Performing Arts of Rajasthan is an important component of the subject Rajasthan Art & Culture, reflecting the rich traditions, social values, and historical heritage of the state. It includes various forms of artistic expression such as music, dance, and theatre, which represent the vibrant cultural life of Rajasthan. In this section, we will study the following aspects of performing arts:
โRegion: Shekhawati and Nagaur (Kuchaman, Parbatsar, Didwana).
It has now become a professional (commercial) dance.
โOrigin: Marathas of Maharashtra.
โOccasion: Performed during weddings, exclusively by men, and in the worship of Tejaji.
โFormation: Square formation with 12 dancers (2 rows of 4-4 dancers).
โFeature: Creates a visual effect of a flower opening and closing.
โVeer Ras (Heroic Sentiment): Dancers use a wooden horse tied to the waist and hold a sword, mimicking a battle background (where foot soldiers represent Mughal soldiers and the horse dancers represent Marathas).
โMusical Instruments: Dhol, Thali, Deru, Dholak, Bankiya, and Jhanjh.
โAssociatedCastes: Bawari, Dholi, Bhambhi, Kumhar, Muslim, and Sargara.
MajorSongs: Laskariya, Beend, Rasala, and Rangmariya.
ProminentArtists: Chhabarlal Gehlot and Govind Pareek.
Ginder Dance (เคเฅเคเคฆเคกเคผ)
Region: Shekhawati region (Sujangarh, Churu, Ramgarh, Laxmangarh, Sikar).
โParticipants: Performed exclusively by men, starting 10 days before Holi.
โCommencement: Before the dance begins, the Nagarchi (drummer) performs a ritual worship of the Nagada (kettledrum).
โMethod: Men hold two small sticks in their hands and strike them together in sync with the beat of the Nagada.
โMythological Couples: Danced in the form of RamโSita, RadhaโKrishna, and ShivaโParvati.
Musical Instruments: Nagada, Dhol, Daph, Chang, and Jhanjh.
โTiming: From Magh Purnima until Holi.
โโGuide: The version of the Ginder dance performed by children.
Mehri: Men who perform dressed in women’s attire.
Ghudla Dance
Region: Marwar.
โHistorical Background: Performed in memory of the slaying of Ghudle Khan by King Sataldev of Jodhpur.
โCredit for Commencement: Gindoli.
โParticipants: Exclusively women.
โFeatures::
Young girls dance in a circular path carrying a perforated clay pot with a lamp placed inside.
โGhudla songs are sung, and finally, the pot (Ghudla) is immersed in a water body.
Duration: From Sheetala Ashtami to Gangaur (approximately 16 days).
โMusical Instrument: Chang, Thali , Dhol
โPatronage: Rupayan Sansthan.
โInternational Recognition:
Manishankar Ganguly (Jaipur).
Devilal Samar (Founder – Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal 1952, Udaipur).
Komal Kothari (Recipient of Padam Shri and Padam Bhushan).
Note: Rupayan Sansthan, Borunda (Jodhpur) was established in 1960 by Komal Kothari and Vijaydan Detha.
Chang (เคเคเค) Dance
Region: Shekhawati.
Participants: Performed exclusively by men.
Occasion: Performed during the festival of Holi.
Method: A circular dance performed while playing the Chang (a large tambourine-like instrument).
Daph Dance
Region: Shekhawati.
Participants: Performed exclusively by men.
Major Musical Instrument: Daph.
Occasion: Performed during Basant Panchami and Holi.
Nahar Dance (เคจเคพเคนเคฐ)
Region: Mandal (Bhilwara).
โTiming: 13 days after Holiโon Rang Teras (Chaitra Krishna Trayodashi).
โParticipants: Exclusively men.
โForm: Swang (Dance in a theatrical/impersonation form).
โTheme: Based on hunting.
โHistory: Believed to have originated during the reign of Shah Jahan (Khurram).
Special Fact: A painting of this dance created by Rumalnath is preserved in the Government Museum, Bhilwara.
Dhol Dance
Associated Castes: Bhil, Dholi, Mali, Sargara, Koli, and Manganiyar.
โRegion: Jalore; performed exclusively by men during wedding occasions.
โStyle: The Dhol is played in the ‘Thakna Style’.
โPerformance: 4 or 5 drums (Dhols) are played simultaneously.
โRecognition: Jai Narayan Vyas popularized this dance.
Affiliation: Primary dance of the Sanchaliya Sect.
Lumbar / Limbard Dance
Region: Jalore.
โOccasion: Holi.
โParticipants: Exclusively women.
Musical Instruments: Dhol and Chang.
Sukar Dance
Region: Jalore and Mewar.
