The Journey of Purulia Chhau Dance. From Vague to Vogue

Term Paper , 2017 , 23 Pages

Cultural Studies - Miscellaneous

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
• From Choo to Chhau: An Etymological Expedition
• The Martial Roots of Chhau: Unveiling the Dance’s Past
• The Chhau of Purulia: A Blend of Traditions
• Masks and Mythologies: The Role of Religion
• The Future of Purulia Chhau: Preserving the Tradition

Objectives and Key Themes

This paper aims to explore the evolution of Purulia Chhau dance, tracing its origins and development through the centuries. It examines the dance form's unique features, its connection to mythology, and its impact on the cultural landscape of eastern India.

• The etymology and historical context of the term "Chhau"
• The influence of martial arts, tribal dances, and religious practices on Chhau
• The significance of masks and their role in shaping the narrative of Chhau
• The transition of Chhau from a dance to a dance drama
• The importance of preserving and promoting this traditional art form

Chapter Summaries

• The first chapter focuses on the etymology of the term "Chhau" and examines the various interpretations of its origin. This chapter explores the different theories proposed by scholars and practitioners of Chhau, highlighting the controversies surrounding its historical context.
• The second chapter dives into the martial roots of Chhau, exploring its connection to traditional military practices and the role of warriors in its development. This chapter traces the evolution of Chhau from a form of martial arts training to a dance form infused with storytelling and mythical narratives.
• The third chapter delves into the specific characteristics of the Purulia Chhau, analyzing its unique blend of influences from different cultural traditions. This chapter examines the integration of tribal dances, Hindu religious narratives, and elements of storytelling into the Purulia Chhau.
• The fourth chapter investigates the significance of masks in shaping the narrative of Chhau. It explores the history of mask-making in Purulia and the way these masks were used to differentiate gods from demons in performances.

Keywords

The paper explores the key themes of Purulia Chhau dance, focusing on its evolution, its historical context, the significance of masks, and the integration of religious and cultural narratives. Important concepts include traditional dance forms, martial arts, tribal traditions, Hindu mythology, mask-making, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

• College: University of Burdwan (Burdwan University)
• Course: M.A.
• Author: Rahul Mahata (Author)
• Publication Year: 2017
• Pages: 23
• Catalog Number: V413298
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668648838
• ISBN (Book): 9783668648845
• Language: English
• Tags: journey, purulia, chhau, dance, from, vague, vogue