Yakshagana: Shiva Veerabhadra
Yakshagana: Shiva Veerabhadra
1 Etymology
2 Music genre
3 History
o
3.1 Origins
4 Evolution
4.1 Parallel forms
5.1 Badagutittu
5.2 Tenkutittu
6.1 Raga
6.2 Tala
7 Instruments
o
7.1 Maddale
7.3 Chande
8 Artists
10 Outside India
11 Mela or troupes
12 Notes
13 References
14 Further reading
15 External links
Etymology[edit]
Yakshagana literally means the song (gana) of the yaksha, (nature spirits).[1] Yakshagana is the
scholastic name (used for the last 200 years) for art forms formerly known as kike,
a, bayala, and davatra (Kannada: ). It is believed to have evolved from pre-classical
music and theater during the period of the Bhakti movement.[2] It is sometimes simply called "the
play" () in both Kannada and Tulu.[3]
Music genre[edit]
Yakshagana is a separate genre of music, independent of Karnataka Sangeetha and the Hindustani
music of India. It is believed to have survived as an indigenous phenomenon only in parts
of Karnataka and Kerala.[4]
A typical Yakshagana performance consists of background music played by a group of musicians
(known as the himmela); and a dance and dialog group (known as themummela), who together
enact poetic epics onstage. The himmela is made up of a lead singer (bhagawata)who also directs
the productionand is referred to as the "first actor" (modalane vesha). Additional himmela
members are players of traditional musical instruments, such as the maddale (hand drum),
the pungi (pipe), the harmonium(organ), and the chande (loud drums). The music is based on ragas,
which are characterized by rhythmic patterns called mattu and tala (or musical meter in Western
music). Yakshagana talas are believed to be based on patterns which later evolved into the Carnatic
talas.[citation needed]
A Yakshagana performance typically begins in the twilight hours, with an initial beating of the drums
of several fixed compositions, called abbara or peetike. This may last for up to an hour before the
actors finally arrive on the stage. The actors wear resplendent costumes, head-dresses, and face
paints.[5]
A performance usually depicts a story from the "Kavya" (epic poems) and the "Puranas"
(ancient Hindu texts). It consists of a story teller (the bhagvatha) who narrates the story by singing
(which includes prepared character dialogues) as the actors dance to the music, portraying elements
of the story as it is being narrated. All components of Yakshaganaincluding the music, the dance,
and the dialogare improvised. Depending on the ability and scholarship of the actors, there will be
variations in dances as well as the amount of dialog. It is not uncommon for actors to get into
philosophical debates or arguments without falling out of character. The acting in Yakshagana can
be best categorized as method acting.[citation needed] The performances have drawn comparison to the
Western tradition of opera. Traditionally, Yakshagana will run all night.
Yakshagana is popular in the districts of Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina
Kannada, Shimoga and Kasaragod.[6]Yakshagana has become popular in Bangalore in recent years,
particularly in the rainy season, when there are few other forms of entertainment possible in the
coastal districts.[3]
History[edit]
Main article: List of Yakshagana plays in the Kannada language
Origins[edit]
The Stree Vesha, or female roles, are performed by male actors in traditional Yakshagana. Uloopi Mantapa
Yakshagana can refer to a style of writing, as well as the written material itself. There are questions
on whether this writing system originated in Telugu literature. It was probably used for poems
enacted in bayalaata (or open theater drama), such as the ballads of Koti and Chennayya."
Yakshagana in its present form is believed to have been strongly influenced by the Vaishnava Bhakti
movement.
The first written evidence regarding Yakshagana is found on an inscription at theLakshminarayana
Temple in Kurugodu, Somasamudra, Bellary District, and dated 1556 CE, a copy of which is
available at the University of Madras.[7] The inscription mentions a land donated to the performers of
the art, so as to enable people to enjoy tala maddale programs at the temple. Another important
piece of evidence is available in the form of a poem authored by Ajapura Vishnu, the Virata Parva,
inscribed on a palm-leaf found at Ajapura (present day Brahmavara).[7] Another historic palm-leaf
manuscript, dated 1621 CE, describes Sabhalakshana.[7]
Yakshagana bears some resemblance to other members of the 'traditional theater family:' Ankhia
Nata (found in Assam); Jathra (in Bengal); Chau (Bihar, Bengal);Prahlada
Nata (Orissa); Veedhinatakam & Chindu (Andhra); Terukoothu Bhagawathamela (Tamil Nadu),
and Kathakkali (Kerala). However, some researchers have argued that Yakshagana is markedly
different from this group.[citation needed]
Experts have placed the origin of Yakshagana somewhere in the period of the 11th to 16th centuries
CE.[8] Yakshagana was an established performance art form by the time of the noted Yakshagana
poet, Parthi Subba (c. 1600).[4] His father, Venkata, is attributed by some to be the author of the great
Hindu epic, Ramayana, although historian Shivarama Karantha counters these claims (made most
notably by historians Muliya Thimmappa and Govinda Pai)[9] and argues that it is Subba, who was in
fact its author.[4] Venkata is the probable founder of the tenkuthittu (southern) style of the art. [citation needed]
Troupe centers, such as Koodlu and Kumbala in the Kasaragod District, andAmritheshwari, Kota
near Kundapura, claim to have had troupes three to four centuries ago, indicating that the art form
almost certainly had begun to take shape by circa 1500.
