(Chhau)
The Chhau dance of Seraikella-Kharsawan, located in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, is a unique blend of martial arts, tribal traditions, and classical aesthetics. It is one of three major styles of Chhau—alongside Mayurbhanj (Odisha) and Purulia (West Bengal)—but stands apart due to its sophisticated use of masks, stylized movements, and royal patronage. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Seraikella Chhau is a vibrant testimony to India’s diverse and rich cultural history.
Chhau evolved as a form of martial training for soldiers and warriors. Its roots lie in local combat techniques, with exaggerated movements mimicking the agility and strength required in battle. Over time, it absorbed regional mythology, folk traditions, and classical influences, turning into a ceremonial and theatrical performance art. In the princely state of Seraikella, it flourished under royal patronage, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. The kings and nobles themselves were practitioners, contributing significantly to its refinement and codification.
What makes Seraikella Chhau distinct is its use of elaborate masks, made from clay and paper mache, that depict characters from epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as local legends and folklore. Unlike the other Chhau styles, dancers do not use facial expressions; instead, they rely on body movements, hand gestures, and the inherent expressiveness of the mask to convey emotion and narrative. The use of masks brings a sense of abstraction and stylization, lending the performance a dream-like quality.
Photostory: Bonalu: A Festival of Devotion and Colour in Hyderabad
The accompanying music is just as integral, created using traditional instruments such as the mohuri (reed instrument), dhol, dhamsa (drums), and shehnai. The rhythms are dynamic and layered, heightening the drama of the performance. The dance often begins with invocations to Lord Shiva or other deities, followed by narratives drawn from mythological or heroic themes. Costumes are ornate yet functional, allowing flexibility and enhancing the visual spectacle.
Chhau is typically performed during local festivals, particularly Chaitra Parva, held in the spring season. This open-air celebration invites entire communities to participate, fostering a strong sense of identity and cultural continuity. Though traditionally a male-dominated art form, recent years have seen the inclusion of female dancers and greater innovation in storytelling, with some contemporary troupes addressing social and environmental issues through Chhau’s powerful medium.
In essence, the Chhau of Seraikella-Kharsawan is more than a performance; it is a living legacy that encapsulates the warrior spirit, mythic imagination, and artistic sophistication of eastern India. As both a cultural emblem and a powerful form of expression, it continues to captivate and inspire across boundaries.
Amlan Biswas is a photojournalist associated with Getty Images,Pacific Press Agency, Shutterstock etc. having vast experience in the media industry, and his images have been published in the Washington Post, Associated Press, The Guardian, Condé Nast Traveller, Outlook Traveller, The Vogue, Kyodo News, Glasgow World, TASS, and many international media publications in India and abroad.
