FOLK THEATRE OF INDIA

Question 1

BHAND PATHER
(Kashmir)

Answer 1

z Humour through satire, wit, and parody are used to induce laughter in the play.
z It incorporates musical elements with instruments like surnai, nagaara, and dhol.
z Actors mainly come from the farming community, reflecting their way of life, ideals, and
sensitivity.

Question 2

BHAONA
(Assam)
z

Answer 2

It is a presentation of the Ankia Naat of Assam, featuring cultural glimpses of Assam,
Bengal, Orissa, Mathura, and Brindavan.
z The Sutradhaar initiates the story in Sanskrit, transitioning into Brajboli or Assamese

Question 3

BHAVAI
(Gujarat)
z

Answer 3

Primarily found in Kutch and Kathiawar regions. It blends devotional and romantic
sentiments, creating a distinctive cultural expression.

Question 4

BURRA KATHA
(Andhra Pradesh)

Answer 4

z It is an oral storytelling technique consisting of a main artist or narrator and two vanthas
or co-artists who provide the rhythm and the chorus.
z Burra is the percussion instrument used during the performance

Question 5

CHAVITTU
NATAKAM
(Kerala)

Answer 5

z It is a popular Christian art form in Kerala, originated during 17th century AD. It is also
called stamping drama, as the artist stamps the floor.

Question 6

DASHAVATAR
(Konkan and Goa)

Answer 6

z Performers personify the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
z They use stylised make-up and wear masks made of wood and papier-mache.

Question 7

DASKATHIA
(Odisha)

Answer 7

z There are two narrators – Gayaka (chief singer) and Palia (co-narrator) who mainly narrate
the story of Shiva and other Gods.
z The narration is accompanied by music composed using a wooden musical instrument
called kathia.

Question 8

GARODAS
(Gujarat)

Answer 8

z Popular art form of the ‘Garoda’ community.
z It uses painted pictures to narrate stories of romance and valour.

Question 9

KARIYILA
(Himachal
Pradesh)

Answer 9

z It is an open-air theatre. The performance occurs throughout the night and comprises a
series of small plays and skits.

Question 10

KUTIYATTAM
(Kerala)

Answer 10

z It is rooted in Sanskrit theatre traditions.
z It involves distinct characters, including Chakyaar (actor), Naambiyaar (instrumentalists),
Naangyaar (women’s roles), Sutradhar (narrator), and Vidushak (jesters).
z It is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Question 11

KRISHNATTAM
(Kerala)

Answer 11

z It originated in the 17th century under King Manavada of Calicut’s patronage.
z It comprises eight plays performed over eight consecutive days.

Question 12

MUDIYETTU
(Kerala)

Answer 12

z It is celebrated during Vrischikam (November-December) and is primarily performed in
Kali temples.
z It serves as an offering to the Goddess and portrays the triumph of goddess Bhadrakali
over the asura Darika.
z The performance features seven characters, including Shiva, Narada, Darika, Danavendra,
Bhadrakali, Kooli, and Koimbidar, all adorned with elaborate makeup.

Question 13

OJA-PALI
(Assam)

Answer 13

z It is associated with the festival of Manasa or the serpent goddess.
z Oja is the main narrator, and Pali are the members of the chorus.

Question 14

POWADA
(Maharashtra)

Answer 14

z Represent the heroic deeds of Shivaji against Afjal Khan.
z They are sung by the folk musicians known as Gondhalis and Shahirs.

Question 15

RAASLEELA
(Uttar Pradesh)

Answer 15

z It is based on Lord Krishna’s legends. It’s believed that Nand Das wrote the initial plays.
It combines prose dialogues with songs and scenes.

Question 16

SWANG
(Punjab and
Haryana)

Answer 16

z Initially, it was music-based but gradually incorporated prose into its dialogues. Two
styles of Swang exist in Rohtak and Haathras, featuring Haryanvi (Bangru) and Brajbhasha
languages, respectively.

Question 17

TAMAASHA
(Maharashtra)

Answer 17

z Unlike other theatre forms, the female actress (Murki) is the chief exponent of dance
movements.
z It incorporates classical music, lightning-speed footwork, and vivid gestures to portray
various emotions.

Question 18

THERUKOOTHU
(Tamil Nadu)

Answer 18

z It is performed to ensure a bountiful harvest. At its core, there is a cycle of eight plays
based on the life of Draupadi.

Question 19

VILLU PATTU
(Deccan)

Answer 19

z It is a form of musical theatre in which stories of Ramayana are narrated.

Question 20

YAKSHAGAANA
(Karnataka)

Answer 20

z It is an open theatre that presents prominent episodes from the Mahabharata and
Ramayana.