Jharkhandi Dance

2008-06-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

Jhoomar - The dance of Jharkhand Region

2008-03-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

The prevalence of Jhumar dates back to 18th century but not in organised form. Local folks of Orissa, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal used to practise Jhumar songs and dance to beat boredom and monotony after days hard work which was energising for further work. Even when they were on their way to distant places in quest of work their lips were stuck with melo dious, lyrical and colloquial Jhumar Songs. Gradually a Nachuni group was introduced which consisted of eight to ten people, including one Rasika (the leader of the group) one Nachuni and instrument players for FLUTE, HARMONIUM, DHOL, CHAD-CHADI, MAADAL, MAHURI etc. 18th century downwards Raja (King), Maharaja (Emperor), Zamindar (Land Lord) noticed Jhumar and they became so charmed by the language, sweet tunes and dance that they could not but patronise it which helped remove the financial constraint of Nachuni Groups which further paved its way to earn recognition in upper level of society. A NACHUNI practically lives with RASIK, learning all types of Jhumar songs and dances performs with the professional group. They are frequently called for performance in festivities and marriages. The group moves from place to place for performance in return they charge certain amount. Just like 'Baijis' performing Ghazals, Thumaries, etc. the Nachunis perform specially Jhumar dances and songs. The Rasik (Leader) selects talented girls, and other interested artistes to form a group and they are imparted training for professional performances whenever they are called for. The calls are proportional to their efficiency.

Region of practice of Jhumar

Orissa: Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sambalpur and Sundargarh.
Bengal: Purulia, Bankuda, and Midnapore.
Jharkhand: Ranchi, Dhanbad, Hazaribag and Singhbhum.
The languages of Jhumar songs are mixture of one of Oriya, Bengali, Hindi, Maithili and Nagpuria. But those are not in pure language, but in coloqial language as practised in these regions.