Folk theaters in Chhattisgarh

Gammat Theatre and Pandvani Folk Ballads of Chattisgarh

Theater is known as Gammat in Chhattisgarh. Pandvani is one of the lyrical forms of this theater. Several acclaimed plays of Habib Tanvir, such as Charandas Chor, are variations of Chhattisgarhi Theater, and heavily use Chhatttisgarhi folk songs and music. Padavani (Songs of Pandavas) is a folk ballad form performed predominantly in Chhattisgarh. It depicts the story of the Pandavas, the leading characters in the epic Mahabharata with musical accompaniment and Bhima as hero. This form of Folk Theatre is popular in the State of Chhattisgarh and in the few neighbouring tribal areas of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.

The artists in the Pandavani Narration consist of a lead artist and some supporting singers and musicians. There are two styles of narration in Pandavani, Vedamati and Kapalik. In the Vedamati style the lead artist narrates in a simple manner by sitting on the floor throughout the performance. The Kaplik style is livelier, where the narrator actually enacts the scenes and characters. Teejan Bai is most renowned singer of Pandvani, followed by Ritu Verma. The origins of this singing style are not known, and according to its foremost singer Teejan Bai, it might be as old as The Mahabharata itself, as very few people could read in those times, and that is how perhaps they passed on their stories, generation after generation.

Pandavani, literally means stories or songs of Pandavas, the legendary brothers of Mahabharat and involves the lead singer, enacting and singing with an ektara or a tambura (stringed musical instrument), decorated with small bells and peacock feathers in one hand and sometimes kartal (a pair of cymbals) on another. It is part of the tradition of the tellers-of-tales present in every culture or tradition (like Baul singers of Bengal and Kathak performers), where ancient Epics, anecdotes and stories are recounted, or re-enacted to educate and entertain the masses. Without the use of any stage props or settings, just by the use to mimicry and rousing theatrical movements, and in between the singer-narrator break into an impromptu dance, at the completion of an episode or to celebrate a victory with the story being retold, yet in its truest sense Pandavani remains an accomplished theatre form.

During a performance, as the story builds, the tambura becomes a prop, sometimes it becomes to personify a gada, mace of Arjun, or at times his bow or a chariot, while others it becomes the hair of queen Draupadi or Dushshan thus helping the narrator-singer play all the characters of story. The singer is usually supported by a group of performers on Harmonium, Tabla, Dholka, Majira and two or three singers who sing the refrain and provide backing vocals. Each singer adds his or her unique style to the singing, sometimes adding local words, improvising and offering critique on current happenings and an insight through the story. Gradually as the story progresses the performance becomes more intense and experiential with added dance movements, an element of surprise often used.

The lead singer continuously interacts with the accompanying singers, who ask questions, give commentary, interject thus enhancing the dramatic effect of the performance, which can last for several hours on a single episode of Mahabharata. Eventually what starts out as a simple story narration turns into full-fledged ballad. Influences of Pandanavi can be clearly seen in the plays of Habib Tanvir who used folk singers of Chhattisgarh in his plays, creating a free-style story narration format, typical of Pandavani.

Nacha

Nacha, is a kind of folk theatre found in the entire state of Chhattisgarh in India except Bastar and Sarguja region. Although there are four different forms of Nacha, Khare Saaj Nacha; Gandawa Nacha; Dewar Nacha and Baithe Saaj Nacha, the troupes performing Khare Saaj, Dewar or Gandawa Nacha are very few. The most popular form today is Baithe Saaj Nacha. Comedy is an essential and a most entertaining aspect of the Nacha folk theatre. The humorous skits of Nacha also incorporate themes on social issues to create awareness.

Folk theater is a form of theater that is performed by ordinary people, often in rural areas. It is typically passed down orally and is not written down. Folk theater is often used to tell stories, teach moral lessons, or simply entertain.

Chhattisgarh is a state in central India that is home to a rich tradition of folk theater. Some of the most popular folk theater forms in Chhattisgarh include Chau, Dhadhi, Ghumar, Lavani, Nacha, Paika, Raja, Swang, and Tansen.

Chau is a form of dance-drama that is performed by a group of actors who wear masks and costumes. The stories that are told in Chau are often based on mythological or historical events.

Dhadhi is a form of music and dance that is performed by a group of singers and dancers. The stories that are told in Dhadhi are often about love, loss, and social injustice.

Ghumar is a form of dance that is performed by a group of Women. The stories that are told in Ghumar are often about love, marriage, and family life.

Lavani is a form of dance that is performed by a group of women. The stories that are told in Lavani are often about love, marriage, and family life.

Nacha is a form of dance that is performed by a group of men and women. The stories that are told in Nacha are often about love, marriage, and family life.

Paika is a form of dance-drama that is performed by a group of actors who wear masks and costumes. The stories that are told in Paika are often based on historical events.

