The Chhau dance is a tradition that originates from eastern India. It enacts episodes from epics like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and local folklore. The tradition may have been derived from Sanskrit Chaya (shadow, image, or mask), and Chadma (disguise), but others suggest that it is derived from Chhauni (military camp, armor, stealth) in the Odia language.
It is difficult to determine the origin and antiquity of the Chhau dance form due to the lack of proper historical documents. However, it is believed that in the past a few Hindu rulers controlled small pockets in eastern India from 12 to 14 AD. As a result, Chhau became a part of tribal life, and the Bagmundi ruler was the patron of the dance form in ancient times. In the absence of sufficient royal support, unproductive land, and dwindling rainfall, performers were forced to migrate to nearby urban areas in search of employment.
The three distinct styles of Chhau dance originate from Seraikella, Purulia, and Mayurbhanj. The first two styles use masks and are mainly performed during a festival in Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha, especially during the Chaitra Parva festival. During this festival, the whole community participates in the Chhau dance. Meanwhile, the Purulia Chhau dance is celebrated during the Sun festival. The two forms of the Chhau dance that use masks blends both dance and martial arts techniques, employing mock combat techniques (called Khel), stylized gaits of birds and animals, and choreography of village housewives. There is no ritual or ceremonial meaning to this form of the dance. It is simply a form of entertainment and celebration for the community.
At night, male dancers perform this dance in an open area, called akhada, or asar. This dance is rhythmical, and it is accompanied by the traditional music of the shehnai and mohuri. These dances are often accompanied by drums, including dhols (cylindrical drums), dhumsas (large kettle drums), kharkas, or chad-chadis. The themes may be related to local legends, stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, or even abstract themes.
In these communities, Chhau is an integral part of their culture. People from different social strata and ethnic backgrounds with different social practices, beliefs, professions, and languages can participate together. However, increasing industrialization, economic pressures, and new media have led to a decrease in collective participation as communities become disconnected from their roots. While Chhau is distinctly Indian, it is yet to be included on the mainstream Indian dance canvas. The inhospitable landscape and climate, as well as the recent political turmoil in the region where Chhau was traditionally performed, has negatively affected not only the performers but also the dance form itself.
References