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JHUMUR DANCE

Last Updated on 2nd August, 2024
13 minutes, 1 second

Description

JHUMUR DANCE

 Source: IndiaToday

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

  • The Assam government is gearing up for a grand Jhumur dance performance featuring 8,000 tea tribe artists this November.

 Details

Jhumur Dance of Assam

  • Jhumur, also known as Jhumair, is a traditional folk dance performed by the tea tribe communities of Assam and parts of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
  • Primarily performed during the harvest season and festivals like Karam Puja and Tushu Puja.

Performance and Movements

  • Participants:
      • Primarily young girls who perform the dance.
      • Male members accompany them by providing music and vocals​​.
  • Choreography:
      • Girls hold each other's waists and move their hands and legs in a synchronized manner, creating a visually harmonious and cohesive performance.
      • The dance steps involve forward and backward movements, symbolizing unity and interconnectedness within the community​​.
  • Musical Accompaniment:
      • Traditional instruments like the Madal(drum), DholFluteShehnai, and Taal (cymbals) are used.
      • The music complements the dance, adding rhythm and melody to the performance​.
  • Attire:
      • Female dancers wear white sarees with red borders, representing traditional and regional aesthetics.
      • Male performers wear long traditional kurtas and handle the musical instruments.

Cultural Significance

  • Ritualistic Roles: Performed as a form of ritual worship, prayer for rainfall, or during courtship and lovemaking.
  • Social Functions:
      • Serves as a medium to express the joys, struggles, aspirations, and everyday life of the community.
      • Acts as a form of recreation, providing a break from the tedious agricultural work​​.

Ancient Origins

  • Jhumur is an ancient dance form, with evidence suggesting its existence in Mesolithic cave paintings.
  • The dance's historical roots underline its cultural continuity and significance as a living tradition​.

Art Forms Of Assam

Art Form

Description

Regions Prominent

Dance Forms

Sattriya

A classical dance form introduced by the Vaishnava saint Srimanta Sankardeva, it is performed in monasteries (Satras) and involves mythological storytelling through dance and drama.

Majuli, Nagaon

Bihu

Performed during the Bihu festival, this dance celebrates the Assamese New Year. It is characterized by brisk dance steps and rapid hand movements, symbolizing the spirit of Assamese culture.

Entire state

Jhumur

Traditional dance of the Tea tribes, performed by young girls and boys to the rhythm of traditional musical instruments.

Tea gardens, Upper Assam

Bhortal

Developed by Narahari Burha Bhakat, this dance involves synchronized movements and the use of cymbals to create colorful patterns.

Barpeta

Theatre and Drama

Ankia Naat

One-act plays written in Brajavali (a mix of Assamese and Maithili), focusing on Krishna, often accompanied by music and dance.

Majuli

Handicrafts

Cane and Bamboo

Utilized for making various household items, furniture, and traditional articles like Jappi (traditional sunshade).

Entire state

Woodcraft

Carving of intricate designs on wood for making household items, decorative panels, and traditional articles.

Entire state

Pottery

Includes earthenware and terracotta items made by the Kumar and Hira communities, with Asarikandi known for its distinctive terracotta style.

Asarikandi, Dhubri

Metal Crafts

Brass and bell metal crafts used to create utensils, religious items, and traditional artifacts like Xorai and Bota.

Hajo, Sarthebari

Masks

Used in traditional performances and made from materials like bamboo, wood, and terracotta.

Entire state

Textiles

Handloom Weaving

Famous for its silks, especially Muga (golden silk), Eri, and Paat. Traditional garments include Mekhela Chador and Gamosa, with Sualkuchi being the main center of silk production.

Sualkuchi

Painting Styles

Sattriya Style

Developed in the Vaishnavite monasteries, using natural colors and depicting religious themes.

Satras of Assam

Court Style

Developed during the Ahom rule, depicting secular themes and court life, often using professional artisans from various parts of India.

Eastern Assam

 Dance Forms Of India

Category

Dance Form

State/Region

Description

Classical

Bharatanatyam

Tamil Nadu

One of the oldest classical dance forms, based on the Natya Shastra. It combines expressive gestures, intricate footwork, and elaborate costumes.

Classical

Kathak

Uttar Pradesh

Known for its intricate footwork, spins, and expressive gestures. It has four main gharanas: Jaipur, Lucknow, Raigarh, and Benares.

Classical

Kathakali

Kerala

A dance-drama noted for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and face masks, depicting stories from Hindu epics.

Classical

Kuchipudi

Andhra Pradesh

A dance-drama that blends fast footwork and expressive eye movements. Originated in the village of Kuchipudi.

Classical

Odissi

Odisha

Characterized by its tribhanga posture and fluid torso movements. It originated in the temples of Odisha and is closely linked to Lord Jagannath.

Classical

Manipuri

Manipur

Emphasizes grace and fluidity, often enacting themes from the life of Radha and Krishna. It is known for its elegant movements and devotional nature.

Classical

Mohiniyattam

Kerala

Performed solo by women, characterized by graceful movements and a gentle, swaying motion. The name translates to "dance of the enchantress."

Classical

Sattriya

Assam

Originated in the Vaishnavite monasteries of Assam, depicting mythological stories. It was traditionally performed by male monks.

Classical

Chhau

Odisha, Jharkhand, WB

Combines martial arts, acrobatics, and storytelling. It features elaborate masks and vigorous movements.

Folk

Bihu

Assam

Celebrated during the Bihu festival, it reflects the joy of the harvest season. It is characterized by brisk steps, rapid hand movements, and festive music.

Folk

Ghoomar

Rajasthan

Performed by women, featuring graceful pirouettes and vibrant costumes. It is often performed during festivals and celebrations.

