About Manipuri

The oldest and youngest classical dance style

Dance to invoke forest gods

Laiharaoba, by Nabaghana Shyam and Christel Stevens

Manipur is a land of melodies and rhythms. Long before it's classical dance styles evolved, it had folk forms of music and dance, viz. Khulang Ishei and Lai Haroaba. A prime community festival of Manipur held during the months of April and May, Lai Haraoba re-enacts the creation of the Universe. All the processes of creation as per the Meitei cosmogony are symbolically depicted through rituals, prayers, dances and songs of Lai Haraoba. The Meiteis believe that doing this would please the supreme deity Taibanpanba Mapu and all beings on earth would be blessed with happiness and prosperity. From the 17th century, the Manipuris came under the influence of Vaishnavism, the devotional cult of Hinduism. The Vaishnavite music and texts combined with the local flavour to evolve a subtle and stylised dance form that's uniquely Manipuri in nature.

Poushali as Krishna in Rasleela

Bhakti or devotion is the essence of this dance style - Manipuri dance is the only dance that is still performed in the temple. In fact it is still essentially a way of worshipping god than an art form on its own. That may explain why the rich heritage of this dance style, which existed from the primeval age but flowered into a classical style recently, is not widely known. It is at once the oldest and youngest of classical Indian dances, and combines total self dedication with technical skills in its unique form.

Unique Features

Special thanks to Christel Stevens, a well known Manipuri Dancer in the USA, for giving permission to use her photograph on this site.

Artistes of Manipuri Dance

The Original Gurus: Guru Amudon Sharma, Guru Amubi Singh, Guru Atomba Singh

The Masters: Guru Bipin Singh, Ojha Babu Singh, Khetritombi Devi, Gambhini Devi, Thoranisabi Devi, Guru Nadia Singh, Guru Amuiyaima Singh

The Senior Artistes: Nayana Jhaveri, Ranjana Jhaveri, Darshana Jhaveri, Suverna Jhaveri, Kalavati Devi, Binodini Devi, Shantibala Devi, Singhajeet Singh, Devjani Chaliha, K.Jatindra Singh, Ojha Ranjeet Adhikari, Nabaghana Shyam

The Young Exponents: Priti Patel, Sruti Banerjee, Latasana Devi, Poushali Chatterjee, Indrani Devi, Bimbavati Devi, Sanjib Bhattacharya, Lakshmi Devi

Thang-Ta Exponents: Ojha Devavrata, Ojha Gourkishore Sharma, Ranjeet Chingtham

One dance, many forms

Laiharaoba - It is an ancient dance worshipping the forest gods performed by both men and women. It stems from the ancient cult of annimism followed by the Manipuri people before the advent of Vaishnavism. It's simple rhythms reflect the natural grace of the people and have laid the foundations for the classical dance style which evolved later.

Sankirtan - This is a classical form started by Maharaja Bhagyachandra who propounded Vaishnavism in Manipur. This highly stylised form has all the elements of Sangeet or Music as described by the ancient texts - Nritya, Geet, Vadya. It is performed on every social and religious occasion and is considered an auspicious ritual.

Rasleela - These are dance dramas based on the cosmic love of Lord Krishna and Radha, characterised by their colourful costumes and inherent dramatic elements. There are five Rasleelas - Vasanta Ras (performed during Holi in March), Maharas (performed on Kartik Purnima in October), Nitya Ras (performed daily), Kunja Ras and Diva Ras (performed during the day).

Thang-ta - The martial arts of Manipur performed with swords and spears are some of the most stylised found in the world. Vigorous movements combined with tremendous control make this a treat for the eyes.