Assam: 8,000 Tea Tribe artists to perform 'Jhumur' in Guwahati

JHUMUR DANCE

Source: IndiaToday

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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), Dhol, Flute, Shehnai, 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:

Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu.
Kathakali is characterized by elaborate makeup and costumes.
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.