Development of non-religious dances of Manipur

Abstract

In the Meitei society, the words ‘jagoi’ (dance) and ‘eshei’ (music) meant more of the ones which were non-religious in nature. Mandap leelas or the traditional dance dramas performed in the religious premises and other artistic activities, like Raasleela which are performed on Parvadin (specific days) along the line of Gouriya Vaishnavism are highly devotional in nature. Some Vaishnava devotees also consider the mandap leelas such as Gouraleela, Goshta as a regular religious practice. Many people also perform a mandap leela to avert a prediction of a misfortune. Quite a few forms of non-religious dances faded because of lack of patronage and practice. Some of the very popular dance forms which are non-religious in nature like MarabakJagoi, BaiwaliJagoi, KhambaThoibi, LeimaJagoi, MaibiJagoi and Oriental Dance will be discussed in brief.