Folk

Garba

Gujarat

Performed in a circle during the Navratri festival. It involves rhythmic clapping and circular movements.

Folk

Lavani

Maharashtra

Known for its powerful rhythm and quick tempo, it blends traditional music with tales of deities. It often includes socio-political satire.

Folk

Bhangra

Punjab

A lively dance performed to the beat of the dhol. It celebrates harvest and festive occasions with vigorous movements and jumps.

Folk

Gidda

Punjab

A female counterpart to Bhangra, performed in groups, often featuring clapping, graceful movements, and traditional folk songs.

Folk

Dandiya Raas

Gujarat

Involves dancers striking sticks together in rhythmic movements. It is also performed during Navratri.

Folk

Kalbelia

Rajasthan

Performed by the Kalbelia community, known for its sensuous movements that mimic the movements of snakes.

Folk

Rouf

Jammu and Kashmir

Performed by women during festivals like Eid and Ramzan. It involves elegant footwork and synchronization in rows.

Folk

Kummi

Tamil Nadu

Performed by women, it involves rhythmic clapping and simple movements. It is a part of traditional festivities.

Folk

Yakshagana

Karnataka

A traditional theatre form that combines dance, music, dialogue, and elaborate costumes. It enacts stories from Hindu epics.

Folk

Dollu Kunitha

Karnataka

A drum dance performed by men. It features vigorous drum beats and synchronized group movements.

Folk

Karakattam

Tamil Nadu

A dance form performed in praise of the rain goddess Mariamman. Dancers balance pots on their heads while performing.

Folk

Chholiya

Uttarakhand

A sword dance performed during marriage processions. It has vigorous and dynamic movements.

Folk

Dalkhai

Odisha

Performed during the Dussehra festival by women. It involves rhythmic singing and dancing in a group.

Folk

Paika

Odisha

A martial dance form performed by the Paika community. It involves vigorous movements and mock combat techniques.

Folk

Nati

Himachal Pradesh

A popular dance form performed in fairs and festivals. It involves rhythmic movements and traditional songs.

Folk

Bagurumba

Assam

Performed by the Bodo community, it reflects the natural environment, imitating movements of butterflies, birds, and animals.

Folk

Kaikottikali

Kerala

A group dance performed by women during Onam and other festivals. It involves rhythmic clapping and graceful movements.

Folk

Fugdi

Goa

Performed by women during various religious and social occasions. It involves fast-paced movements and synchronized steps.

Folk

Cheraw

Mizoram

Also known as the bamboo dance, it involves dancers stepping in and out of bamboo poles that are clapped together in rhythm.

 State-Wise List Of Dance Forms In India

State/Union Territory

Dance Forms

Andhra Pradesh

Kuchipudi, Vilasini Natyam, Kolattam, Dhimsa

Arunachal Pradesh

Aji Lamu, Roppi, Phoning

Assam

Bihu, Sattriya, Bagurumba, Jhumur, Ali Ai Ligang

Bihar

Jat-Jatin, Kajari, Jhijhiya, Bidesia, Jhumari

Chhattisgarh

Panthi, Raut Nacha, Gaur Maria, Karma, Damkach

Goa

Dekhni, Fugdi, Dhalo, Mando

Gujarat

Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani, Padhar, Bhavai

Haryana

Jhumar, Phag, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khoria

Himachal Pradesh

Nati, Dangi, Chham, Lahauli, Namgen, Hikat

Jammu and Kashmir

Rouf, Bhand Pather, Dumhal, Kud

Jharkhand

Chhau, Jhumair, Phagua, Karma

Karnataka

Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha, Krishna Parijatha, Bhootha Aradhane, Nagamandala, Karaga

Kerala

Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thiruvathirakali, Theyyam, Kaikottikali, Ottamthullal

Madhya Pradesh

Tertali, Gaur Maria, Kaksar, Ahiri, Karma, Matki

Maharashtra

Lavani, Koli, Tamasha, Dhangari Gaja, Pavri

Manipur

Manipuri, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom

Meghalaya

Nongkrem, Shad Suk Mynsiem, Laho, Khuallam

Mizoram

Cheraw, Khuallam, Chheihlam, Solakia

Nagaland

Changlo-Sua lua, Zeliang, Kuki, Naga, Rangma, Aoling

Odisha

Odissi, Gotipua, Ghumura, Mahari, Chhau, Ruk Mar

Punjab

Bhangra, Gidda, Jhumar, Luddi, Kikli, Sammi

Rajasthan

Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Bhavai, Chari, Kathputli, Teratali

Sikkim

Singhi Cham, Khukuri, Chutkey, Maruni

Tamil Nadu

Bharatanatyam, Karakattam, Mayilattam, Kavadi, Poikkal Kudirai, Kummi, Kolattam

Telangana

Perini Shivatandavam, Lambadi, Bonalu

Tripura

Hojagiri, Garia, Lebang Boomani, Mamita

Uttar Pradesh

Kathak, Raslila, Nautanki, Charkula

Uttarakhand

Chholiya, Jhora, Chhapeli, Barada Nati, Tandi

West Bengal

Rabindra Nritya, Gaudiya Nritya, Chhau, Kathi, Gambhira, Tusu Parab, Dhali

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Nicobarese Dance, Andamanese Dance

Chandigarh

Giddha, Bhangra, Jhumar

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

Tarpa Dance, Dhol Dance

Lakshadweep

Lava Dance, Kolkali, Parichakali

Delhi

Kathak, Bhagra, Gidda

Puducherry

Bharatanatyam, Garadi, Kollattam

 Sources:

IndiaToday

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: Consider the following statements about classical dance forms in India:

  1. Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu.
  2. Kathakali is characterized by elaborate makeup and costumes.
  3. Manipuri dance emphasizes graceful, soft, and rhythmic movements.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Options: 

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D.

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