Our Indian culture is as rich as it is varied. But with the recent onslaught of the internet, our rich heritage has been set aside for what has been trending. We’ve forgotten that when the Western civilization was still stumbling to find its footing, in the old medieval period, Indians were scripting and enacting their literature as a form of worship in the temples.
One of many such little known dance forms is Ankia Naat. First performed by Saint and social reformer Srimata Sankardeva, Ankia Naat can be defined as a one-act musical drama, from Assam, India. Descriptive songs, usually centring around the life of Lord Krishna are main themes in the performance, while the language of the play is poetic Assamese mixed language – Brajavali.
The similarities that can be drawn to modern-day plays are countless – Live musical notes of cymbal, singing musical duo and elaborate dancing attires. Moreover, an explanation is included at every stage of the drama, a practice established to help even the illiterate understand each aspect of the beautiful performances. They not only serve as a medium of religious worship but also serve as a source of pleasure and recreation.
But the sad truth remains that the dance form has faced decreasing popularity over time, with the youth leaning toward the Western performances deemed as classical while ignoring the soulful heart of his community.
As an awareness initiative, let us take this opportunity and support the performers pouring their heart and soul into this age-old dance-drama performance and keep its essence alive.
-Arka Gohil
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