Chhau Dance of Mayurbhanj: visual poetry, AY 2014-15

Mayurbhanj Chhau is one of three well-known forms of Chhau in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region. The dance is colourful and highly energetic with the heavy use of drums (Dhemsa, Dhol, and Khadaka) along with a reed instrument known as the Mahouri. The origins of the dance form are unclear as its history hasn’t been documented before it was given patronage by the Bhanja dynasty. The present study aims to study the origin and evolution of Mayurbhanj Chhau and also the socio-economic aspects of the performing art.