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Chhau dance, also spelled Chhou dance, is a semi classical Indian dance with martial and folk traditions. It is found in three styles named after the location where they are performed, i.e. the ''Purulia Chhau'' of West Bengal, the ''Seraikella Chhau'' of Jharkhand and the ''Mayurbhanj Chhau'' of Odisha.
The dance ranges from celebrating
The Chhau dance is mainly performed during festivals in the region of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha, especially the spring festival of Chaitra Parva and in which the whole community participates. The Purulia Chhau dance is celebrated during the Sun festival.
Masks form an integral part of Chhau dance in Purulia and Seraikella styles. The knowledge of dance, music and mask-making is transmitted orally. The Chhau dance found in northern Odisha does not use mask during the dance, but they do when the artists first appear on the stage for introduction to the audience.
The two styles of Chhau dance that use masks, blend within it forms of both dance and martial practices employing mock combat techniques (called ''khel''), stylized gaits of birds and animals (called ''chalis'' and ''topkas'') and movements based on the chores of village housewives (called ''uflis''). This form of the Chhau dance, states Mohan Khokar, has no ritual or ceremonial meaning, it is a form of community celebration and entertainment.
The dance is performed by male dancers, at night in an open space, called ''akhada'' or ''asar''. The dance is rhythmic and set to traditional folk music, played on the reed pipes ''mohuri'' and shehnai. A variety of drums accompany the music ensemble including the dhol (a cylindrical drum), ''dhumsa'' (a large kettle drum) and ''kharka'' or ''chad-chadi''. The themes for these dances include local legends, folklore and episodes from the '' Ramayana'' and '' Mahabharata'' and other abstract themes.Chhau dance
UNESCO, Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity The precursors of Chhau dance (especially Purulia style) were not only ''Paika'' and Natua, but ''Nachni'' dance also played an important role in giving Chhau its present identity. Chhau dance borrows the female gaits and movements from the ''Nachni'' dance almost exclusively (Bhattacharya, 1983, Chakravarti, 2001, Kishore, 1985). The female dance elements in Chhau introduced the aspects of ''Lasya Bhava'' from the Natya Shastra that brought elegance, sensuality, and beauty in the dance form, whereas, the virile male dance movement is attributed to the Shiva's ''tandava'' style of dance (Bose 1991). There are different interpretations to ''tandava'' and ''lasya''. I have above-mentioned the most commonly accepted definition of ''tandava'' and ''lasya'' above. Bose foregrounds the debate between the relation of ''lasya'' and ''tandava'' critically in his analysis of dance in Sanskrit texts. See Bose, Mandakranta.
The Seraikella Chhau developed in Seraikela, when it was under the rule of Kalinga's Gajapati Rule the present day administrative headquarters of the Seraikela Kharsawan district of Jharkhand, the Purulia Chhau in Purulia district of West Bengal and the Mayurbhanj Chhau in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. The most prominent difference among the three subgenres is regarding the use of masks. While, the Seraikela and Purulia subgenres of Chhau use masks during the dance, the Mayurbhanj Chhau uses none. Claus, p. 110
The Seraikella Chhau's technique and repertoire were developed by the erstwhile nobility of this region who were both its performers and choreographers, and in the modern era people from all backgrounds dance it. The Seraikella Chhau is performed with symbolic masks, and the acting establishes the role the actor is playing. The Purulia Chhau uses extensive masks shaped in the form of the character being played; for example, a lion character has a face mask of lion and body costumes too with the actor walking on all fours. These masks are crafted by potters who make clay images of Hindu gods and goddesses and is primarily sourced from the Purulia district of West Bengal. In the Mayurbhanj Chhau is performed without masks and is technically similar to the Seraikella Chhau.
The Chhau mask of 
These chhau masks are made by the artists by the ''Sutradhar community''. The making of a mask goes through various stages. 8-10 layers of soft paper, immersed in diluted glue, are pasted one after another on the mould before the mud mould is dusted with fine ash powder. The facial features are made of clay. A special layer of mud and cloth is applied and the mask is then sun-dried. After this, the mould is polished and the second round of sun drying is done before separating the layers of cloth and paper from the mould. After finishing and drilling of holes for the nose and eyes, the mask is colored and decorated.
