Performing Arts of Assam-I Unit 9 Unit 9 : PERFORMING ARTS OF ASSAM-I Unit Structure: 9.1 Learning Objectives 9.2 Introduction: 9.3 History of Performing Arts 9.4 Temple Dances in Early Assam 9.4.1 Devadasi 9.4.2 Ojhapali 9.4.3 Mati-Akhora 9.5 Let Us Sum Up 9.6 Further Reading 9.7 Answer to check your progress 9.8 Model Question 9.1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES After going through this unit, you will be able to: To explain about the origins of dance formswith the history of performing art of Early Assam. To discuss about the different forms of temple dances in early Assam. To elaborate how temple dances are performed especially the Devadasi Dance. To trace the growth and development of Xatriya dance and its importance to the Satras. To analyze the present status of these dances. Cultural History of Assam 139 Unit 9 Performing Arts of Assam-I 9.2. INTRODUCTION The performing arts are a vital and necessary part of our culture and society and exist in many formal and informal settings. The Performing Art, while projecting itself, assimilates all other art forms such as acting, singing, dancing, drawing etc. Hence, performing arts is a form of art where artists use their voices, and bodies to convey a message or artistic expression. It is different from visual arts, in which an artist use paint, canvas and various materials to create art objects. 9.3. HISTORY OF PERFORMING ARTS The classical period of performing art began in Greece in 6th century BCE, ushered in by the tragic poets such as Sophocles. These poets wrote plays which, in some cases, incorporated dance. The Hellenistic period began the widespread use of comedy. However, by the 6th century CE, the western performing arts had been largely ended, as the Dark Ages began. Between the 9thand 14th century, performing art in the West was limited to religious historical enactments and morality plays, organized by the Church in celebration of holy days and other important events. But in the 15th century performing arts, along with the arts in general, saw revival as the Renaissance began in Italy and spread throughout Europe. India is a land of rich culture and heritage. Since the beginning of our civilization, music, dance and drama have been an integral aspect of our culture. Initially, these art forms were used as medium of propagation for religionand social reforms in which music and dance were incorporated to gain popularity. From the Vedic era to the medieval period, the performing arts remained an important source of educating the masses. The Vedas laid down precise rules for the chanting of Vedic hymns. Even the pitch and the accent of singing different hymns have been prescribed. There was more of exemplary presentation through them than education or social reforms. Presently, these art forms have become means of entertainment for people all over the world. 140 Cultural History of Assam Performing Arts of Assam-I Unit 9 The state of Assam is the heart of the India’s Northeast and it described as a land of dances. In Assam the history of performing art is very old. We have found some information about dance and music of ancient Assam from the accounts of Hiuen-Tsang, the Chinese Traveller, who visited Assam in 7th century CE at the time of Kumar Bhaskarvarman, the ruler of Kamarupa. For the honor of this travellor, king Bhaskarvarman arranged dance and music in his court to welcome the guest. This party was continued for one month in every day. In a copper plate inscription of king Valavarman (11th century CE) mentioned that, in a temple Hetukasulin, Shiva was worshipped with dance and music. There are various tribal communities lived in the hills and plains, among them are the Dimasa-Kacharis, the Karbis, the ZemiNagas, the Kukis in the hills, and the Bodo Kacharis, the Mishing, the Deuris, the Rabhas, the Tiwas in the plains are prominent. All those tribes have been their own traditional festivals which they perform according to their calendar. Mythology refers to music being brought to the people of Assam from a place of celestial beings. Assamese music is as ancient as the Puranas, Mahabharata etc. Historians claims that Musical instruments and Dance was observed in Assam from 2nd century A.D. It started its maiden journey in the days of King Baana of Sonitpur kingdom, when princess Usha and her friend Chitralekha sang and danced together at Agnigarh (Tezpur, Assam). Chitralekha is said to be the first artist of Martyaloka (Earth). So, the music of Assamese people which is so grand and special in its origin, thus dates back to the time which history can hardly reach. During the period of the Early Vedic times and the later Vedic times, Assam was introduced with “Ragas” and “Dhrupad Shailee” of the