Manipuri Dance, a jewel in the crown of Indian classical dance forms, originates from the secluded and culturally rich state of Manipur, nestled in the northeastern corner of India. Its geographical isolation has fostered a unique cultural landscape, allowing Manipur to preserve its distinctive traditions, with Manipuri dance standing out as a vibrant testament to this heritage. This classical art form is deeply interwoven with the region’s history, mythology, and spiritual practices, offering a captivating glimpse into the heart of Manipuri culture.
Ancient Roots and Mythological Origins
The history of Manipuri dance stretches back into the mists of time, predating recorded history. Dance in Manipur is not merely an art form; it is intrinsically linked to rituals, ceremonies, and the cycle of traditional festivals. Legends whisper of divine origins, attributing the creation of dance to the dances of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and other deities who shaped the universe. These mythological narratives underscore the sacred and deeply spiritual essence of Manipuri dance from its very inception. The protected geographical location of Manipur has been instrumental in shielding its people from external cultural influences, enabling the unbroken continuity and unique evolution of its traditional art forms over centuries.
Lai Haraoba: The Foundation of Manipuri Dance
Lai Haraoba, meaning “the merrymaking of the gods,” is a significant festival that continues to be celebrated in Manipur. Its roots delve into the pre-Vaishnavite era, representing the earliest known form of dance that serves as the bedrock for all stylized Manipuri dance forms. Performed as a sacred offering through song and dance, Lai Haraoba is led by Maibas (priests) and Maibis (priestesses). These principal performers enact the fascinating theme of the creation of the world, embodying the ancient myths and cosmological beliefs of Manipur through graceful movements and evocative expressions. Lai Haraoba is not just a festival; it is a living archive of Manipuri dance’s origins and a vital link to its ancient past.
Vaishnavism and the Rise of Rasleela
The arrival of Vaishnavism in the 15th century AD marked a significant turning point in the evolution of Manipuri dance. This period witnessed the gradual incorporation of new themes and narratives drawn from the life of Radha and Krishna, central figures in Vaishnavite tradition. However, it was during the reign of King Bhagyachandra in the 18th century that the iconic Rasleela dances of Manipur truly blossomed. Legend has it that King Bhagyachandra, a philosopher king deeply devoted to Krishna, envisioned the complete Rasleela dance form, including its distinctive costumes and music, in a divine dream. Subsequent rulers continued to enrich the repertoire, introducing new Leelas (dance dramas) and intricate rhythmic and melodic compositions, solidifying Rasleela’s place as a cornerstone of Manipuri dance.
Major Forms: Ras, Sankirtana, and Thang-Ta
Manipuri dance boasts a rich and diverse repertoire, encompassing various forms, each with its unique character and significance. Among these, the Ras, Sankirtana, and Thang-Ta stand out as the most popular and widely recognized.
Rasleela: Divine Love in Dance
The Ras dances are perhaps the most celebrated form of Manipuri dance, embodying the essence of devotion and divine love. There are five principal Ras dances, with four specifically linked to different seasons, adding a layer of natural rhythm and cyclical beauty to their performance. The fifth Ras can be performed at any time of the year. In Manipuri Rasleela, the central characters are Radha, Krishna, and the Gopis (milkmaids), their interactions and emotions forming the narrative core of these dances.
Alt: Graceful Manipuri Raas Leela dance performance depicting Radha, Krishna, and Gopis in traditional costumes.
The themes frequently revolve around the poignant pangs of separation experienced by the Gopis and Radha from Krishna, and their yearning for reunion, symbolizing the devotee’s longing for the divine. The parengs, or pure dance sequences, performed within the Rasleela dances adhere to specific rhythmic patterns and graceful body movements, meticulously passed down through generations of Gurus and dancers, preserving the purity and tradition of the form. The Ras costume is itself a spectacle of artistry, featuring a richly embroidered, stiff skirt that gracefully extends to the feet, creating a mesmerizing swirling effect during performances. A delicate, short white muslin skirt is worn over it, adding layers and texture to the attire. The upper body is covered by a dark-colored velvet blouse, and a traditional white veil adorns a special hairdo, cascading gracefully over the face, framing the dancer’s expressions. Krishna’s costume is equally distinctive, typically featuring a yellow dhoti, a dark velvet jacket, and a crown adorned with peacock feathers, instantly recognizable and symbolic. The jewelry worn in Rasleela is exquisite and delicate, with designs unique to the Manipur region, further enhancing the visual richness of the performance.
