Jagoi Raas, the Manipuri Raas Lila

Abstract

Raas Lila of Manipur is one of the eight classical dance forms of India. Unlike other classical dance forms, Manipuri Raas Lila is a dance-drama choreographed to enact Radha-Krishna love romance with deep spiritual intent. Although inspired by Vaishnavite mode of Bhakti, this dance form known as Jagoi Raas has not lost its links with the tradition of folk-dance performance associated with Lai Haraoba. Manipuri Raas Lila is a team performance with its unique costumes, conventions and aesthetics. It is a graceful, fluid dance form that has strong links with the ethnic martial arts culture. While this dance form emphasizes Abhinaya in terms of Natya Sastra, it has also integrated some upper body movements and poses from the ethnic martial arts. Like any other art form, Manipuri Raas Lila has changed over time as it moved out of the temples to secular/commercial proscenium stage. Its transformation from a scared ritualistic dance to a secular dance form is significant in that it also underlines cultural identity and its uniqueness.