri) demonstrate this ancient tradition.
- These boys, often starting their training at a tender age, embody the grace and spirituality of Radha and Krishna through acrobatic and expressive dance forms.
History:
- The origins of Gotipua dance can be traced back to the decline of the Mahari dance tradition around the 16th century.
- During this period, the Mahari dancers, who were female temple dancers dedicated to Lord Jagannath, saw their influence wane.
- To preserve this sacred dance tradition, young boys were introduced to perform in the same devotional context. This shift occurred during the reign of Bhoi dynasty king Rama Chandra Dev, who played a pivotal role in fostering this unique dance form in Odisha.
- Akhadas and Physical culture:
- King Rama Chandra Dev established gymnasiums known as Akhadas in each street of Puri to encourage physical culture and protect the temple from intruders.
- These Akhadas also served as cultural centres where Gotipua dancers, known as ‘Akhada Pilas’, were trained.
Influence of Sri Chaitanya and Vaishnavism:
- The arrival of Sri Chaitanya to Puri in the early 16th century significantly impacted the socio-religious and cultural life of Odisha.
- He popularized the Bhakti movement, emphasizing devotion to Krishna through Madhura Rasa Upasana, a mode of worship.
- The Vaishnavites, influenced by Sri Chaitanya, promoted Sakhi Bhava-offering oneself to Krishna as a female attendant.
- The Vaishnava maths of Odisha often patronized these dancers, with some even maintaining their own troupes.
Features:
- The dance form is characterized by two basic postures: ‘Tribhangi,’ where the body is held with three bends (head, torso, and knees), and ‘Chouka,’ a square-like stance symbolizing Lord Jagannath.
- It is also characterized by distinctive poses, movements, gestures, and postures, known in Odia terms as Chhai, Chhataka, and Chhapaka.
- Essential elements a Gotipua must learn includes: Utha, Baitha, Thia, Chali, Buda, Bhasa, Bhaunri, and Pali. These terms describe specific movements, such as rising from a sitting pose, dancing while standing, and various forms of body bending and spinning.
- The traditional costume includes a ‘Kanchula’ (a brightly coloured blouse) and ‘Nibibandha’ (an apron-like cloth tied around the waist). The costume also includes ‘Pattasari’.
- Musical instruments: Tabla, Odissi Mardala (a two-headed drum), Gini (small cymbals), Harmonium, Violin, and Bansuri (flute).
- Vocalists also play a crucial role in narrating the stories through song, adding to the dance's emotive power.
Bandha Nrutya:
- One of the most captivating aspects of Gotipua is the ‘Bandha Nrutya,’ where the boys perform intricate acrobatic poses.
- These postures, known as ‘Bandhas,’ are deeply rooted in ancient texts like the ‘Abhinaya Chandrika’ and ‘Sangita Darpana.’
- The Bandhas include a variety of poses such as: Padmasana (Lotus Pose); Hansa (Swan Pose); Mayura (Peacock Pose); Garuda (Eagle Pose); Kandarpa Ratha (Chariot of the God of Love).
- These poses not only showcase the dancers' physical prowess but also bring to life the mythological narratives of Krishna's adventures.
Folk dances of Odisha
1. Chhau:
- Chhau is an ancient dance form that originated from the mock fights of the Oriya Paikas (warriors), who performed rhythmic movements to the accompaniment of indigenous musical instruments.
- The Chhau dance of today adheres to the basic principles of the Natya Shastra by Bharat Muni and the Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikeswara.
- The dance form is closely linked with religion, where Chhau dancers worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the presiding deities of the Tandava and Lasya styles, respectively.
- Chhau was once performed exclusively by male dancers, who also took on female roles as needed. Today, female dancers have also mastered this art form.
- In the Saraikela School of Chhau, dancers wear masks representing the characters they depict, while in the Mayurbhanj School, the face is left uncovered.
2. Dalkhai:
- Dalkhai dance is a prominent Sambalpuri folk dance associated with the Dussehra festival.
- This dance is primarily performed by young women from the Binjhal, Kuda, Mirdha, Sama, and other tribes of Odisha.
- The dance is accompanied by a rich orchestra of folk music played on instruments such as Dhol, Nisan, Tamki, Tasa, and Mahuri.
3. Karma Naach:
- It is a pastoral Sambalpuri folk dance performed during the worship of the deity of fate.
- This dance, popular among scheduled tribes such as the Binjhal, Kharia, Kisan, and Kol in various districts of Odisha, is believed to influence good and bad fortune.
- The dance follows a ritualistic puja, after which participants sing and dance accompanied by drums (maandal), cymbals, and other instruments.
- The young boys often perform with mirrors in hand, symbolizing traditional courtship during the dance.
4. Ghumura:
- Ghumura Dance, a prominent folk dance from the Kalahandi district, is believed to have been a war dance in ancient India.
- Depicted in the Sun Temple of Konark, this dance has evolved from a war dance to a form of social and cultural expression.
- The dance is accompanied by instruments such as Ghumura, Nishan, Dhol, Taal, and Madal.
- The dance is still performed in village settings in South Western Odisha and parts of bordering Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
5. Paiki/Paika:
- It is a martial folk dance that originates from the Chotanagpur plateau region, encompassing parts of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
- This dance form is deeply rooted in the region's history and cultural identity.
- Participants carry a sword in their right hand and a shield in their left, performing to the rhythmic beats of musical instruments such as the Nagara, Dhak, Shehnai, and Narsingh.
- Historically, it was performed by the Rautia community, who served as soldiers during the reign of the Nagvanshi dynasty in Chotanagpur.