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Home / IAS Preparation / Chhau Dance

Chhau Dance: Various Chhau Dances of India & Key Facts - UPSC Notes

Last Updated on May 08, 2025
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Chhau Classical dance is a semi-classical Indian dance that is warlike and has folk traditions. Etymologically, the word Chhau is derived from the Sanskrit word "Chhaya," which means shadow, picture, or mask. It is found in three styles. These three styles are named after where they are performed. The Purulia Chhau of West Bengal, the Mayurbhanj Chhau of Odisha, and the Seraikella Chhau of Jharkhand. 

This topic is related to the General Studies Paper I, which covers Indian and world history, geography, art and culture, and Indian Society. Join UPSC Coaching today to boost your UPSC preparation. 

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Syllabus

General Studies Paper I

Topics for Prelims

Chhau Dance, Types of Chhau Dance, Folk Dances of India, Classical Dances of India.

Topics for Mains

Indian Art & Culture, Indian Society, and Heritage Sites in India recognized by UNESCO.

What is the Chhau Dance?

Chhau dance is a semi-classical Indian dance that intricately weaves folk traditions and martial arts together. Some narrations use realistic themes such as Mayur Nritya (peacock dance) or Sarpa Nritya (serpent dance). Chhau contains features from martial arts, folk themes, and pastoral motifs inspired by Shaktism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism. UNESCO marked Chhau in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity 2010. Traditionally acted by all-male troupes, Chhau carries regional importance in the East Indian region and is acknowledged to have its roots traced to different linguistic origins. Some propose a link to the Sanskrit term "Chaya", symbolizing shadow, picture, or mask, while others associate it with the Sanskrit origin, Chadma, meaning disguise. An alternative study adds that it is derived from the Odia language, meaning the phrase Chhauni, encompassing definitions associated with a military base, armour, and stealth.

The dance varies from glorifying acrobatics, martial arts, and athletics, acting in festive themes of folk dance to a structured dance with pastoral themes seen in Shaktism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism. Natural themes such as Mayur Nritya (peacock dance) or Sarpa Nritya (serpent dance) are also performed.

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Chhau Dance & Key Facts
  • Masks hold a significant role in the Purulia (West Bengal) and Seraikella styles (Jharkhand), contributing to the unique visual appeal of the dance.
  • Chhau dance in northern Odisha (Mayurbhanj) incorporates masks only during the initial stage when the artists make their introductory appearance to the audience.
  • The transmission of dance, music, and mask-making knowledge is often passed down orally.
  • This vibrant dance form is showcased during festivals, emphasising community participation, particularly when the spring festival of Chaitra Parva is celebrated.
  • The masked styles of Chhau dance seamlessly blend elements of dance and martial practices, incorporating mock combat techniques (khel), stylized walks of birds and animals (Chalis and Topkas), and movements inspired by the daily chores of village homemakers (Uflis).
  • Executed exclusively by male dancers, Chhau performances occur at night in open spaces referred to as Akhada or asar.
  • However, several all-women troupes are also participating now. 
  • Mousumi Chowdhury, from Purulia, is credited with starting the trend.
  • In 2010, Mousumi set up the first all-women Chhau troupe of Purulia, Mitali Chhau Maldi.
  • The featured instruments are reed pipes (Mohuri), shehnai, various drums such as cylindrical dhol, the large kettle drum Dhumsa, and the Kharkai or chad-chad.
  • The roots of Chhau dance, particularly in the Purulia style, can be traced back to Paika and Natua and the significant influence of Nachni dance.
  • Nachni dance contributed female walks and movements to Chhau, introducing parts of Lasya Bhava from the Natya Shastra, characterized by elegance, sensuality, and beauty.

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Various Chhau Dances of india

Significant variations can be seen in Chhau dance from different regions of India. The Seraikela Chhau in Jharkhand represents its cultural roots; in Odisha, Mayurbhanj Chhau is well known as it shows its unique culture and one of the oldest chhau dances is performed in Purulia, West Bengal, which is known as "Purulia Chhau". It showcases its deeply rooted divine culture and tradition.

