INDIAN ART AND CULTURE by Rahul Sengar Sir {TOPIC COVERED: INDIAN THEATRE) long tradition of theatre in Indian cultural scenario. -» ‘excavated ruins at Sitabena and Jogimara caves represent, the world’s oldest amphitheatres In Bharat Munis Natya Shastra (2008C-200AD)-» Brahma created the Natya Veda for the pastime of Gods, combining, elements of the four Vedas. -> Natya Shastra is first formal treatise on dramaturgy, According to the author, he has evolved natyaveda by taking words from the Rigveda, music from the Samaveda,, gestures from the Yajurveda and emotions from the Atharvaveda. In it, ten types of play ~ from one-act play to ten acts ~ has been described and covers all aspects of classical Sanskrit literature, CLASSICAL SANSKRIT THEATRE Aegan as a narrative art form (Music + Dance + acting) Sanskrit word ‘nataka'—> root word ‘nata’—> dancer. Rupaka, Drishyakvya and Preksakavya were others also Used to describe drama, In ancient India -> Plays -> 2 types: + Lokadharmi: These were realistic depictions of daily lite. + Natyadharmi: These were conventional plays with a more stylised narration and overt symbolism, 1 example of classical Sanskrit drama > Sariputraprakarana by Ashvaghosh, 4h-Sh century B.C. -» Bhasa (composed thirteen plays) ‘Sudraka was the first tointroduce the essence of conflict, inhi play Mricchakatika. Kalidasa: Malavikagnimitra, Vikramorvashi_ and Shakuntalam- are some of the finest examples of classical Sanskrit drama, Uttaramacharitra and Mahaviracharitra by Bhavabhutl Mudrarakshasa by Visakhadatta Ratnavali by Harshavardhan, ategorised into ten types ~ namely Anka, Bhana, Dima, Ithamgra, Nataka, Prahasana, Prakarna, Svakarna, Vithi and Vyayos. Natya Shastra describes only two of these ~ Nataka and Prakarna, Classical Sanskrit play was bound by some rigid conventions: + Fourto seven-act plays. + Happy-endings. (unlike the Greek tragedies) ‘The protagonist was male who would always achieve the object of his desire at the end. The plays had well defined opening, progression, development, pause and conclusion. Sanskrit plays followed an almost itu progression as well, described as below: Started with a number of pre-play rituals, also known as purva-raga, most of which were performed behind the curtain, Sutradhar, entered the stage with his assistants Dressed in white, he would offer worship to the deity and seek his blessings. ‘After that, the leading lady was summoned and the time and place of the play was announced by the Sutradhar, The theatre, as per Bharata, could accommodate around four hundred persons. The stages were two storeyed. While the upper floor was used for representing Celestial sphere, the lower one represented the terrestrial sphere, Curtains were used to intensify the impact of play. However, masks were not used, Characters in Sanskrit plays were important. They were broadly classified into three kinds which are: + Nayaka (Hero or the Protagonist): Played by males may be of different personalities like Lalita (Kind- hearted), Shanta (Calm & composed), Uddhata (Agitated or arrogant) etc Pratinayaka’ (Anatagonist) like Ravana, Duryodhana, Hero may also be etc. + Nayika (Heroin friends, courtesans (ganika), divine lady (Divya). Played by females are queens, + Vidusaka (Clown): Comic character plays a vital role in the plays. He is the noble and good-hearted, often a friend of hero Nayaka (Hero) -> questions the prevailing social norms through satire -» spoke in Prakrit while others in Sanskrit. Thus, the Sanskrit play became an amalgamation of entertainment and religious traditions. Reasons for decline of Sanskrit Theatre As Sanskrit dramatists began to diverge towards poetry, the lyrical writings started gaining popularity over the dramatic works. The rigid orthodoxy of the Sanskrit theatre restricted the Creative space of new playwrights who turned to other forms. ‘As Sanskrit became more and more embellished, it lost popularity among the masses. It was increasingly confined to the religious sphere and among the Brahmins, while other languages such as Pali and Prakrit took its place With the advent of Muslim rulers, Sanskrit theatre took a definite backseat, as dance and music gained patronage.by Rahul Sengar Sir FOLK THEATRE Folk theatre rural roots and the rustic flavour was reflected in the dramatic style involved Sanskrit theatre more urbar-oriented and. sophisticated in its tweatment ofthe play play amalgamation of entertainment and religious traditions Nayak NayikaVidushak devotional themes, adopting | Sanskrit became love ballads and accounts | an of local heroes and thus adopted more secular tones. social wisdorn than mere social entertainment. + Indian folk theatre can be broadly classified into three categories as follows: Ritual Theatre + Theatre of Entertainment South Indian Theatre Ritual Theatre During Bhakti