Performing Arts II: Folk Dance & Drama
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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.
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