File:Chhau Nritya (2).jpg, Chhau dance artist-female
File:Chhau Nritya (3).jpg, Chhau dance artist-male
File:Chhau Nritya (4).jpg, Chhau dance artist-male
File:Chhau Nritya (5).jpg, Chhau dance artists
File:Chhau Nritya (6).jpg, Chhau dance artist
File:Chhau Dancers.jpg, Chhau dancers in a village of Jharkhand
File:Chhau dancer demon mask.jpg, Chhau dancer with demon mask performing at night
File:Traditional chhau dancer.jpg, A chhau dancer performing among the villagers in Jharkhand
File:Mayurbhanj Chhau music troupe performing.jpg, A Mayurbhanj Chhau music troupe performing
Chhau dance: Spandan
Shiva themes, Carolina Prada (2013)
Mauyrbhanj district website with information on Chhau
Saraikela Kharsawan district website with information on Chhau
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chhau Dance Dances of India Folk dances of Jharkhand Indian folk dances Odia culture Culture of West Bengal Culture of Jharkhand Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Cultural heritage of India Articles containing video clips War dances Purulia Folk dances of West Bengal Folk dances of Odisha
Chhau dance, also spelled Chhou dance, is a semi classical Indian dance with martial and folk traditions. It is found in three styles named after the location where they are performed, i.e. the ''Purulia Chhau'' of West Bengal, the ''Seraikella Chhau'' of Jharkhand and the ''Mayurbhanj Chhau'' of Odisha.
The dance ranges from celebrating martial arts
Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defense; military and law enforcement applications; combat sport, competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; a ...
, acrobatics
Acrobatics () is the performance of human feats of balance, agility, and motor coordination. Acrobatic skills are used in performing arts, sporting events, and martial arts. Extensive use of acrobatic skills are most often performed in acro ...
and athletics performed in festive themes of a folk dance, to a structured dance with religious themes found in Shaivism, Shaktism and Vaishnavism. The costumes vary between the styles, with Purulia and Serakeilla using masks to identify the character. The stories enacted by Chhau dancers include those from the Hindu epics the '' Ramayana'' and the '' Mahabharata'', the Puranas
Purana (; sa, , '; literally meaning "ancient, old"Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature (1995 Edition), Article on Puranas, , page 915) is a vast genre of Indian literature about a wide range of topics, particularly about legends an ...
and other Indian literature.
The dance is traditionally an all males troupe, regionally celebrated particularly during spring every year, and may be a syncretic dance form that emerged from a fusion of classical Hindu dances and the traditions of ancient regional tribes. The dance is amazing and brings together people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds in a festive and religious spirit.
Etymology
Chhau is a dance style originating from the regions of East India. It may have been derived from Sanskrit ''Chāya'' (shadow, image or mask). Others link it to the Sanskrit root ''Chadma'' (disguise), yet others such as Sitakant Mahapatra suggest it is derived from ''Chhauni'' (military camp, armor, stealth) in Odia language. Claus, p. 109
Features of Chhau
The Chhau dance is mainly performed during festivals in the region of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha, especially the spring festival of Chaitra Parva and in which the whole community participates. The Purulia Chhau dance is celebrated during the Sun festival.
Masks form an integral part of Chhau dance in Purulia and Seraikella styles. The knowledge of dance, music and mask-making is transmitted orally. The Chhau dance found in northern Odisha does not use mask during the dance, but they do when the artists first appear on the stage for introduction to the audience.
The two styles of Chhau dance that use masks, blend within it forms of both dance and martial practices employing mock combat techniques (called ''khel''), stylized gaits of birds and animals (called ''chalis'' and ''topkas'') and movements based on the chores of village housewives (called ''uflis''). This form of the Chhau dance, states Mohan Khokar, has no ritual or ceremonial meaning, it is a form of community celebration and entertainment.
The dance is performed by male dancers, at night in an open space, called ''akhada'' or ''asar''. The dance is rhythmic and set to traditional folk music, played on the reed pipes ''mohuri'' and shehnai. A variety of drums accompany the music ensemble including the dhol (a cylindrical drum), ''dhumsa'' (a large kettle drum) and ''kharka'' or ''chad-chadi''. The themes for these dances include local legends, folklore and episodes from the '' Ramayana'' and '' Mahabharata'' and other abstract themes.Chhau danceUNESCO, Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity The precursors of Chhau dance (especially Purulia style) were not only ''Paika'' and Natua, but ''Nachni'' dance also played an important role in giving Chhau its present identity. Chhau dance borrows the female gaits and movements from the ''Nachni'' dance almost exclusively (Bhattacharya, 1983, Chakravarti, 2001, Kishore, 1985). The female dance elements in Chhau introduced the aspects of ''Lasya Bhava'' from the Natya Shastra that brought elegance, sensuality, and beauty in the dance form, whereas, the virile male dance movement is attributed to the Shiva's ''tandava'' style of dance (Bose 1991). There are different interpretations to ''tandava'' and ''lasya''. I have above-mentioned the most commonly accepted definition of ''tandava'' and ''lasya'' above. Bose foregrounds the debate between the relation of ''lasya'' and ''tandava'' critically in his analysis of dance in Sanskrit texts. See Bose, Mandakranta.
