Indian Art and Culture:
Que. The traditional theatre forms of India reflect the ideals and emotions of the society, and an individual’s role in the community. Discuss with examples. [Practice Question]
Approach:
(1) Write a short note on traditional theatre in India.
(2) Discuss, with the help of examples, how traditional theatre forms reflect the ideals and emotions of Indian society and an individual’s role in the community.
(3) Conclude appropriately.
Introduction:
Traditional Indian theatre forms serve as mirrors reflecting societal ideals, emotions, and an individual’s communal role. For instance, Yakshagana from Karnataka embodies cultural values through vibrant storytelling, integrating mythological narratives to impart moral lessons and communal wisdom.
They also reflect the societal ideals, emotions, and an individual’s role in the community, which is evident from the following:
(1) Bhand Pather is a unique satirical theatre form of Kashmir that combines dance, music, and acting. Its actors come from the farming community and their performance reflects their way of living, ideals, and sensitivities.
(2) Nautanki is a secular, inclusive art form of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan that includes people from various castes and communities. It incorporates themes from various sources such as epics like the Ramayana or Persian tales like Laila and Majnu, and has evolved to include female actors.
(3) Jatra is a popular theatre form of West Bengal that gained fame as Krishna Jatra due to Chaitanya’s influence. It projects the social and cultural needs of the people of the region and has been used successfully in non-cooperation movements and the removal of untouchability.
(4) Bhaona is a representation of Ankia Naat of Assam that reflects cultural glimpses of Assam, Bengal, Orissa, and Mathura.
(5) Chhau dance is a tradition from eastern India that enacts episodes from epics including the Mahabharata and Ramayana, local folklore and abstract themes. Being an integral part of the local communities, it binds people of different social strata and ethnicities together.
(6) Yakshagana is a traditional theatre of Karnataka based on mythological stories and the Puranas.
(7) Bhavai is a traditional art form of Gujarat that provides a rare synthesis of devotional and romantic sentiments. It uses humour and satire to comment on current social and political issues.
(8) Tamasha is a folk theatre of Maharashtra where feminine roles are played by women. It has become an important tool for spreading ideologies and societal messages among the masses. Therukoothu is one of the most popular folk dramas of Tamil Nadu performed during temple festivals or for rich harvest. It has eight plays based on the life of Draupadi.
(9) Dashavatar is popular in Goa and Konkan regions and is based on the ten incarnations of Lord Krishna. Performers wear wooden masks and papier-mache.
(10) Krishnattam is a folk theatre of Kerala performed on the theme of the life of Lord Rama, depicting various stages of his life and victory of good over evil.
Conclusion:
Traditional and folk theatre forms in India are not only a source of entertainment but also serve as a means of preserving and transmitting cultural heritage to future generations.