โOccasion: Auspicious (Manglik) ceremonies.
Participants: Exclusively men.
Bam Dance / Bam Rasiya
Region: Alwar (Gateway of Rajasthan), Bharatpur (Entrance to Rajasthan), Dholpur (Mewat Region).
Participants: Exclusively men.
โOccasion: Holi and harvest season.
โMusical Instruments: Bam (a modified large kettledrum), Chimta, Dholak, and Manjira.
โSongs: Rasik songs, performed to please Lord Krishna.
Khari Dance
Region: Alwar, Mewat region.
โOccasion: Weddings.
โParticipants: Exclusively women.
Feature: Performed by the bride’s friends during her farewell (Vidaai) while carrying a Khari (basket) on their heads.
Dandiya Dance
Region: Marwar / Jodhpur.
โParticipants: Exclusively men.
โOccasion: Holi.
โDance Style:
โA group of 20โ25 men perform in a circular formation holding long sticks in both hands.
โShehnai players, Nagada players, and singers sit in the center.
โWomen sing Phag songs (Holi-themed songs).
Origin: Commenced following Marwar’s victory over Gujarat.
โThemes: Songs include Dhamal, Holi songs, or praises of Badli ke Bhairunji (Jodhpur).
Costumes: Performers dress as Kings, Sadhus, Lord Shiva, Sita, Ramchandra, and Krishna.
Garba Dance
Region: Dungarpur and Banswara.
โOrigin: Gujarat.
โThree Parts:
Worship of Shakti (Divine Power).
โDescription of Radha-Krishna love.
โPresentation of the beauty of folk life.
Bhawai Dance (เคญเคตเคพเค เคจเฅเคคเฅเคฏ)
Founder: Bagha Ji Jat of Kekri (Nagoji).
โAffiliation: Performed by the Bhavai caste; it is the most popular among professional folk dances and is primarily male-dominated.
โDance Characteristics: – Dancing on shards of glass while balancing 15โ20 pots on the head, Dancing on the edge of a sword or the rim of a metal plate (Thali), Picking up a handkerchief with the mouth while dancing
Ashmita Kala (Jaipur): Balanced 111 pots; featured in the Limca Book of World Records.
โVeena (Bhilwara): Granddaughter of Nihal Ajmera; balanced 63 ‘Mangal Kalash’ and named the performance ‘Gyandeep’.
โPushpa Vyas (Jodhpur): The first female Bhavai dancer.
โPraveen Prajapat (Alwar): Performed in the USA.
Recognition: The dance gained distinct identity through the tireless efforts of Dayaram Bhil and Devilal Samar (Founder of Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, Udaipur).
Charkula Dance
Origin: Primarily prevalent in Uttar Pradesh.
โRajasthan Region: Most popular in Bharatpur.
โMethod: Performed in memory of Radha by balancing a bullock cart wheel on the head with 108 lit lamps (Deepaks).
โProminent Artist: Mansi Singh.
Jhanjhi Dance
Region: Marwar.
โParticipants: Exclusively women.
โOccasion: Auspicious (Manglik) ceremonies.
โFeature: A group dance performed by women using small perforated clay pots.
Bindori Dance
Region: Jhalawar.
โParticipants: Exclusively men.
โOccasion: Performed during the festival of Holi.
โStyle: Similar to the Gair dance.
Jhoomar Dance
Region: Hadoti.
โParticipants: Exclusively women.
โOccasion: Performed during auspicious ceremonies.
Dang Dance
Region: Nathdwara, Rajsamand.
โParticipants: Both men and women.
โOccasion: Holi.
โReligious Connection: Associated with the Vallabh Sect.
โDeity: Performed in praise of Shrinathji / Lord Krishna.
Sugni Dance
Region: Tribal areas.
โParticipants: Both men and women.
โTheme: Expression of love and affection between men and women.
โEnding: The dance concludes by depicting the marriage of the two participants.
Other Important Dances
Pejan Dance: Performed in the Bangad region during Deepavali.
Machli Dance: A dance of the Banjara community, primarily in the Barmer region.
Mayur (Peacock) Dance: Famous in Beawar, Ajmer.
Panchpada Dance: Performed by the Jogis of the Wagad region.
Kabutari Dance: Performed by the women of the Churu region.
Zindad Dance: Prevalent in the Shekhawati region.
Senghra Dance: Prevalent in the Shekhawati region.
Dhap Dance: Prevalent in the Shekhawati region.
Lahoor-Lahoor Dance: Prevalent in the Shekhawati region.
Tribal Dances
Bhil Tribe Dances
Dance
Key Points
Gawari / Rai / Meru
Status: Oldest folk dance of Rajasthan.
