Manipur’s famous Rasleela- Manipuri

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Manipuri can be described as a type of dance that is the oldest and youngest of the classical dances at the same time. It is in fact rigorously organised, apparently free and unbound, ruled only in a restricted way by the poetic line and the melody, a long winding metrical scheme, and its simple flow and spontaneity is its outer shape that allows for smooth communication but is not to be mistaken for simplicity. Manipuri is only one fragment or segment or the outermost layer of a much broader and more complicated tradition that has several levels of civilization and culture that go back in time. Its contemporary vitality is the product of being an important part of society's life in general.

It is possible to trace the roots of Manipuri dance back to ancient times, reaching beyond documented history. There are legendary references to the dances of Shiva and Parvati and other gods and goddesses who formed the world. The dance in Manipur is synonymous with ceremonies and traditional festivals. New works based on episodes from the lives of Radha and Krishna were adopted steadily with the rise of Vaishnavism in the 15th century A.D. It was during King Bhagyachandra's reign that Manipur's famous Rasleela dances emerged. It is said that this philosopher king of the 18th century conceived this complete dance form in a dream, along with its unique costume and music. Fresh leelas, and rhythmic and melodic compositions were introduced under successive rulers.

Manipur dance has a wide repertoire, but the Ras, the Sankirtana and the Thang-Ta are the most common styles. There are five major Ras dances, four of which are associated with particular seasons, while at any time of the year the fifth may be performed. Radha, Krishna and the Gopis are the primary characters in Manipuri Ras.

The themes also represent the pangs of division between the Gopis and Krishna's Radha. In the Rasleela dances, the parengs or pure dance sequences performed obey the basic rhythmic patterns and body gestures, historically passed down. The Ras outfit consists of a stiff garment that stretches to the foot and is richly embroidered. A short skirt of fine white muslin is worn over it. The upper part of the body is covered by a dark coloured velvet blouse and a traditional white veil is worn over a special hair-do which falls gracefully over the face. A yellow dhoti, a dark velvet jacket and a crown of peacock feathers are worn by Krishna. The jewellery is very delicate and the designs are special to the country.

The dance of Manipuri involves both tandava and lasya, ranging from the most vigorous male to the restrained and graceful female. The Manipuri dance is widely known for its lyrical and graceful gestures and has an enigmatic nature. Manipuri abhinaya does not play up the mukhabhinaya too much in line with the subtlety of the art - the facial gestures are realistic and not exaggerated-sarvangabhinaya, or the use of the entire body to articulate a certain rasa, is its power.

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Sources: Kapila Vatsyayan. INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE. Publications Division. Kindle Edition.

NATYASHASTRA by Bharata Muni, translated into english by Manomohan Ghosh