Sankirtana: Devotional Music and Movement
Sankirtana in Manipur is a powerful form of congregational singing accompanied by dance, deeply rooted in devotional practices. This art form seamlessly blends music and movement to create a spiritually uplifting experience. Male dancers are central to Sankirtana performances, skillfully playing the Pung (Manipuri drum) and Kartal (cymbals) while dancing, adding rhythmic complexity and dynamism to the presentation. The masculine aspect of dance, known as Choloms, is an integral part of the Sankirtana tradition. The Pung Cholom and Kartal Cholom are particularly vibrant and energetic forms, performed at almost all social and religious festivals in Manipur, marking celebrations and sacred occasions with their rhythmic fervor.
Alt: Energetic Pung Cholom dancers in traditional attire playing drums during a Sankirtana performance.
Thang-Ta: The Martial Art Dance
Thang-Ta, the martial dance of Manipur, offers a contrasting yet equally compelling facet of Manipuri dance traditions. Its origins are deeply embedded in the historical context where survival depended on man’s ability to defend against wild animals and adversaries. Today, Thang-Ta has evolved into a sophisticated and highly refined repertoire of martial dances, showcasing the physical prowess and discipline of its practitioners. Dancers skillfully wield swords, spears, and shields, engaging in meticulously choreographed sequences that evoke the spirit of combat. Performances often include realistic fight scenes between dancers, demonstrating extensive training, exceptional body control, and mastery of movement. Thang-Ta is not just a display of martial skills; it is an art form that embodies courage, strength, and the warrior spirit of Manipur.
Grace and Subtlety: Defining Features of Manipuri Dance
Manipuri dance is unique in its incorporation of both tandava (vigorous, masculine) and lasya (gentle, feminine) elements, creating a dynamic range of expression. While capable of powerful and energetic movements, Manipuri dance is generally renowned for its lyrical and graceful quality, characterized by smooth, flowing motions and a rounded, gentle aesthetic. It possesses an elusive quality, often described as subtle and restrained, setting it apart from other more overtly dramatic classical dance forms. In keeping with this subtlety, abhinaya (expressional aspect) in Manipuri dance emphasizes sarvangabhinaya, the use of the whole body to convey rasa (emotion), rather than relying heavily on exaggerated mukhabhinaya (facial expressions). Facial expressions are natural and understated, enhancing the overall grace and sincerity of the performance.
The rhythmic complexities of Manipuri dance are often subtly integrated, as dancers traditionally do not wear ankle bells (ghungroos) to overtly emphasize rhythms through footwork. This deliberate choice allows for a greater focus on the delicate and nuanced body movements that are central to the style. However, beneath this apparent simplicity lies a highly evolved tala system (rhythmic framework) that underpins the music and dance, adding layers of sophistication for the discerning observer.
Nat and the Music of Manipur
The classical style of singing associated with Manipuri dance is called Nat. Distinct from both North and South Indian classical music systems, Nat music possesses a unique identity, instantly recognizable by its high-pitched, open-throated rendering, often incorporating distinctive trills and modulations. The primary musical instrument in Manipuri dance is the Pung, the Manipuri classical drum, which plays a vital role in setting the rhythm and mood of performances. Various other types of drums are also used in Manipuri dance and music, adding to the rich percussive soundscape. The Pena, a traditional stringed instrument, is prominently featured in Lai Haraoba and Pena singing, lending an ancient and folk-rooted flavor. Various kinds of cymbals are used in Sankirtana and Ras performances, contributing to the rhythmic complexity and devotional atmosphere. The flute is also used to accompany vocal singing, adding a melodic layer to the musical tapestry. The Ashtapadis of Jayadeva’s Geeta Govinda, devotional songs dedicated to Krishna, are immensely popular in Manipur and are sung and danced with deep religious fervor, especially within the Rasleela tradition, showcasing the strong integration of music, dance, and spiritual expression.
Dance in the Fabric of Life
Beyond the formal stage performances of Rasleela and other Leelas, Sankirtana performances are deeply integrated into the fabric of Manipuri social and religious life. Each significant stage in a person’s life journey is often celebrated with Sankirtana performances, from the joyous occasion of childbirth to the sacred thread ceremony (upanayanam), weddings, and even shradha (death rituals). Song and dance are not relegated to special occasions; they are intrinsic to daily life expressions in Manipur. The entire community often participates in these performances, highlighting the collective and inclusive nature of Manipuri culture, where art is not just for artists but a shared expression of life, spirituality, and community bonds.
Conclusion
Manipuri dance stands as a captivating testament to the rich cultural heritage of Manipur. From its ancient roots in rituals and mythology to its evolution through Vaishnavite influences and the development of diverse forms like Rasleela, Sankirtana, and Thang-Ta, it offers a multifaceted artistic experience. Characterized by its grace, subtlety, and deep spiritual underpinnings, Manipuri dance continues to enchant audiences worldwide, embodying the soul of Manipur and its enduring artistic traditions. Its unique blend of movement, music, and cultural significance ensures its place as a treasured and evolving art form for generations to come.