โRegion: Mewar region.
โParticipants: Exclusively men.
โTheme: Based on the legend of Shiva and Bhasmasur.
โCommencement: Starts with the invocation of Kheda Devi or the 52 Bhairunji.
Characters
Rai Budhiya: The most respected character; keeps all other performers together.
Rai: Symbolizes Shiva-Parvati.
โBudhiya: Symbolizes the devotion of Bhasmasur.
Jhamatya: The narrator who recites the story in the local dialect.
โKhatkudiya: The comic/humorous character.
โKatkudiya: The director/manager of the play.
โMohini: The “fake Parvati,” who is actually Lord Vishnu.
โBhopa: The priest/one who performs the ritual worship.
โGawari ki Ghai: A dance performed to link different segments of the drama.
โDuration: Held from Bhadrapad Krishna Pratipada to Ashwin Shukla Ekadashi (40 days starting from the day after Raksha Bandhan).
Short Plays
Goma Meena
Kalu keer
Kaan Gurjari
Bhiyawad
Khejardliyo Bhoot
Kaliyo Chor
Conclusion (Samapan)
2 Days before end: Jowar (millet) is sown.
โ1 Day before end: A clay elephant is brought from the potter’s house; after this, the ‘Bhopa’ stops entering a trance.
โFinal Day: Galawan-Balawan; the immersion (Visarjan) of Gawari.
โGawari: Symbolizes Parvati.
โPuriya: Symbolizes Shiva.
Gair Dance
Region: Mewar region (Nimbari, Chowk of Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple โ Udaipur), Barmer (Kanana and Sanawada villages), Jodhpur (Raoji ki Gair).
โParticipants: A collective folk dance performed exclusively by men. Women do not participate in the dance but sing Phag songs.
Etymology: Originally called ‘Gher’ because it is performed in a circular formation; later evolved into ‘Gair’.
โGairiya: The artists/performers of the dance.
โOccasion: From the second day of Holi for approximately 15 days.
Performance Style:
Circular Dance: Performers move in a circle while the musicians stay in the center.
โThemes: Performed to songs of Bhakti (devotion) and Shringar (romance) Rasas.
โSword Variation: In some places, the ‘Gair of Swords’ (Talwaron ki Gair) is performed.
โMusical Instruments: Dhol, Thali, Bankiya, and curved daggers.
Costumes:
Mewar: White Angarkhi, white Dhoti, and red or saffron turban.
โBarmer: White Aangi (long robe); the cloth tied at the waist is called Oongi.
โKhanda: The wooden sticks used during the dance.
Four Types of Gair Dance-
Dandiya
โAangiya / Aangi-Baangi (Lakheta village)
โChang
โTalwar (Sword)
Laal AangiโBaangi Gair โ Lakheta village, Balotra
Bhata Gair โ Ahore, Jalore
Talwaron ki Gair (Sword Gair) โ Menar, Udaipur
Ghoomar Gair Dance โ Bhilwara (Nihal Ajmera)
Lathi Dance โ Performed by men
Ramani Dance โ Performed by women in the wedding pavilion (mandap)
Berihal Dance โ Performed in the Khairwara region on the day of Rang Panchami
Community: Various communities including Minariya Brahmins of Menar (Udaipur).
Recognition :
1951 Asian Games (Delhi): Performed by artists from Sanawada (Barmer).
โContribution: Padma Shri Bhurchand Jain (Barmer) played a significant role in the preservation and promotion of Gair dance.
Hathimana Dance
Participants: Exclusively men.
โFeature: Performed while kneeling and brandishing swords.
Occasion: Marriage ceremonies.
Dwichakri Dance
Formation: Performed in two concentric circles.
โInner Circle: Occupied by women.
โOuter Circle: Occupied by men.
โMovement: Both circles rotate in opposite directions.
โ4โ5 men perform this dance by dressing up/disguising themselves as Bedini
Shikari Dance
A dance involving the enactment of a hunt, performed by men.
Lahangi Dance
A dance performed by the young women of the Sahariya tribe.
Indrapari Dance
Performed on the occasion of marriage
By male members
Bichhwa Dance
A group dance performed exclusively by women.
Sang Dance
โA couple’s dance performed by both men and women.
Dances of the Kanjar Tribe
Dance
Key Points
Dhakad Dance
Performed to commemorate the victory of Jhalapav in the war between Jhalapav and Beera.
It is a dance performed by the men of the Kanjar tribe.
Chakri Dance
Performed by unmarriedwomen of the Kanjar tribe in the Kishanganj (Baran) and Chhabra regions.
