Erosion of Tradition: Negative Cultural Impacts on Purulia Chhau Dance

Abstract

Chhau dance is a dance form which is originated in Purulia, West Bengal. It is known for its intricate masks, dynamic movements, and mythical storytelling. It is a type of dance-drama which consists of elaborate folk performances which also include aspects of Purulia’s traditional tribal rituals, martial arts and a fabled narrative. It is not only rooted in cultural heritage but also reflects social values, religious beliefs and creativity of the communities that practice it.

The findings of the study underscore the cultural dilution due to the contemporary preferences of the tourist community. Lack of resources poses a threat to youth participation, training artisans and maintaining regular practices. Artisans perform, altering the traditional practices of the dance form to satisfy the audience. The study also stresses on the institutional support and creation of opportunities for the local youth, which would in turn help the art form to flourish, balancing both modern and traditional practices.

The present study explores cultural degradation through an empirical study. A qualitative research design is used in this research. Data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews with the local Chhau dancers, mask makers, trainers, and cultural experts. Interviews were taken from 85 Chhau performers, out of which 30 performers’ responses were retained for the final analysis. Data collection also involved field observations and focus group discussions.