What is special about Manipuri dance?
The Manipuri Dance, also referred to as the Manipuri Raas Leela, is one of the eight major Indian classical dance forms, originating in the state of Manipur. The dance form is imbued with the devotional themes of Madhura Raas of Radha-Krishna and characterised by gentle eyes and soft peaceful body movements.
What does the Manipuri dance portray?
Themes of the Manipuri Dance: In the Tandava form of Manipuri Dance, the gods like Krishna, Shakti and Shiva are displayed as warriors. While in the Lasya form, the main focus is on the love stories of Radha and Krishna.
What are the main highlights of Manipuri dance?
Manipuri dance is counted among major classical dance forms of India, especially noted for themes based on Vaishnavism and spectacular execution of ‘Ras Lila’, dance dramas based on love between Radha and Krishna.
What is the epitome of Manipuri classical dance?
Ras Lila. The Ras Lila, the epitome of Manipur classical dance is based on the spiritual and eternal love of Radha and Krishna. This dance enacts their sublime and transcendental love and the selfless devotion of the milkmaids of Vrindavan to the Lord.
What is the history of Manipur dance?
The manipuri was popularized throughout India when, in 1917, the poet Rabindranath Tagore saw demonstrations of the art and brought back dance teachers to serve in his Vishva-Bharati University at Shantiniketan. Manipuri has survived in the sheltered valley of Manipur in the Assam Hills.
What is the main dance form of Manipur?
Pung Cholom or Drum Dance It is a famous dance style of Manipur which involves dancing and playing a drum simultaneously. Pung Cholom is also a combination of sound and movement, which demands acrobatic skills as it requires jumping and swirling.
What is the unique feature of Manipuri culture?
In the field of art and culture, the state is best represented by its classical and folk dance forms. The Raas Leela, the epitome of Manipuri classical dance, is inter-woven through the celestial and eternal love of Radha and Krishna as has been described in the Hindu scriptures.
How do you describe Manipur?
The name Manipur means “land of gems.” Its economy centres on agriculture and forestry, and trade and cottage industries also are important. The state capital is Imphal, located in the centre of the state. Area 8,621 square miles (22,327 square km).
Is Manipuri a folk dance?
The dance, which originated in the state of Manipur, is associated with many rituals and traditional festivals. There are legendary references to the dances of Shiva and Parvati and other gods and goddesses who created the universe.
Who invented Manipuri dance?
King Bhagyachandra
It was in the reign of King Bhagyachandra that the popular Rasleela dances of Manipur originated. It is said, that this 18th century philosopher king conceived this complete dance form along with its unique costume and music in a dream.