movement» popular means for ‘communicating faith to God. ‘Anikia Nat (ASSAM) one-act play started by the famous Vaishnava Saint Shankaradeva and his disciple Mahadeva in the 16° century AD performed in the style of an opera and depicts incidents - from the life of Krishna, narrator is accompanied by a group of musicians known ‘as Gayan-Bayan Mandali who play the’khol’and cymbals. + unique features of this form of theatre is the use of masks to depict special expressions Ancient folk theatre of the Vaishanvite tradition, It is mainly based around the lifes and incarnations of Vishnu. Some of the popular branches of Kala are Dashavatar Kala, Gopal Kala and Gaulan Kala, RAMLILA (UTTAR PRADESH) an enactment of Ramayana using songs, dances and dialogues, mainly during the period before Dussehra. Itis generally performed by male actors, who perform the role of Sita as wel. RASLILA (UTTAR PRADESH) Raslla is a dance drama enactment of the adolescent love stories of krishna and Radha, exclusively on Lord Krishna legends; it is believed that Nand Das wrote the initial plays based on the life of Krishna, In this theatre form the dialogues in prose combined beautifully with songs and scenes from Krishna's pranks. BHUTA, KARNATAKA KALABhuta, which means spirit, is a traditional practise of ‘worshipping the dead ancestors. RAMMAN, UTTARAKHAND. Dedicated to Bhumiyal Devta, the local deity. People of the Bhandari caste wear the sacred mask symbolizing Narasimha (half-man and half lion). Dances are performed and various songs are sung, Stories of Lord Rama are also narrated. + Listed in UNESCO intangible list. ‘Theatres of Entertainment Narration and Storytelling: More Secular stories of love, valour +sociocultural traditions. + Bhavai (Gujarat and Rajasthan) series of small plays, knowin as Vesha or Swanga, theme of the play is generally romantic. + accompanied by a Semi-classical music. Instruments such as Bhungala, Jhanjha and tabla + Thesutradhara is known as Nayaka, DASKATHIA ODISHA. by Rahul Sengar Sir 2 narrators ~ Gayaka (chief singer) and Palia (co-narrator) Narration is accompanied by a dramatic music composed Using a wooden musical instrument called kathia. + Variant: Chhaiti_Ghoda, which uses two musical instruments ~ dhol and mohuri - and three narrators Garodas, ‘Garoda’ community of Gujarat. It uses painted pictures to narrate stories of romance and valour. Jatra Eastern India open-air performancetinitiated by Vaishnava saint Sri Chaitanya, He used the medium of Jatra to propagate the teachings of Krishna + Variants: Rama Jatra, Shiv Jatra and Chandi Jatra also came into existence that narrated stories of Puranic legends Today Jatra was used to narrate stories of secular, historical and even patriotic themes, In Odisha, a popular form of street theatre known as Sahi Jatra is prevalent. KARIVILA, HIMACHAL PRADESH + Open-air theatre Generally staged during village fairs and festivals, theby Rahul Sengar Sir Performance occurs through the night and comprises of a series of small plays and skits Originated in Ujjain around 17 century A.D. and was based on mythological themes Later, romantic folk tales were included into its repertoire. + Unique feature: dialogues delivery + in the form of couplets known as Rangat Dohas, NAUTANKI Offshoot of Swang. Finds mention in Abul Fazl's Ain-e-Akberr + Theme: historical, social and folk tales and delivered through dance and music. + Dialogues are delivered in a lyrical fashion, accompanied by the beats of a drum called Nagara, Inthe later period, two schools of Nautanki seated around Kanpur and Lucknow gained importance, (JA-PALI, ASSAM Associated with the festival of Mansa or the serpent goddess. The narration isa prolonged affair, with three distinct parts, ~ Baniya Khanda, Bhatiyali Khanda and Deva Khanda. Oj is the main narrator and Palis are the members of the chorus. POWADA, (MAHARASHTRA) A play was written lauding the heroic deeds of Shivaji (Shivaj killed his adversary Afzal Khan). Operatic ballads depicting stories of valour and sung by the folk musicians known as Gondhalis and Shahirs. ‘WANG, (PUNJAB AND HARYANA) Mainly musical dramas, sung through verses, accompanied by the music of ektara, harmonium, sarangi, dholak and khartal ‘TAMASHA, MAHARASHTRAknown for its humour and erotic content, + Unique feature: Presence of female actors even the male roles. > play the The Tamasha performances are generally accompanied by Lavani songs. VILLU PATTU, TAMILNADU Villu Pattu’means bow-song, A form of musical theatre popular in the Deccan. Stories of Ramayana are narrated using bow-shaped instruments. BHAND PATHER, J&K + Contemporary social satire or even mythical stories. It is seular in outlook, although it is performed by Muslims. Ithas music, dance and drama. BHAONA, ASSAM Itis a presentation of Ankia Naat and Vaishnavite themes by Rahul Sengar Sir DASHAVATAR (KONKAN REGION) Notably Sindhudurg (Maharashtra) and North Goa. Ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. It has two parts, ‘poorvaranga’ (initial part) and ‘uttararanga’ (second part), The second session is the main act and is based on mythological stories. NAQAL OR BHAND (PUNJAB AND ADJOINING AREAS) Mimicry based performance. Performing artist is often called Behroopiya’ or ‘Nagalchi’ (impersonator). Uses comedy, absurdities, wit and humour to get across the social or political message. It is performed by two artists ‘THEATRES OF SOUTH INDIA Period of 8" century AD — Sanskrit classical theatre started to decline in North India > gained popularity in the southern parts India, + Speciality: Emphasis on dance as compared to the emphasis on music in Northern India, YAKSHAGANA, KARNATAKA Perhaps the oldest theatre traditions. Regions of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. + Originated: Royal Court (Wijaynagar empire) + Performed by: Jakkula Varu (a Community). largely a descriptive dance-drama enacted by a single artist. Later forms adopted further variations and became a typical dance dramaby Rahul Sengar Sir + Popular variants: Lalita in Maharashtra, Bhaval in Gujarat ‘and Gandharva Gana in Nepal + Popular Plays: Garudiachalam by Obayya Mantri, Krishna~ Hiramani by Srinddha and Sugriva Vijayam by Rudra Kavi BURRA KATHA (ANDHRA PRADESH) Derives its name from Burra - the percussion instrument used extensively during the performance. PAGATI VESHAALU (TELANGANA + KRISHNA DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH) Primarily a role-playing act, revolving around a principal character known as vesham (disguise) and other sub, characters. BAYALATA (KARNATAKA) Open-air theatre tradition. Performed during the worship of the local deity. 5 types of Bayalatas ~ Dasarat, Sannata, Doddata, Parijata ‘and Yakshagana, + The stories are based on the love of Radha-Krishna Parijata and Yakshagana -» bya single Sutradhar. Other three forms —> performed in a chorus of three-four, aided by a Vidushaka. ‘TAL-MADDALE (KARNATAKA) Tal > cymbal Maddale—> drum Considered as the predecessor of Yakshagana. Performed while sitting and without any costumes, dance or acting. ‘The narration is done by a Bhagavata who is aided by a group of Arthadharis ‘THEYYAM (KERALA) Itis similar to a practice in Karnataka, called Bhuta Kola ‘open theatre > performed in front of the local temples to mainly honour the spirit of the ancestors besides gods. ‘Themes of Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Shaivism are now The actors wear elaborate headgear and colourful costumes. KRISHNA ATTAM (KERALA) Originated in the mid 17 century. krishna Geethi, its a carnival that lasts for eight days, with performances in eight consecutive nights narrating the life story of Sri Krishna.+ India's oldest continuing form of theatre that has survived, since 10" century AD. in Kerala Completely adheres to the rules laid down in Natya Shastra Chakyaar (actor), Nambiar (instrumentalist) and, Nangyaar (those taking woman's role) aré the/main characters of Koodiyattam, + Language: Sanskrit,Prakrit and Malayalam, with Mizhavu and Edakka providing the background music. All the characters begin the play with Nirvahana, a recollection of the past events of the story. After this; the story unfolds in a leisurely fashion with, commentaries on social, philosophical, and_ political behaviour, Margi Madhu Chakyar is a leading exponent of this art form MUDIVETTU, KERALA Mudiyettu is a traditional folk theatre of Kerala. by Rahul Sengar Sir Itis performed in the month of Vrichigam. i, Novernber- December. It is performed only in Kali Temple as a presentation to Goddess. It is a part of Bhadrakali cult, It depicts the triumph of Goddess Bhadrakali over the asura Darika, + Mudiyettu is community. Shiva, Narada, Darika, Danavendra, Bhadrakali, Kooli, and Koimbidar are the seven charaters of Mudiyettu In 2010, Mudiyettu was inscribed in the UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity after Koodiyattam, performed by Marar and Karuppu KURUVANJI (TAMILNADU) Characterised by classical Tamil poetry and songs. The first Kuruvanji was composed by Thirukutarajappa Kaviyar. ‘The basic theme revolves around a love-struck heroine. Kuruvanyj literally means fortune-teller’ who predicts the fate of the heroine. Kuruvanji is performed in a dance ballet form with Bharatnatyam being the principal dance form in Tamil Nadu. PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS - MAINS + 2011: Write a sentence each on any five of the following traditional theatre forms: Bhand Pather Swang Maach + Bhaona Mudiyettu Dhashavatar + 1995, 2005, 2007: Write about Yakshagana + 1987: Where did the following traditional Folk Theatres originate? Jatra Tamasha Koodiyattam Bhavai + Nautanki