Khumukcham Julia Chanu has introduced her own culture Introduction Manipuri is the classical dance from the north East Indian state of Manipur. Its themes are devotional and are performed on religious occasions and in temples throughout the area. It is even often referred to as sankirtan. The term Manipuri actually covers a number of dance forms from the region. The most important being the Ras Lila and the Pung Cholom. History The history and development of Manipuri dance is interesting. It is said that King Khuyoi Tompok was a great patron of the arts and developed Manipuri in the 2nd century AD. However, it is not very likely that this early form of Manipuri had much in common with contemporary forms. It is more likely that Manipuri began to take a familiar form with the introduction of Vaishnavism in the 15th century AD. This was first introduced by King Kyamba and greatly expanded under the support of later kings such as Khagemba, Chairairangaba and a host of others. The earlier forms of Manipuri had not been codified or given a scientific base. This was accomplished in the 18th century by King Bhagyachandra. He invited the major teachers and performers from all over the area to codify their art into a coherent system Music There is a very characteristic style of music for Manipuri dance. The music is generally similar to the larger body of north Indian (Hindustani) music. However there are differences in nomenclature of rags, tals, and the style of presentation is somewhat different. Manipuri is unique among the classical Indian dances in that the instrumentation is a central part of the dance, rather than as a side accompaniment. Dances are very much based upon the cymbals (kartal or manjira) and the cylindrical drum known as Manipuri mridang or pung. Unlike other classical, dances where the instrument is merely used as an accompaniment, the pung and the kartal (manjira) are actually used in the dance. Other common instruments are the harmonium, pena, bansuri, shankh (conch), and esraj. The songs used in Manipuri are usually from the great poets of old such as Jaydev, Vidyapati, Chandidas, Govindadas or Gyandas. Any of a number of languages may be used such as Sanskrit, Maithili, Brijbhasha or others.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 05:36:20 +0000
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