Manipuri

Manipuri

1. Characteristics

   • Multifaceted, ranging from feminine to masculine
   • Movements are very fluid and the ground is never struck with force, undulating and has a soft appearance
   • Females are identified by their translucent veil, cylindrical skirts, tight cone shaped cap

2. Facts

   • Originated from Manipur, Northeast India
   • Shows some similarity with Burmese dance
   • Performed on religious occasions and in temples – Krishna and Rada
   • Covers a number of different dance dramas
     • Ras Lila (1779, highly evolved dance drama)
     • Pung Cholom (based upon a drum known as Pung, is performed by males and females as a prelude to ras lila)

3. Music Accompaniment

   • Pung (drums), small cymbals, pena (lute), flute

4. Theme

   • Devotional
   • Religious