Music and Dance of Odisha

Learning Outcomes:

1. Explore the elements and characteristics of Odissi music.
2. Understand the distinct ragas and musical traditions of Odisha.
3. Gain insights into Odisha’s musical instruments and their cultural significance.
4. Study various dance forms of Odisha, including classical, folk, and tribal styles.
5. Recognize key cultural institutions and artists shaping Odisha’s performing arts.

Odissi Music Overview

Odissi music is an ancient and distinct form of Odramagadhi music, forming part of Indian Classical Music. This tradition incorporates elements of Hindustani and Carnatic music, such as ragas and talas. Jayadeva, the first Odia poet, highlighted classical ragas and marked a departure from the simpler Chhandas verses of earlier traditions. From the 16th century, treatises like Sangitamava Chandrika, Gita Prakasha, Sangita Kalalata, and Natya Manorama detailed Odissi music. Further contributions in the early 19th century included Sangita Sarani and Sangita Narayana.

Forms of Odissi Music

1. Dhruvapada: This is the first class of Odissi music, characterized by repetitive lines or phrases.
2. Chitrakala: Refers to the artistic use of music, exemplified by poet Kavisurya Baladeva Rath‘s lyrics.
3. Chitrapada: The alliterative arrangement of words in a rhythmic style, marked by repeated sounds or letters.
4. Chhanda: Combines bhava (theme), kala (time), and swara (tune). The Chaurisha in this form uses all 34 letters of the Odia alphabet sequentially.

Odissi Ragas

Odissi ragas differ from Hindustani and Carnatic ragas, including styles like Kalyana, Nata, Shree Gowda, Baradi, Panchama, Dhanashri, Karnata, Bhairavee, and Shokabaradi.

Notable exponents of modern Odissi music include Singhari Shyamasundar Kar, Markandeya Mahapatra, Kashinath Pujapanda, Balakrushna Das, Bhubaneswari Mishra, Shyamamani Devi, and Sunanda Patnaik.

Musical Traditions of Odisha

Categories of Musical Traditions

1. Classical Music: Traditional music incorporating elements such as Sri Geetagovinda, Chaupadi, Champu Vyanjani, and Tribhang.
2. Light Classical Music: Includes Bhajan, Janam, and songs based on ragas, such as Rangila Chaupadi.
3. Folk Music: Represents the ethos of the people, with examples including Geeta, Dalkhai Geeta, Kendra Geeta, and Ghumura Geeta.
4. Tribal Music: Associated with tribal communities, mainly found in Odisha’s hilly forest and coastal belt regions.

Musical Instruments of Odisha

Odisha’s music and dance are accompanied by a range of musical instruments, like the Baunsa Taranga and Katha Taranga. Instruments such as Khanjani, Dholki, Madala, and Pakhawaj are played during festivals, while instruments like the flute and Dhenka reflect sorrow and grief. The conchshell signifies auspiciousness.

Notable Musical Instruments

1. Tamak: Traditional instrument with animal skin over a wooden base, played with two sticks.
2. Mahuri: A wind instrument used in marriages and folk theatre.
3. Gochi Baja: A percussion instrument, considered auspicious in marriage processions.
4. Kendera: A stringed instrument of the Nâtha sect, made from a coconut shell.
5. Ghanta: A metallic gong used in the Ratha Jatra of Puri.

Dance Forms of Odisha

Odisha hosts a variety of dance forms, ranging from classical to folk and tribal.

Odissi Dance

1. Recognized as one of India’s eight classical dances.
2. Emerged from temple traditions, embodying both Tandava and Lasya elements.
3. Depicts themes like the infinite love of Krishna and Radha.
4. The chowka posture reflects Lord Jagannath.
5. Comprises stages like Mangalacharan, Sthai or Batu Nrutya, Pallavi, Abhinaya, and Moksha.

Note: Odissi performers created a Guinness World Record with a performance involving 555 dancers for 28 minutes at Kalinga Stadium in 2011.

Mahari Dance

1. Originated in temples, performed by devadasis of Jagannath Temple in Puri.
2. The Natyamandapa was built specifically for Mahari dances.
3. Includes categories like Nachunis, Bahara Gauni, and Gaudasanis.

Gotipua Dance

1. Performed by boys dressed as females, originating during the reign of Prataprudradev.
2. Explores mythological themes.
3. Integral to village Jatras and festivals.

Jhoomar Dance

1. A tribal dance prevalent among Mahanta and Munda communities.
2. Typically performed during Chaitra Puja and Kalipuja.

Paika Dance

1. Embodies the warrior spirit of the Paikas.
2. Practiced in villages of Khurda, Puri, Cuttack, and Dhenkanal.

Folk Dramas of Odisha

Odisha’s traditional performances include unique folk dramas, drawing from mythology and local stories.

Types of Folk Dramas

1. Chadheya Nata: Involves three characters—Chadheya, Chadheyani, and Banku Bhai.
2. Daskathia: Associated with Lord Shiva worship, prevalent in the Ganjam district.
3. Dhanu Yatra: A moving drama recounting Krishna’s visit to Mathura, held for eleven days.
4. Jatra: Known as Gananatya, combining music, dance, and drama.
5. Pala: Highlights ancient literature, depicting harmony between Hindu and Muslim traditions.

Important Note: Odisha’s folk dramas often lack a written script, relying on oral traditions.

Cultural Institutions in Odisha

Odisha has established various cultural institutions dedicated to preserving and promoting its performing arts.

Key Institutions

1. Odisha Dance Academy: Established in 1975 by Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, promoting Odissi dance and music.
2. Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre: Focuses on three styles of Odissi dance.
3. Utkal University of Culture: Engages in the preservation and propagation of Odisha’s cultural values.
4. Srajan-Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa: Founded in 1993, aims to maintain high standards of Odissi dance.
5. Oxford Odissi Centre: Established by Baisali Mohanty in 2015, promoting Odissi dance internationally.

Notable Artists of Odisha

1. Gopal Chhotray: Pioneer of modern Odia theatre, recipient of Padma Shri (2002).
2. Kelucharan Mohapatra: Renowned Odissi dancer, first to receive Padma Vibhushan from Odisha.
3. Akshaya Mohanty: Influential in Odia Bhajans, film, and folk songs.
4. Sonal Mansingh: Classical dancer honored with Padma Vibhushan (2003).
5. **Gang

adhar Pradhan**: Founder of *Konark Natya Mandap*, instrumental in promoting *Odishan art*.

6. Saswat Joshi: Young exponent popularizing Odissi globally.

Note: Odisha’s rich cultural heritage is maintained through institutions, artists, and ongoing performances that celebrate its unique blend of music and dance.

MCQ:
Which musical instrument is commonly associated with marriage processions in Odisha?

1. Tamak
2. Mahuri
3. Kendera
4. Ghanta
   Answer: 1. Tamak