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Theatrical Performances of the Assamese Society

The oldest institution of performing art in Assam was the Ojapali. Theatrical element is noticed in Ojapali performance while the Oja exchanges dialogues with the Dainapali. Ojapali theatre art existed in Assam prior to the advent of neo-Vaisnavism and Sankardeva used this medium for propagating Vaisnavite faith . But the proper theatrical performance in Assam came into existence with the theatrical show of Chinha-yatra, an unwritten play organised by Sankardeva. This was followed by enactment of a number of written devotional plays known as Ankiya-Nat. Sutradhara is the leading role in the enactment of Ankiya-Nat popularly known as Ankiya-Bhaona and Sankardeva is believed to have derived this role from the role of Oja in Ojapali performance . The Dhuliya-Bhaona of undivided Kamrup district and the Khuliya-Bhaona of Darrang district are two important theatrical institutions prevalent in the folk tradition of Assam. However, the existence of Khuliya-Bhaona is hardly seen now-a-days. Kmhan-gan, Pala-gan and Bhari-gan are other theatrical institutions of undividedGoalpara district. Of these, Bhari-gan is now facing extinction80. Puppetplay is another theatrical institution of Assam. The descriptions of ChayaPutala in Kathaguru-Carita lead us to believe that puppet-play existed in Assam before the advent of neo-Vaisnavism , Some Yatra Dais (theatre groups) existed in some places of undivided Kamarupa and engaged in theatrical show in open platforms on the occasions of some religious festivals. The existence of such YatraDals is seldom noticed now-a-days and they have been replaced by mobile theatre groups having large collapsible auditoriums equipped with all modem facilities for performing a theatrical show.

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