Nrutyadhara Foundation

Origin of Chau Nritya

Chau dance of late has attracted wide attention of critics and scholars. This dance form was originated in the ex-princely States of Mayurbhanj (Odisha), Seraikella (Jharkhand) and Purulia (West Bengal). Out and out a martial dance form, Chhau, has been enriched by multiple variations based on the regional and cultural traditions of those areas. In Chhau dance, subtle body movements play an important role to display the bhava of the characters. The use of mask in this dance -form in Seraikella or Purulia might be explicated as an innovation while performing in order to transmit the bhava to the audience. But in the Mayurbhanj Chhau, the dancers do not use any mask. The purity and pristine glory of this dance form is diligently maintained. In this school of Chhau, artistes are trained to express the bhavas through the required artistic body movement. The Chhau of Seraikella is poetic and reminiscent, while that of Mayurbhanj earthy and vibrant. However, the style and presentation of Purulia school is robust and chivalrous.