Manipuri – A Classical Indian Dance Form
June 25, 2008
Originating in the state of Manipur, ancient texts compare Manipuri, a classical dance form of India to the movement of the planets around the sun. It is said that when Krishna, Radha and the gopis danced the Ras Leela, Shiva made sure that no one disturbed the beauty of the dancing. Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva also wished to see this dance, so to please her he chose the beautiful area of Manipur and re-enacted the Ras Leela. Hundreds of centuries later, in the 11th century, during the reign of Raja Loyamba, prince Khamba of the Khomal dynasty and Princess Thaibi of the Mairang dynasty re-enacted the dance and it became known as Lai-Haraoba, the most ancient dance of Manipur.
One of the six classical dance styles of India, distinct from other Indian dance forms, Manipuri dance is purely religious and its aim is spiritual experience. Originally, performed only in temples, today it continues to form an integral part of the religious and social fabric of Manipur. The Ras Lila, the epitome of Manipuri classical dance is inter-woven through the celestial and eternal love of Radha and Krishna, as described in the Hindu scriptures revealing the sublime and transcendental love of Krishna and Radha and the Gopis’ devotion to him.
Generally performed all through the night within temple enclosures, it is watched with a deep devotion. Highly stylised, the classical Indian dance form of Manipuri is characterised by sublimity, subtety and gracefulnees, the richness of its’s costumes adding lustre to the beauty of its art. With delicate hand and feet movements, lyrical and gracefully sinuous, the Ras dances are coupled with light, soft steps, where the heel practically never touches the ground.
A few decades ago, Manipuri dance was not as popular as the other Indian classical dance forms. But, the subtlety of this tender dance form and the variety of the rhythm impressed Rabindranath Tagore so much that he is credited with introducing this enchanting style to the other parts of the world. Renowned gurus were invited to teach this dance form in Tagore’s idyllic institute, Shantiniketan. Gradually the practice of this dance form extended outside the Manipuri community and came to be practiced with great enthusiasm, especially among the Bengalis.
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