Indian Classical music. The experts however have divided the classical Assamese music into two parts - Borgeet and Ojha-pali. The composer of Borgeet, SrimantaSankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva gave a new definition to the Assamese music. However, it could be stated that Assam has been musically affluent since the birth of the Brahmaputra River. Cultural History of Assam 141 Unit 9 Performing Arts of Assam-I 9.4. TEMPLE DANCES OF ASSAM Dance and Music was an integral part of ancient Indian theatre as established by the Natya Shastra, the oldest and exhaustive treatise on theatre and dramaturgy.Dancedramas were performed in temple precincts. Dance movements were crystallised in stone as karanas in temple sculpture. Following the Bhakti movement in the 6th century, dance and music became powerful vehicles of worship. The deity was treated like a much-loved king, praised and royally entertained with music and dance, as part of the daily sacred rituals of worship. Gifted, highly educated temple dancers or devadasis were supported by the temples that were richly endowed by the rulers. Dance evolved as a composite art in temples as dancers,dance gurus, musicians, poets, composers, architects, sculptors and painters shared a holistic approach to all the arts. In Assam from the earliest time, people observed temple dance and music in the temple premises, among them Devadasi dance is prominent. In the later period (from 15th century), Xatriya dance was performed in Xatras, which are the important centres of learning of Vaishnavism till today. Following dance form are the major dances which are observed in the temples. 9.4.1. DEVADASI The Devadasi dance form of Assam is 1,300-year-old tradition, prevalent since the 3rd century when the Devadasi system was in place. In a copper plate inscription of Vanamala Varma Deva, we find the mention of ‘Devadasi’. This dance form continues up-to the reign of king Ratnapala of 11th century. The Girls were offered to Saiva, Sakta and Vaishnava temples to dance as part of a daily ritual. Ancient texts like the KalikaPuran and Yogitantra carry references to this ritualistic dance practice. The word Devadasi comes from the two Sanskrit words, ‘Deva’ 142 Cultural History of Assam Performing Arts of Assam-I Unit 9 meaning ‘God’ and ‘Dasi’ meaning servant or slave. Thus, Devadasi meant ‘one who had devoted her life in service of god. According to the KalikaPuran and the Yoginitantra, ancient Kamarupa was a seat of tantra and the advent of Devadasis to Assam was due to tantric influences. The origins of the Devadasis in Assam can be traced to the reign of King Bhaskaravarman of the Varman dynasty (7th century A.D.). Doobi Copper Plate also mentions that the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang’s praise of the Kamrupi arts and dance. The Negheriting Siva temple at Dergaon, the Kamakhya temple of Guwahati, the Siva doul in Sivasagar, Hayagriva Madhaba and Kedara temple of Hajo and the Porihoreshwarmandir in Dubi, Pathsala were the centers where Devadasi tradition prevailed. Devadasi dance was performed during morning worship and ‘aroti’ in the evening in the temple premises. This dance is set to the tune of song and is accompanied by the musical instruments like khol, taal etc. The songs were composed by the singers and were based on songs in praise of Siva, Parvati, Durga, Vishnu etc. This dance form in the earlier times confined to only temples but at the time of Ahom king Shivasingha, it was performed outside the temples also, which were called as ‘nati’. Ahom king Shivasingha himself married one such devadasi known as Phulleswari. The sanctity of the Devadasi dance in Assam was preserved with utmost care in comparison to the other state. But unfortunately, the Devadasi dance’s fall from glory happened around the 17th century when there were repeated foreign invasions and the colonial educational system. The colonial education curriculum considered it as against of humanity. Therefore, it was forbidden, with the assistance of Indian Social reformers and finally it was abolished. Although, “the devotees continued to practice the same in the seclusion of their homes”- Vatsyana, Dr. Kapila, “Indian Classical Dance”. Cultural History of Assam 143 Unit 9 Performing Arts of Assam-I 9.4.2. OJHAPALI The term Ojhapali is coined from two separate word “Oja” or “Ojha” and “Pali”. The word Ojha has come out of the Sanskrit Word “Upadhaya” and “Pali” has come out of “Palita”. It is one of the unique form of arts of Darrang District of Assam, which involves three art forms - Song, Dance and Drama. It is performed by a group of 4 or 5 men of whom the chief performer is called Oja who is supported by 3 to 4 Palis, and hence the name Ojhapali.