Performing Arts of Chhattisgarh

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8190540181

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8190540186

In Performing Arts of Chhattisgarh, Niranjan Mahawar pulls back the curtain on the vibrant, living stages of the tribal village. The book provides a rare, detailed look at traditions like the Dewad Pata, where dance is not just performance but a social ritual of courtship and community. Mahawar describes the evocative "Mudda Pata" segment, where girls guard a circle of coins against the entry of village boys, creating a playful tension through movement and song.

The narrative captures the intimate moments that follow these performances—the gifting of rice baskets and the gentle, traditional interactions between the girls and the cheliks (unmarried boys). Beyond mere documentation, this work serves as a witness to the songs and gestures that define the social fabric of Chhattisgarh. It is an essential guide for those who wish to understand how music and dance serve as the primary language of celebration and connection in the tribal world.