The recent demise of a Yakshagana artiste on stage has brought the traditional theatre art form of Karnataka back into the limelight.
Yakshagana: The Spectacular Performance Art
Originated in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, Yakshagana is a popular traditional theatre art. It vividly depicts mythological stories and Puranas through impressive performances full of vigor and vitality. The performances are characterized by grandiose headgears, intricate facial makeup, and vibrant costumes and ornaments which all contribute to the awe-inspiring spectacle that Yakshagana is.
While Kannada is the primary language for these performances, they are also recited in Tulu and Malayalam. Tulu is a Dravidian language primarily spoken in the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in Karnataka and the northern part of Kasaragod district of Kerala. The oldest known inscriptions in Tulu date back to the 14th-15th century AD.
The art form incorporates a variety of percussion instruments such as chenda, maddalam, jagatta or chengila (cymbals), and chakratala or elathalam (small cymbals). Popular episodes often draw from the epic tales like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Diverse Theatre Forms Across India
India is a land of diverse cultural practices where different states have developed unique theatrical forms.
Uttar Pradesh’s Nautanki often draws inspiration from romantic themes found in Persian literature. Maharashtra’s Tamasha evolved from folk forms like Gondhal, Jagran, and Kirtan.
Bhavai from Gujarat is known for its subtle social criticism laced with humor. The eastern states of West Bengal, Orissa, and Bihar are known for Jatra, a theatre form originating from the Bhakti movement.
Koodiyattam, one of India’s oldest traditional theatre forms, hails from Kerala. It complies with the performance principles of the ancient Sanskrit theatre. In 2001, Koodiyattam received recognition from UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Mudiyettu, another theatre form from Kerala, is a traditional ritual theatre and folk dance drama that stages the mythological battle between goddess Kali and the demon Darika.
More Regional Theatrical Forms
Assam has its Bhaona, a creation of Srimanta Sankardeva, an Assamese saint-scholar. Bhaona plays, written in a unique Assamese-Maithili mixed language called Brajavali, are primarily centered on the Hindu deity Krishna.
Maach from Madhya Pradesh is a sung folk theatre with a semi sacred character that interweaves religious and secular themes. The northernmost state of Kashmir has Bhand Pather, a folk drama that frequently utilizes satire, wit, and parody. It integrates local mythological legends and provides contemporary social commentary.
