Manipuri-Repertoire
Rasa:
The Rasa dances of Manipur are lyrical narrative and not dramatic. The rasa
dances have a structure and technique which can distinguish them from any other
type of dance in Manipur. Bhagya Chandra Maharaj or King Jai Singh is considered
the composer of at least three of the four Rasa dances known to Manipur. The
Rasa
dances are performed on particular occasion and in particular season.
First and the foremost is the Vasant Rasa for the full moon day of Holi. The
Vasant Rasa is invariably preceded by the Natapala or the group of men dancers
who play the drum and sing. Thereafter there is the presentation of a
particular raga in this case, Vasant Raga by women singers now called
sutradhari. Here the singing sets the tone of the presentation of the rasa. A
particular mood is invoked and the players and the audience become prepared to
transport themselves into the world of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan. Thereafter,
there is the description of Vrindavan sung by the sutradhari and followed
through dance by a group of young dancers.
The next sequence is Vaishnav Vandana. The most exciting part of the rasa is
the entry of the young Krishna, normally played by a young girl. Thereafter is
the presentation of the main themes in the case of Vasant Rasa. It is the theme
of the gopis playing Holi with Krishna.
The Kunj Rasa is performed sometime in August coinciding with what is known
as the full moon or rakhi or rakhi purnima. The theme of this rasa is drawn from
the Srimad Bhagvata. It revolves round the mutual hide and seek of Radha and
Krishna. The rasa is performed in a special group and it recreates the dance of
the gopis with Krishna.
A third rasa called the nritya rasa which was created by Maharaja Chandrakirti
in the nineteenth century can be performed at any time. Here dance, rather than
the story or the theme is more important. These dances are performed generally
at night in the dancing halls attached to the temples. The halls are profusely
and tastefully decorated with garlands, flowers, flags, buntings, etc. on the occasion.
Truly classical in spirit, the Rasa-dances are full of devotional fervour and
are performed to the singing of songs and Kirtans and to the accompaniment of
Khol or mridanga, manjira and bamboo flutes. Their liquid beauty lyrical
quality, restrained and rhythmic swaying, swinging and spinning almost at one
place, with hands, close to the body, coupled with soft vocal and instrumental
devotional music lend the performance a uniqueness which defies
description.
Besides these rasa dances, there are the Lilas. These Lilas also constitute
an important part of the repertoire of the Manipuri dances. The Gostha lila
recreates the play on Krishna and Balarama; Krishna and Yashoda and the dancers
of Krishna with his companions. The main singer for the gostha lila is a man and
not a woman.
In the ulukhala rasa, the birth of Krishna, Putna Vadh, etc including makhan
chori are presented. The Vaishnavite flavour lives and vibrates in the hearts
of every Manipuri and truly through the rasa dances and the presentation
of the lilas Vrindavan is called in every heart in far of Manipur. Their
sophisticated pieces of opera with libretto musical scales, ragas, talas, giving
enough scope for pure nritta abhinaya and the combination of both singing and
dancing. The Maharasa concentrates on the love quarrel between Radha and
Krishna. The theme is based on the story of the Bhagvat Purana. The gostha or
the Gopa Rasa is performed in Tandava style by Lord Krishna with Gopas. The
killing of Asuras etc. is shown in the dance.
