Tamasha is a peculiar form of folk theatre belonging to the
state of Maharashtra, which includes both
singing and dancing. The word ‘Tamasha’, originating from Persian language
eventually means fun and frolic of a theatrical performance in Marathi.
Performed by nomadic theatre artists, this form of theatre derives it's elements
from various Indian classical song and dance forms.
The Tamasha can be classified into two very popular forms- 'Dholki Bhaari' and 'Sangeet Bhaari'. Majorly, the Mahar and Kolhati communities in
Maharashtra are well known performers of Tamasha acts, which are highly satirical in nature.
The sixteenth century saw the origin of Tamasha. From what
is retold over centuries, this theatrical form was for entertaining the Mughals.
During the Peshwa period of the Maratha Empire, this form took a bigger shape
and became distinct among India ’s
traditional performing arts.
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| Performers of Tamasha, Pic Courtesy: |
Eventually Tamasha reached all over the state of Maharashtra and became the most popular medium of
information and entertainment for the rural sections. Believed to be from the lower
castes such as, 'Kolhati', 'Mang', 'Mahar' and 'Bhatu', these performers were vocal
about the looming prejudice of the caste system.
Basically, Tamasha contains dance routines, acting and songs
with messages, specifically designed to educate the audience. The performance
begins with the entry of the musicians, i.e. ‘dholkiwala’, ‘halgiwala’, ‘manjriwala’
and a ‘tuntune’ player. The appearance of the lead singer then takes the show
to the next level.
Tamasha involves no elaborate costumes and the clothing donned
by the musicians, singers and dancers are known as Gammat, Phada etc.
The oldest form of Tamasha consisted of men who were called
‘Nachya’. These men played the roles of women as well, when times commanded.
There used to be a composer, popularly called a ‘Shahir’. He played the part of
‘Sutradhar’ (a jester). Eventually, women started actively participating in
Tamasha performances.
Other indigenous theatre forms of India ,
like Bengal ’s ‘Jatra’ and Gujrat’s ‘Bhavai’
were termed as ‘biased’ and ‘corrupt’ along with Mararasthra’s Tamasha, after
the country’s independence. The arrival of modern theatre shows and films took away so much
from the spectacles of these live performances of Tamasha, although this folk
art form continues to be performed in the rural localities of Maharashtra .
