The characteristics of Chhau


Chhau dance as it in vogue in the contiguous areas of the three States of Eastern India-West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, has a basic character of its own, and if we analysis its basic qualities we are convinced that it represents essentially the characteristics originating from West Bengal.
After its beginning and development in Purulia district in West Bengal, it was patronized by almost all the feudal chiefs of the entire Purulia, Ranchi and singbhum district. An individual patron developed the dance according to his own resources and imagination without injuring in any way its basic character. The member of the family of maharaja of Seraikella adopted the practice themselves. Each and every performance begins with a vocal invocation to ganesha. This is the only ritual part of the performance of Chhau that has been discarded both in mayurbhanj and in Seraikella.
The heroic element or the Tandava character of the Chhau dance is also a striking feature. Another characteristic of the dance is Khilan mukhos or replacement of masks. The mask of Lord Krishna is replaced by the mask of Kali in full view of the audience within the scene itself.

The Chhau dance technique is based upon 108 postures and movements. Their gaits leap and Jumps, spiral movements, pad chakra, all have a distinct classical tradition. Chhau dance has taken its shape from hand gestures and footsteps as depicted in the 'Natyashastra' o Acharya Bharat.

'Aharyabhinaya' is an important part of the Chhau dance. The typical musical instruments and their techniques 'Tal-Chhanda-laya' have given the Chhau dance a different measure.
There is combination of three units: 'Natya', 'Nritya' and 'Nritta' as narrated by Bharata by holding the mask on head, acting of other characters is important. The stories and themes with manifold sentiments are expressed by body movements. The existence of vocal tradition of dance from Guru to disciple is unwritten. The Chhau dance of Mayurbhanj and Purulia have made the inclusion of folk elements and they created very flexibility in their styles.
The musical sounds of war dance have been moulded in Indian musicology.

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