Raja is a form of dance-drama that is performed by a group of actors who wear masks and costumes. The stories that are told in Raja are often based on mythological or historical events.

Swang is a form of dance-drama that is performed by a group of actors who wear masks and costumes. The stories that are told in Swang are often based on mythological or historical events.

Tansen is a form of music and dance that is performed by a group of singers and dancers. The stories that are told in Tansen are often about love, loss, and social injustice.

Folk theater is an important part of the cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh. It is a way for people to connect with their past and to express themselves creatively. Folk theater is also a source of entertainment and Education for people of all ages.

In recent years, there has been a decline in the popularity of folk theater in Chhattisgarh. This is due to a number of factors, including the rise of television and other forms of entertainment, the Migration of people from rural areas to urban areas, and the lack of government support for folk art.

Despite these challenges, there are still many people in Chhattisgarh who are passionate about folk theater. There are a number of organizations working to promote and preserve folk theater in the state. These organizations offer training and workshops for young people, and they organize performances and festivals.

Folk theater is a living tradition that is constantly evolving. It is a way for people to connect with their past and to express themselves creatively. Folk theater is also a source of entertainment and education for people of all ages. It is important to support folk theater so that it can continue to thrive in Chhattisgarh.

What is folk theater?

Folk theater is a type of theater that is performed by ordinary people, often in rural areas. It is usually based on traditional stories and music, and it can be very simple or very elaborate.

What are some examples of folk theater?

There are many different types of folk theater, but some of the most common include:

Mummery: This is a type of folk theater that is often performed at Christmas or other festivals. It involves people dressing up in costumes and masks to perform short plays or skits.
Commedia dell’arte: This is an Italian type of folk theater that is known for its stock characters, such as the clown, the doctor, and the lover.
Burlesque: This is a type of folk theater that is often satirical and humorous. It often involves bawdy humor and cross-dressing.
Minstrelsy: This is a type of folk theater that is performed by minstrels, who are traveling musicians who often sing and tell stories.

What are the characteristics of folk theater?

Folk theater is typically characterized by the following:

It is performed by ordinary people. Folk theater is not usually performed by professional actors or actresses. Instead, it is often performed by people who are part of the community where the theater is being performed.
It is based on traditional stories and music. Folk theater often draws on traditional stories and music that are passed down from generation to generation.
It can be very simple or very elaborate. Folk theater can range from simple performances that are put on in people’s homes to elaborate productions that are staged in theaters.
It is often used to teach moral lessons. Folk theater can be used to teach moral lessons or to pass on important cultural values.

What are the benefits of folk theater?

There are many benefits to folk theater, including:

It can help to preserve traditional culture. Folk theater can help to preserve traditional stories, music, and customs.
It can provide a sense of community. Folk theater can bring people together and help to create a sense of community.
It can be a source of entertainment. Folk theater can be a source of entertainment for people of all ages.
It can be a way to learn about history. Folk theater can be a way to learn about history and culture.

What are the challenges of folk theater?

There are also some challenges associated with folk theater, including:

It can be difficult to find funding. Folk theater is often not well-funded, which can make it difficult to produce high-quality productions.
It can be difficult to find performers. Folk theater often relies on volunteers, which can make it difficult to find enough people to perform in productions.
It can be difficult to find audiences. Folk theater is often not well-attended, which can make it difficult to sustain productions.

What is the future of folk theater?

The future of folk theater is uncertain. Some people believe that folk theater is a dying art form, while others believe that it is still relevant and can be adapted to modern audiences. Only time will tell what the future holds for folk theater.

Sure, here are some MCQs about folk theaters in India:

Which of the following is not a folk theater from India?
(A) Yakshagana/”>Yakshagana
(B) Kathakali
(C) Manipuri
(D) Chhau/”>Chhau
Which of the following is a folk theater from Chhattisgarh?
(A) Raslila
(B) Jatra
(C) Chau
(D) None of the above
Which of the following is a folk theater from Rajasthan?
(A) Raslila
(B) Jatra
(C) Chau
(D) Kalbelia
Which of the following is a folk theater from Maharashtra?
(A) Lavani
(B) Tamasha
(C) Nautanki
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a folk theater from Tamil Nadu?
(A) Koodiyattam
(B) Bharatanatyam
(C) Kathakali
(D) None of the above
Which of the following is a folk theater from Andhra Pradesh?
(A) Kuchipudi
(B) Yakshagana
(C) Jatra
(D) None of the above
Which of the following is a folk theater from Karnataka?
(A) Yakshagana
(B) Bhootnath
(C) Karaga
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a folk theater from Kerala?
(A) Theyyam
(B) Kathakali
(C) Mohiniyattam
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a folk theater from Odisha?
(A) Chhau
(B) Odissi
(C) Gotipua
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a folk theater from West Bengal?
(A) Jatra
(B) Chhau
(C) Raslila
(D) None of the above

I hope these MCQs were helpful!