Chhau dance is practiced in which regions of India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Answer — Eastern India (Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal).
Explanation —
Chhau dance is a distinctive martial, tribal, and folk dance form of Eastern India, predominantly prevalent in the regions of Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. This dance is renowned for its energy, rhythmic movements, and religious themes (particularly Shaivism and Shaktism). There are three major regional styles of Chhau:
Seraikela Chhau (Jharkhand)
Mayurbhanj Chhau (Odisha)
Purulia Chhau (West Bengal)
The most striking feature of this dance is the elaborate and artistic masks worn by the dancers (with the exception of the Mayurbhanj style, where masks are not used). In 2010, UNESCO recognized it as 'Intangible Cultural Heritage.' The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, also classifies it under the category of Classical Dance, whereas the Sangeet Natak Akademi regards it as a semi-classical dance form.
Additional Points —
Northern India: Apart from Kathak (a classical dance form), folk dances such as 'Chholiya' (Uttarakhand) and 'Nati' (Himachal Pradesh) are primarily performed here.
Southern India: This region serves as a hub for pure classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Kuchipudi.
Western India: Vibrant folk dances such as Garba (Gujarat), Lavani (Maharashtra), and Ghoomar/Kalbelia (Rajasthan) are popular in this region.
Chhau dance is primarily performed during the spring festival (Chaitra Parva).
Potential Exam Questions and Answers —
Question: In which style of Chhau dance is the use of masks prohibited?
Answer: Mayurbhanj Chhau.
Question: In which year was Chhau dance included in UNESCO's list?
Answer: 2010.