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Kathakali
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In the year 1764 A.D., King Bhagyachandra, the grandson of king Pamaiba, embraced Vaishnavism due to the influence and tutelage of Sri Paramanand Thakar, who was himself a great disciple of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Being a poet himself and a patron of great art, King Bhagyachandra encouraged all arts and with the advice of his 'guru-s' Swaroopanand and Rasananda established Manipuri dances on a thorough artistic foundation.
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He was also responsible for creating the traditional dance composition called 'Bhang-Parang' also known as 'Achouba Parang' full of beautiful poses and the traditional 'Ras-Leela'. The credit also goes to him for creating the gorgeous Manipuri costume called 'Kummil.' In this costume there is a multi-coloured long skirt over which there is a short skirt with small circular mirrors stitched into the cloth. On the top there is a tight-fitting blouse in green velvet which is decorated with fine gold-embroidered work. A belt made of rolled gold and silver work for the waist, delicate necklaces for the neck, bangles for wrists, armlets of arms, rings on the fingers, ornament for feet and ankles, beautiful ear rings are the other adornments and embellishments. There are ornaments for the hair and head over which hangs a thin veil covering the face.
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According to ancient tradition, the male and female dancers should not show the movements of the feet; as such, the dancers wear long skirts covering the feet. This 'kummil' costume is essential for 'Ras-Leela' dances. In the 'Lai Haroba' dance of the 'Meiteis', the hero Khamba and heroine Thoibi even today wear the costume called 'Phaneck'. |
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