The origin of Chhau Dance

The Chhau Artists of Purulia
The district of Purulia was a part of  Manbhum. Of the West Bengal district, the history of  Manbhum is the most ancient. Since very ancient period of time , it was through Jainism, and, subsequently, in Buddhism , that this part of the country came in contact with world outside. The ruins of Jaina and Buddhist temples  scattered throughout the districts bear testimony of  a very ancient culture  of this area. Here, Buddhism followed Jainism, as it is evident from a large number of temples which for some reason or other withstood the onslaught of Terk invasion. Manbhum. 
The origin of Chhau Dance seems to be obscure through attempts have been made a derive it from various Sanskrit or indigeneous roots. Some believes that it is a corrupt word of Sanskrit word Chhaya meaning shadow.  Other believes that the Sanskrit word Chhadma meaning disguise is the source of the word Chhau. Others are of the opinion that Chhau being a war dance  the word has some or other association of the word is Chhauni meaning the camp of the soldiers. Chhau is a dance-drama without any dialogue. It has been stated that the drama on Buddha used to be performed through dance and music- Nacen Bajracharya gan devi ;Buddha nataka visam hoy... 
The musical  recitation on the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the purans became a part of  the various ceremony. Orthodox Brambhins were imported from the interior of West Bengal, Bihar or Orissa, by liberal gift of land. Hindu image makers who were settled by the Raja of Bagmundi invented the technique of the making masks for Chhau dance after their settlement here.Probably, a system of making masks of paper-pulp by these newly settled artisans. The mask maker bear the professional surname of Sutradhar meaning  a carpenter. Chhau dance belongs to the tandava form of Indian Classical dance;though, due to its masks and elaborate costumes it has not been able to fully adhere to the classical principles. Chhau dance was originally dance of ghost and goblins or the follower of Siva before the shrine of Siva in the course of his annual worship.this is the basis of  Chhau dance of Purulia.

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