With
origins shrouded in mystery, the Chhau dancer communicates inner emotions
and themes through cadences of body flexions, movements and kinetic suggestions.
The word Chhau is interpreted differently by scholars. 'Shadow', 'Disguise'
and 'Image' are the most common interpretations due to the extensive use
of masks in this dance form. The martial movements of Chhau have led to
another interpretation of the word as meaning 'to attack stealthily' or
'to hunt'.
Three
styles of Chhau exist born from the three different regions of Seraikella
(Bihar), Purulia (West Bengal), and Mayurbhanj (Orissa). Martial movements,
strong rhythmic statements and dynamic use of space are characteristic
of Chhau.
Seraikella
Chhau flourished under royal patronage. Its vigorous martial character
made it suitable only for male dancers. The princes were not only patrons
but also dancers, teachers and mask-making experts. The Seraikella masks
are similar to those used in the Noh dance of Japan and the Wayang Wong
of Java.
Purulia
Chhau uses masks which is a highly developed craft in the region.
The barren land with its tribal inhabitants and multi-layered influences
of Vedic literature, Hinduism and martial folk-lore have all combined to
shape the Purulia Chhau dances which have only one message - the triumph
of good over evil.
Mayurbhanj
Chhau has highly developed movements, no masks and a more chiselled
vocabulary than the other two Chhau styles. Like Seraikella Chhau, it had
also thrived under royal patronage and is considered a link between the
earthy Indian dance movements and the flying, springing elevations of Western
dance.
Unlike
other Indian Classical dance forms, vocal music in Chhau hardly exists!
Instrumental music and a variety of drums like the Dhol, Dhumba, Nagara,
Dhansa and Chadchadi provide the accompaniment.
Combining
folk, tribal and martial traditions and yet covering the three aspects
of Nritta, Nritya and Natya as well as the Tandava and Lasya aspects of
classical dance, the Chhau dances are complex combinations of Folk and
Classical motifs.
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