Types of Theatre in India

THEATRE OF INDIA

The theatre in India has encompassed all the other forms of literature and fine arts into its physical presentation literature, mime, music, dance, movement, painting, sculpture and architecture all mixed into one and being called 'Natya' or 'Theatre' in English. Roughly, the Indian theatre can be divided into three distinctive kinds i.e. the Classical or the Sanskrit theatre, the Traditional or the Folk theatre and Modern theatre.

FAMOUS SANSKRIT PLAYS


  • Shudraka- Mrichha Katika
  • Bhasa- Swapna Vasavadattam, Panchatantra, Pratijna Yaugandharayaanam Charudatta, Kamabhara
  • Kalidasa- Vikramorvasiyam, Malavikagnimitram, Abhijinanasakuntalam
  • Bhavabhuti- Mahaveeracharita, Uttararamacharita, Malati-Madhava
  • Harsha- Ratnavali, Priyadarshika, Nagananda
FORMS OF TRADITIONAL THEATRE
  • Bhand Pather- The traditional theatre form of Kashmir, is a unique combination of dance, music and acting. Satire, wit and parody are preferred for inducing laughter. In this theatre form, music is provided with surnai, nagaara and dhol. Since, the actors of Bhand Pather are mainly from the farming community, the impact of their way of living, ideals and sensivity is discernible.
  • Swang- It was earlier mainly music based. Gradually, prose too, played its role in the dialogues. The softness of emotions, accomplishment of rasa along with the development of character can be seen in this theatre form. The two important styles of Swang are from Rohtak and Haathras. In the style belonging to Rohtak, the language used is Haryanvi (Bangru) and in Haathras, it is Brajbhasha.
  • Nautanki- It is usually associated with Uttar Pradesh. The most popular centres of this theatre form are Kanpur, Lucknow and Haathras. The meters used in the verses are Doha, Chaubola, Chhappai, Behar-e-Tabeel. There was a time, when only men acted in nautanki, but now-a-days, women have also started taking part in the performances. Among those remembered with reference is, Gulab Bai of Kanpur. She gave a new dimension to this old theatre form.
  • Jatra- Fairs in honour of Gods or religious rituals and ceremonies have their framework musical plays are known as Jatra. This form was born and nurtured in Bengal. Krishna Jatra became popular due to Chaitanya's influence. Later, however wordly love stories too, found a place in Jatra. The earlier form of Jatra has been musical dialogues were added at later stage. The actors themselves describe the change of scene, the place of action etc.
  • Bhaona- It is presentation of the Ankin Naat of Asom. In Bhaona, cultural glimpses of Asom, Bengal, Odisha, Mathura and Brindavan can be seen. The Sutradhaar or narrator begins the story, first in Sanskrit and then in either Brajboli or Assamese.
  • Dashavatar- It is the most developed theatre form of the Konkan and Goa regions. The performers personify the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the God of preservation and creativity. The 10 incarnations are Matsya (fish), Karma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narsimha (lion-man), Vaman (dwarf), Parashuram, Rama, Krishana (or Balram), Buddha and Kalki. Apart from stylised make up, the Dashavatar performers wear masks of wood and papier mache.
  • Krishnattam- Folk theatre of Kerala, came into existance in the middle of AD 17th century under the patronage of King Manavada of Calicut. Krishnattam is a cycle for 8 plays performed for 8 consecutive days.
  • Mudiyettu- Traditional folk theatre form of Kerala is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam (November-December). It is usually performed only in the Kali temples of Kerala, as an oblation to the Goddess. It depicts the triumph of Goddess Bhadrakali over the asura Darika. The 7 characters in Mudiyettu-Shiva, Narada, Darika, Danavendra, Bhadrakali, Kooli and Koimbidar (Nandikeshvara) are all heavily made-up.
  • Koodiyaattam- One of the oldest theatre forms of Kerala, is based on Sanskrit theatre traditions. The characters of this theatre form are Chakyaar or actor, Naambiyaar, the instrumentalists and Naangyaar, those taking on women's roles, the Sutradhar or narrator and the Vidushak or Jestors are the protagonists. It is the Vidushak alone who delivers the dialogues. Emphasis on hand gestures and eye movements makes this dance and theatre form unique.
  • Yakshagana- Traditional theatre form of Karnataka, is based on mythological stories and Puranas. The most popular episodes are from the Mahabharta i.e. Draupadi, Swayamvar, Subhadra Vivah, Abhimanyu Vadh, Karna-Arjun Yuddh anf from Ramayana i.e. Rajyabhishek Lav-Kush Yuddh, Baali-Sugreeva Yuddh and Panchavan.
MODERN INDIAN THEATRE
Modern Indian theatre started after the advent of the British in India. The British developed Calcutta in the East, Bombay and Surat in the West and Chennai in the South as important centres of trade and administration. They also set-up theatres in these cities for their entertainment. The first Bengali theatre was eastablished as early as 1795, Russian Indologist Gerasim Lebedev is credited to have founded it. Prasanna Coomar Tagore eastablished the first Indian owned Bengali theatre in 1831 named as Hindu Theatre.