Three styles of Chhau
The Seraikella Chhau developed in Seraikela, when it was under the rule of Kalinga's Gajapati Rule the present day administrative headquarters of the Seraikela Kharsawan district of Jharkhand, the Purulia Chhau in Purulia district of West Bengal and the Mayurbhanj Chhau in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. The most prominent difference among the three subgenres is regarding the use of masks. While, the Seraikela and Purulia subgenres of Chhau use masks during the dance, the Mayurbhanj Chhau uses none. Claus, p. 110
The Seraikella Chhau's technique and repertoire were developed by the erstwhile nobility of this region who were both its performers and choreographers, and in the modern era people from all backgrounds dance it. The Seraikella Chhau is performed with symbolic masks, and the acting establishes the role the actor is playing. The Purulia Chhau uses extensive masks shaped in the form of the character being played; for example, a lion character has a face mask of lion and body costumes too with the actor walking on all fours. These masks are crafted by potters who make clay images of Hindu gods and goddesses and is primarily sourced from the Purulia district of West Bengal. In the Mayurbhanj Chhau is performed without masks and is technically similar to the Seraikella Chhau.
Recognition
In 2010, the Chhau dance was inscribed in the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Government of Odisha established the Government Chhau Dance Centre in 1960 in Seraikella and the Mayurbhanj Chhau Nritya Pratisthan atBaripada
Baripada () is a city and a municipality in Mayurbhanj district in the state of Odisha, India. Located along the east bank of the Budhabalanga river, Baripada is the cultural centre of north Odisha. In recent years, it has emerged as an educ ...
in 1962. These institutions engage in training involving local gurus, artists, patrons and representatives of Chhau institutions and sponsor performances. The Chaitra Parva festival, significant to the Chhau Dance, is also sponsored by the state government. The Sangeet Natak Akademi has established a National Centre for Chhau Dance at Baripada
Baripada () is a city and a municipality in Mayurbhanj district in the state of Odisha, India. Located along the east bank of the Budhabalanga river, Baripada is the cultural centre of north Odisha. In recent years, it has emerged as an educ ...
, Odisha.
In popular culture
TheHindi film
Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood and formerly as Bombay cinema, refers to the film industry based in Mumbai, engaged in production of motion pictures in Hindi language. The popular term Bollywood, is a portmanteau of "Bombay" (fo ...
Barfi! has several scenes that features the Purulia Chhau in it.
Chhau mask
Purulia Chhau Dance is listed on UNESCO's world heritage list of dances. The main difference between the Purulia Chhau and Mayurbhanj Chhau is in the use of the mask. Purulia Chhau uses masks in dance, but Mayurbhanj Chhau does not have masks thereby adding facial expression with body movements and gestures. Traditionally, the chhau dance is held during mid-march when one agricultural circle ends and a new circle begins. Purulia Chhau dancers wear the earthy and theatrical mask which represent the mythological characters. After making the shape of mask with clay, it is coloured and decorated with Shola and other things.
The Chhau mask of Purulia
Purulia is a city and a municipality in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the headquarters of the Purulia district. It is located on the north of the Kangsabati River.
Geography
Location
Purulia is located at . It has an average elev ...
is registered under Geographical Indications. As the basic difference of Purulia Chhau the mask is unique and traditional.
These chhau masks are made by the artists by the ''Sutradhar community''. The making of a mask goes through various stages. 8-10 layers of soft paper, immersed in diluted glue, are pasted one after another on the mould before the mud mould is dusted with fine ash powder. The facial features are made of clay. A special layer of mud and cloth is applied and the mask is then sun-dried. After this, the mould is polished and the second round of sun drying is done before separating the layers of cloth and paper from the mould. After finishing and drilling of holes for the nose and eyes, the mask is colored and decorated.
Gallery
References
Further reading
* Asutosh Bhattacharya, ''Chhau dance of Purulia''. Pub. Rabindra Bharati University, 1972. * * * * Kishore, Vikrant (2014). From real to reel : folk dances of India in Bollywood cinema. Adelaide, South Australia UNESCO-APNIEVE Australia , 9780992525996 *External links
Chhau dance: Spandan
Shiva themes, Carolina Prada (2013)
Mauyrbhanj district website with information on Chhau
Saraikela Kharsawan district website with information on Chhau
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chhau Dance Dances of India Folk dances of Jharkhand Indian folk dances Odia culture Culture of West Bengal Culture of Jharkhand Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Cultural heritage of India Articles containing video clips War dances Purulia Folk dances of West Bengal Folk dances of Odisha