|
|
 |
|
|
 |
A minor classical dance style of Northern India, Manipuri
originates from the valley of Manipur, situated in the
secluded north-eastern corner of India. It evolved from
the folk traditions of the Meities, followers of a tantric
cult combined with the Hindu mythology of Shiva. Between
the 12th and late 19th centuries Manipuri evolved from
the folk legends of the Meities into a more stylised
and stuctured artform through cultural exchanges with
neighbouring kingdoms in Burma and China. By the 18th
century, the spread of Vaishnavite bhakti cults, popular
religious movements advocating devotion to God as supreme
to ritual, led to a large-scale adoption of Hindu mythology
and a gradual disappearance of earlier Meities traditions.
During the rule of Bhagyachandra,
the raas dance associated with Lord Krishna was introduced
into Manipuri. A continuing feature of this influence
can be seen in the kumil, a long skirt stiffened at
the bottom and beautifully embroidered with mirrors,
silver sequins and gold thread, and worn by a female
dancer playing the role of Radha, Krishna's lover. The
kumil also masks the movements of the legs and gives
the effect that the dancer is smoothly gliding across
the stage.
For female performers, emphasis is
given to the expression of moods and sentiments through
graceful movements of the body. The head, hands and
feet move together harmoniously to produce a mood of
lyrical grace and fluidity that is manifested by the
entire body. The gliding, flowing movements of female
dancers is complemented by the swift, vigorous leaps
of the male performers. The predominant mood is of love
(sringar), which is given musical expression by the
pung (Manipuri drum), flute, Conch shell and a trumpet-like
horn. More technical, rhythmic repertoires are accompanied
by stringed instruments such as the tanpura, and by
cymbals.
|
|
|
|
|