Comments

BHARDWAJ SERVICE CENTER said…
This content is helpful to know about our culture.
https://www.bhardwajservicecenter.com
3 June 2019 at 05:48
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to grow Bonsai apple tree in a pot?

Image
The tree has a dense form, with plenty of deep-green leaves. Pendent pink and white blooms adorn the tree over the summer months. These give way to green fruits. The aerial roots of the tree are particularly bonsai-friendly. Methods: POSITION:- Situate the tree in a sunny location indoors. The apple bonsai can be grown outdoors in full sun or semi-shade , but roots must be mulched heavily to protect the tree from cold temperatures. WATERING:- Water the tree daily to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water requirements increase when the tree is in fruit. FEEDING:- Feed the tree twice a month with a bonsai fertilizer, but do not feed when it is in fruit. LEAF AND BRANCH PRUNING:- Remove leaves as needed to allow light and air to reach all parts of the tree. Prune branches to shape the tree in springtime, before leaves emerge. REPOTTING:- When grown in a container, re-potting is usually necessary every three to four years or when root...
Read more

Grow BONSAI BANANA TREE in a POT

Image
Indian climate is suitable for banana tree.Learn how to grow banana tree in a pot.Growing Banana trees in pots is easy, if you’re unable to grow it on the ground either due to lack of space or cold climate. It may takes  up to 3 to 5 years to fruit if grown from seeds. REQUIREMENTS:- SOIL:- It requires well draining sandy soil, t hat is rich in organic matters and compost.  If you are making it at home make sure to mix sand, perlite, and compost or manure. WATERING:-  Water it regularly and deeply but care not to overwater. In summer, water it every day. It may need water even two times a day in hot weather or when it is root bound.  Reduce watering in winter. SUN:- If you’re growing banana tree you should keep it in a spot that receives the sun most of the day but preferably sheltered from the wind. Th ey love full sun, heat and humidity. HUMIDITY:- Banana plant prefers humidity levels above 50%. To increase humidity level around th...
Read more

HOW TO MAKE WATER CANDLES

Image
DIY:- Today i show you how to make water candles and romantic dinner candles.                                 METHOD Things we required:- Transparant water glasses. Colourful pebbles  Oil(refined oil for transparent color or mustard oil for yellow color) Water( you can also take color to make colorful candles) Cotton balls for making wicks Flowers, leaves and small buds for decoration. Some rocks to give support to flowers. Cold drink caps for holding wicks. How to make it:- Filled glass with some pebbles and water in the level of pebbles. Decorate with flowers and leaves and give it support from rocks. Add some oil in it. Then make wicks from cotton balls and soak it in oil. Punch the cap of the bottle to hold wicks in it. Hold the wicks in it and put it into the glass. Your candle is ready.☺
Read more

Satellites launched by India in last few years

Image
1. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)                                            The IRNSS satellite is used of the improved navigation system for the users and has been developed by India only. The satellite was launched on 04/04/2014 from the Sriharikota Space Station, India.                The important applications the IRNSS are as follows.                                               Information about timing, disasters, vehicle tracking and fleets.                                 Navigation for hikers, travelers and marines.                           ...
Read more

Art and Culture of India

Image
INDIAN CULTURE The culture of India is one of the oldest and unique. In India, there is amazing cultural diversity throughout the country. The South-North and North-East have their own distinct cultures and almost every state has carved out its own culture niche. There is hardly any culture in the world that is as varied and unique as India. India is a home to some of the most ancient civilization including four major world religions i.e. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Indian cultural history has been derived by the absorbing customs, traditions and rituals from both invaders and immigrants. Many Indian customs, cultural practices and languages are examples of this co-mingling over centuries. With the following invasions of the Islamic rulers, the culture of India was heavily influenced by Persian, Arabic, Turkish culture. 5000 years old Indian culture is both ancient and varied. Also unity in diversity, which is the main mantra of Indian civilization can be seen ...
Read more

Top best places in India to go

Image
India has a unique culture and is one of the oldest and greatest civilizations of the world. It stretches from the snow-capped Himalayas in the North to the Sun drenched coastal villages of the South. In this section, you will certainly get the best glimpse of this great country. India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world with a kaleidoscopic variety and rich cultural heritage. It has achieved all-round socio-economic progress during the last 70 years of its Independence. As the 7th largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia, marked off as it is by mountains and the sea, which give the country a distinct geographical entity. Bounded by the Great Himalayas in the north, it stretches southwards and at the Tropic of Cancer, tapers off into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. There are so many beautiful places to go- Jammu and kashmir :- The Kashmir valley is famous for its be...
Read more