Sub genres of Chhau

There are three different forms of Chhau dance. They are Purulia Chhau, Seraikella Chhau and Mayurbhanj Chhau. However, they are different in some manner, but there’s no doubt that all three of them have the same inspiration.

If we look at the geographical relation among the dance forms, we’ll find that they have originated from the same region. Till the year 1912, Bihar and Odisha were part of Bengal Presidency. In May, 1948, Seraikella gets separated from Odisha. Before that, Mayurbhanj and Seraikella were the part of Odisha’s Singbhum district.

Purulia was a part of Bihar’s Manbhum district. Later, on 1 November, 1956,  it became a district in West Bengal.

Purulia, Seraikella and Mayurbhanj, all three forms of Chhau have martial element. However, some distinctions are noticeable when they are analysed thoroughly. Purulia chhau is all about war which reminds us of tribal fights in the historic age. On the other hand Mayurbhanj and Seraikella Chhau are more of a training exercise.

The use of masks also tells us that Purulia Chhau is the oldest among the three. The masks used in Purulia chhau are large and simple and has a helmet on it. Masks used in Seraikella Chhau, on the other hand, are much more expressive, have work of paint brush on them and they don’t have helmet on them.

Purulia Chhau showcases Vira Rasa, where Seraikella chhau Showcases Madhu Rasa. Purulia Chhau performances are usually long (30-40 minutes), where the Seraikella Chhau performances are short (8-10 minutes). Mayurbhanj chhau is neither long, nor short. The storyline in Mayurbhanj chhau gets more priority. The impact of old epics is noticeable, but they are not orthodox as in Purulia chhau.

The staging system in Purulia chhau also tells us that it is an ancient dance form. In an open space, under the sky, the stage is set. It is called “Nachshaal”. Except the one way, from where the artists enter, the audience sits around the stage. They don’t even have a green room.

But in Seraikella and Mayurbhanj chhau 2/3 feet stage is set. A green room is made behind the stage with curtains. The audience sit on the other three sides of the stage.