โIt is primarily performed during Kajali Teej.
โStyle: Young girls spin at a high speed in a circular (cyclical) motion.
โOther Name: Phandi.
โMain Instruments: Dhol, Chang, etc.
โIt is most prominently featured at the ‘Kajali Teej’ fair in Bundi.
โIt was popularized in 1974 by Rashid Ahmed Pahari (Chanchoda).
Notable Dancers: Shanti, Philama, Phulwa.
Machhli (Fish) Dance
Performed by Banjara women on moonlit nights.
โRegion: Barmer.
โTheme: This dance is based on a story involving a young woman, the Water God, and a fish.
โNote: It begins in a joyful atmosphere but concludes in a poignant, sorrowful (compassionate) manner.
Dances of the Meena Tribe
Dance
Key Points
Sugni Dance
Region: Pali.
Occasion: During the month of Sawan (monsoon season).
Languriya Dance
Type: Couple’s dance, performed by people of the Gurjar and Meena communities.
โRegion: Eastern Rajasthan, primarily Alwar, Bharatpur, and Karauli.
โInstruments: Nafiri, Naubat.
โContext: Dedicated to Kaila Devi (considered an incarnation of Anjana Devi, the mother of Lord Hanuman). Languriya is regarded as the folk form of Lord Hanuman.
Dances of the Kathodi Tribe
Dance
Key Points
Mawalia Dance
Participants: Performed by men.
โDuration: Performed for nine days during Navratri.
Musical Instruments: Dholak and Bansuri (Flute).
Holi Dance
Occasion: Performed for 5 days during the festival of Holi.
โParticipants: Exclusively women dancing in a circular formation.
โFeature: Women form a human pyramid by climbing onto each other’s shoulders.
Attire: They wear a traditional Marathi-style saree known as the Phadka Saree.
Dances of the Damor Tribe
Bhartiya Dance (เคญเคฐเคเคฟเคฏเคพ) – A mourning dance performed on the occasion of a death.
Paraniya Dance (เคชเคฐเคฃเคฟเคฏเคพ) – Performed on the occasion of marriage.
Other Tribes
Dances of the Gujjars
Dance
Key Points
Chari Dance
Performed by Gurjar women in the Kishangarh (Ajmer) region.
โSpecialty: During the dance, women carry a brass Chari (pot) on their heads containing burning cotton seeds.
Famous Dancer: Phalku Bai.
โInstruments: Dhol, Thali, Bankia.
Jhoomar Dance
A dance dominated by Veer Ras (heroic sentiment).
Generally performed by men.
Occasionally, it is performed as a duet by one man and one woman.
Primary Instrument: Jhoomar.
Dances of the Saperas
Dance
Key Points
Kalbelia
A dance of the Sapera community.
โAttire: Black-colored garments with intricate embroidery.
โSpecialty: Women are highly proficient in performing this dance.
Famous Dancer: Gulabo (awarded the Padma Shri in 2016).
Recognition: Included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010.
โKalbelia School of Dance Academy: Located in Amer.
Bagariya Dance
Performed by Kalbelia women while seeking alms (begging).
Shankariya Dance
A coupleโs dance performed by Kalbelias, based on a love story.
โMain Instrument: Morchang, Pungi, Khanjari.
Famous Artists: Kanchan, Gulabo, Kamla, Rajki, etc.
Panihari Dance
A Kalbelia coupleโs dance.
โWomen perform while balancing clay pots (ghada) on their heads, accompanied by Panihari songs.
Indoni Dance
A Kalbelia coupleโs dance.
โInstruments: Pungi, Khanjari.
Note: The Bichhudo dance is also performed by Kalbelia women accompanied by the Chang.
Dances of Mev Tribe
Dance
Key Points
Ranbaja Dance
Couple dance
Ratwai Dance
Performed by Mev women.
โFeature: Performed while balancing an Indoni (circular head pad) on the head.
Musical Instruments: Algoza and Damami.
Kathputli & Mor (Peacock) Dance: by Nat caste.
โNakal (Mimicry) Dance: by Bhand caste.
Charwa Dance: by Mali caste
Professional Dances
Dance
Key Points
Terah Taali Dance
Community: Kamadiya Sect.
Primary Locations:
Origin: Padarla village, Pali.
โVenue: Ramdev Ji (Runicha) Fair, Jaisalmer.
Performance: * The dance displays 13 mudras (postures) related to daily life activities:
Milking, making buttermilk, churning butter, harvesting ripe crops, spinning the charkha, grinding grain, cleaning grain, pounding grain, kneading dough, making rotlas, balancing a water pot on the head, weaving neja, spinning/twisting yarn
