Performing Arts II: Folk Dance & Drama

1. Major Folk Dances of Rajasthan

A. The State Dance: Ghoomar

• Known as the 'Soul of Rajasthan's dances'. Traditionally performed by Rajput women. • Key feature: Sawai (a movement of 8 steps).

B. Professional Dances

• Kalbeliya: Inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Heritage list (2010). Famous artist: Gulabo Sapera. Mimics snake movements. • Terah Taali: Performed by Kamad women for Baba Ramdevji. 13 cymbals (Manjiras) are tied to the body. • Bhavai: Balancing 7-9 brass pots on the head while dancing on swords or glass. Famous: Krishna Vyas Chhangani. • Kachhi Ghori: A martial dance from Shekhawati using dummy horses. • Agni (Fire) Dance: Performed by Jasnathi monks of Bikaner. They walk on live embers shouting 'Fateh Fateh'.

C. Tribal Dances

• Gair (Bhil): Performed in a circle during Holi using sticks. • Valar (Garasia): Often called the 'Ghoomar of Garasias'. Unique as no musical instrument is used. • Neja (Bhil/Meena): A game-dance performed after Holi around a pole with a coconut.

2. Folk Drama (Lok Natya)

• Turra Kalangi: Competitive poetry; Turra (Shiva) vs. Kalangi (Shakti). Performers: Tukangir and Shah Ali. • Kuchamani Khyal: Open-air theater. Founder: Lachhiram. • Shekhawati Khyal: Famous player: Nanuram and his disciple Duliyaran. • Tamasha (Jaipur): Performed in an Akhada. Brought from Maharashtra during Pratap Singh's reign. Artist: Bansidhar Bhatt. • Gavari: 40-day long dance-drama of Bhils based on Shiva-Bhasmasur legend.