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- Modesty with Cultural Artistry
Manipuri is one of the most beautiful classical
dance styles of India originated from the North Eastern state of Manipur and
derives its name from its native state. The history of Manipuri can be
traced back to 2nd century AD, when King Khuyoi Tompok, a great patron of
the arts developed this dance form. However, this early form of Manipuri had
not much in common with contemporary forms. From the 17th century, the
Manipuri began to take a familiar form with the introduction of
Vaishnavism, the devotional cult of Hinduism. In the 18th century this
dance form was given a scientific base by King Bhagyachandra. The
Vaishnavite music and texts combined with the local flavour to evolve a
subtle and stylised dance form that is uniquely Manipuri in nature.
Literally, the word ‘Manipur’ means a jewel of a
land, and the state is set like a gem in the wavy mountains. According to
legend, Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati danced in the valleys of Manipur
accompanied with the Ghandharvas to the celestial light of Mani
(jewel) from the head of the Atishesha, a serpant and that is how it has
come to be called Manipuri. This dance is an inherent part of the rituals of
daily life and it is performed on religious occasions and in temples
throughout the region.
Bhakti (devotion) is the guiding force of
Manipuri dance and this is the only dance that is still performed in the
temple. It has retained the ancient ritual based dances and folk dances
along with the later developed classical Manipuri dance style. Manipuri
dance creates a hypnotic impact with gorgeous, colourful costumes and
gentle, swaying petal-soft movements. This style is multifaceted, ranging
from Lasya (softest feminine) to the Tandava (vigorous
masculine). The songs used in Manipuri are usually from the great poets of
old such as Jaydev, Vidyapati, Chandidas, Govindadas and Gyandas and a
number of languages may be used such as Sanskrit, Maithili, Brijbhasha
or others. The original Gurus of Manipuri are Guru Amudon
Sharma, Guru Amubi Singh and Guru Atomba Singh.
Manipuri dance is a generic name that covers all
the dance forms of this region. These are the Lai Haraoba, Sankirtan,
Rasleela, Pung Cholom, Nupa Pala, Thoibi, Maibi and Thang-ta.
Lai Haraoba – It is a ritualistic
dance depicting the creation of the Universe. It is considered as the
precursor of modern classical manipuri dance. In this dance form, both men
and women perform various steps and weave patterns, involving various
choreographic compositions.
Sankirtan - This is a classical form
started by Maharaja Bhagyachandra who propounded Vaishnavism in
Manipur. It is performed on every social and religious occasion and is
considered an auspicious ritual in which a group of men play cymbals and
dance in a circle or in two rows singing praises of God.
Rasleela - A highly evolved dance drama,
choreographed on 'Vaishnavite Padavalis' which is based on the cosmic
love of Lord Krishna and Radha. The themes are romantic as the Bhakti school
of Hinduism considers physical love as a metaphor for spiritual longing.
There are five Rasleelas - Vasanta Ras (performed during Holi
in March), Maharas (performed on Kartik Purnima in October),
Nitya Ras (performed daily), Kunja Ras and Diva Ras
(performed during the day). Other Ras deals with various aspects of
Krishna's life such as Karnabheda (ear piercing), marriage, etc.
Pung Cholom – It is a very
characteristic dance of Manipur in which the dancers play upon pung,
the Manipuri mridang, and dance with the intricate time cycles,
executing somersaults and breathtaking acrobatic feats. This dance may be
performed by men or women and is usually a prelude to the Rasleela.
Nupa Pala – It is a variation of
the Pung Cholom which is also known as the Kartal Cholom and
is the cymbal dance.
Thoibi - This portrays the love affair
between a prince and princes of two warring clans.
Maibi - This dance deals with the
cosmogony of the Meitei people of Manipur.
Thang-ta - The martial arts of Manipur
performed with swords and spears are some of the most stylised found in the
world. Vigorous movements combined with tremendous control make a long
lasting impact on spectators.
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