Seraikela Chhau Dance: 

Seraikela Chhau Dance stems from the Jharkhand state of India. This traditional dance form is known for its elegant gestures and subtle presentations. Seraikela Chhau uses delicate masks to express sentiments, seamlessly combining martial arts, classical dance, and folk practices.

  • Seraikela Chhau dance grew in the region of Seraikela during the era of Kalinga's Gajapati rule (1434 to 1541 CE) in Jharkhand.
  • Seraikela Chhau's techniques are shaped by the region's past aristocracy, who not only acted but also choreographed the dance.
  • In the modern era, people from various locations engage in the performance of Seraikella Chhau.

Seraikela Chhau Dance (Jharkhand)

Mayurbhanj Chhau Dance:

Mayurbhanj Chhau Dance is one of the most traditional dance forms in Odisha. This dance is a classical tribal dance performed without masks. It blends martial arts and folk dance details. Showcasing practical body activities, storytelling, and rhythm to represent mythical and heroic compositions.

  • Chhau, which is supposed to have derived its name from the military camp or Chhauni, grew from the mock battles and exercises that used to be maintained to keep the fighters battle-ready.
  • Mayurbhanj Chhau opts for a mask-free practice yet conveys technical resemblances with Seraikella Chhau's performance.
  • The strategy and choreography are straight drawn from the war practices of Odia fighters, who were popularly known as Paikas. 
  • Mayurbhanj Chhau is the most energetic of the three types of Chhau. 
  • The government of Odisha took the initiative to set up the Mayurbhanj Chhau Nritya Pratisthan in Baripada in 1960.

Mayurbhanj Chhau Dance (Odisha)

Previous Year Question (2017)

Prelims:

Q. With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:

1.It is a song and dance performance.

2.Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.

3.It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 only

Answer: (b)

Purulia Chhau Dance: 

Purulia Chhau Dance derives from West Bengal and is recognised for its rich, detailed masks. The dance form features active movements. It also depicts storytelling, often based on epic sagas from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, acting during various festivals.

  • Martial arts and aggressive training boosted the Chhau dance that Purulia invented.
  • The dancers perform a repertoire that probes various subjects, like mythological episodes from Mahabharata, Ramayana. and Puranas, regional legends, folklores, and conceptual themes.
  • The classical dance is performed in open areas, according to the rhythm of different drums and other musical tools.
  • Indigenous drums like Dhumsa, Dhol, and Kharkai are used along with Shehnai and Mohuri songs.
  • Over the centuries, this dance style was patronized by monarchical households, wealthy landlords, and governors.
  • It is acknowledged that the king of Baghmundi in Purulia was the principal patron of these dances. 
  • Artists from the Sutradhar community prepare the masks for the "Purulia Chhau".

Purulia Chhau Dance (West Bengal)

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Key Takeaways on Chhau Dance for UPSC Aspirants!

  • Definition: Chhau dance is a semi-classical Indian dance form. The dance style displays the military art forms, stories engaged with Indian tribal regions, and roots deeply connected with folklore.
  • Performing States: The oldest Chhau dance is "Purulia Chhau," performed in Purilia, West Bengal. "Mayurbhanj Chhau" from Odisha and "Seraikela Chhau" from Jharkhand are well-known chhau dance forms.
  • Difference: "Mayurbhanj Chhau" does not use any crafted mask while performing. "Purulia Chhau" from West Bengal and "Seraikela Chhau" from Jharkhand always use crafted masks during every dance act.
  • Covering Stories: Every style of Chhau dance covers different stories from different regions of India. It mainly covers a typical story from Indian mythology, and performances are based on either Ramayan or Mahabharata. 

Download Chhau Dance Key Takeaways PDF 

Chhau dance is a vibrant combination of martial arts, religious beliefs, and folk customs. From its martial roots to its evolution into a formal and performative art form, Chhau persists as a vital presentation of the cultural uniqueness of Eastern India, with its decorated masks, strong movements, and beautiful music. 

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Chhau Dance UPSC FAQs

Mayurbhanj Chhau is a dance form performed in Odisha.

Chhau dance is a semi-classical dance form of India primarily performed in eastern India.

In 2010, UNESCO recognised Chhau dance as an intangible cultural heritage of India.

"Purulia Chhau" is one of the oldest dance forms from West Bengal.

Seraikela Chhau dance is performed in Jharkhand.
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