The Yakshagana form of today is the result of a slow evolution, drawing its elements from ritual
theater, temple arts, secular arts (such as Bahurupi), royal courts of the past, and the artists'
imaginationsall interwoven over a period of several hundred years.[8]
Early poets[edit]
Early Yakshagana poets included Ajapura Vishnu, Purandaradasa, Parthi Subba, and Nagire
Subba. King Kanteerava Narasaraja Wodeyar II (17041714) authored 14 Yakshaganas in various
languages in the Kannada script.[10][a] Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar (17941868) also wrote several
Yakshagana prasanga, including Sougandhika Parinaya.[10][b] Noted poet, Muddana, composed
several Yakshagana prasangasa, including the very popular Rathnavathi Kalyana.
Evolution[edit]
In the 19th century, Yakshagana began to move away from the strict traditional forms. Practitioners
of the day produced a number of new compositions. Also, a large number of troupes arose across
coastal Karnataka.
The early 20th century saw the birth of 'tent' troupes, giving performances to audiences made up of
common people who were admitted by ticket. These troupes were responsible for the
commercialization of Yakshagana. The genre saw major changes in form and organization. Electrical
lights replaced the gas lights; seating arrangements improved; the inclusion of folk epics, Sanskrit
dramas, and fictional stories formed the modern thematic base of the discipline. Popular
entertainment became the criterion, replacing the historic classical presentations. Tulu, the language
of the southern part of the D.K. district was introduced; increasing popularity with the common
people.
At this time, writer Kota Shivaram Karanth, experimented with the dance form by introducing
Western musical instrumentation. He reduced the time of a Yakshagana performances from 12
hours to under three hours, incorporated movie plot lines, and added Shakespearean themes.
[11]
Today, female artists perform in Yakshagana shows.
Parallel forms[edit]
Panar Vesha, an imitation of Yakshagana (photo taken at Vandar Kambla, Udupi district)
Yakshagana is related to other performance art forms prevalent in other parts of Karnataka and the
neighboring states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu andMaharastra.[12] Yakshagana defies
simple classification into categories such as folk, classical, or rural. It can be included in each or all
of these, depending upon the rules used for classification. It is more varied and dynamic than most
dance forms. Yakshagana can, however, be classified as one of many traditional dance forms. While
it prevails primarily in the coastal areas of Karnataka, other dance forms (such as Doddata) are
today often called by the same name. Several forms of traditional theater Mudalpaya (of southern
Karnataka); Doddata (of northern Karnataka); Kelike (on the border with Andhra Pradesh);
and Ghattadakore (of Kollegalin the Chamarajnagar District), may be included in this category.
Among them, the Ghattadakore is a direct branch of the coastal form of Yakshagana,
while Mudalapaya is the most closely connected form.[citation needed]
Yakshaganamu in Andhra Pradesh[edit]
There is a form called Yakshaganamu in Andhra Pradesh, which exhibits some resemblance to the
Yakshagana forms of the Karnataka plateau region[13] and is less sophisticated as a visual art.[14]
Badagutittu[edit]
Tenkutittu[edit]
One of the traditional variations, the tenkutittu style, is prevalent in Dakshina Kannada, Kasaragod
District, western parts of Coorg (Sampaje), and few areas of Udupi district. The influence of Karnatic
Music is apparent in tenkutittu, as evidenced by the type of maddale used and in bhaagavathike.
Yakshagana is influenced more by folk art blended with classical dance aspects. In tenkutittu, three
iconic set of colors are used: theRaajabanna, the Kaatbanna, and the Sthreebanna.
The himmela in the tenkutittu style is more cohesive to the entire production. Rhythms of the chande
and maddale coupled with the chakrataala and jaagate of the bhaagavatha create an excellent
symphonic sound. The dance form in tenkutittu strikes the attention of the audience by 'Dheengina'
or 'Guttu'. Performers often do dhiginas (jumping spins in the air) and will continuously spin
(sometimes) hundreds of times. Tenkutittu is noted for its incredible dance steps; its high flying
dance moves; and its extravagant rakshasas(demons).
Tenkutittu has remained a popular form and has its own audience outside the coastal areas. The
dharmasthala and kateelu durgaparameshwari melas (the two most popular melas) have helped to
popularize this form. Several creative tenkutittu plays have been composed by noted scholars, such
as Amritha Someshwara.[17]
Puppetry variant[edit]
There were more than 30 string-puppet troupes in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district during
the period 19101915 in places such as Basrur, Barkur, Kokkarne, Mudabidri. [18] The presentation of
the puppetry in Yakshagana style is highly stylized and adheres strictly to the norms and standards
of Yakshagana. The puppets (generally 18 inches high) wear costumes similar to those worn by live
actors of Yakshagana, and have the same elaborate make-up, colorful headgear, and heavy
jewelery.[19] The puppeteer is known as the Suthradhara. The content in the Yakshagana puppetry, is
also mainly drawn from the ancient epics.[18][19]
Background of puppetry[edit]
Yakshagana puppetry has existed for centuries. The modern form of the art, however, was largely
molded by the brothers Laxman, Narasimha, and Manjappa Kamath; who hailed
from Uppinakudru village, Kundapur taluk. Devanna Padmanabha Kamath, the grandson of Laxman
Kamath infused new life into the art and performed shows all over India. Later, Kogga Devanna
Kamath improved this subgenre even further, being recognized with the Tulsi Samman and Sangeet
Natak Akademi Awards. His son, Bhaskar Kogga Kamath, is currently performing shows while
training others in the art of Yakshagana puppetry.[20] K. V. Ramesh is a leading puppeteer from
Kasaragod. He leads the Yakshagana puppet troupe Shri Gopalakrishna Yakshagana Gombeyata
Sangha.[citation needed]
Ballet variant[edit]
The second half of the 20th century saw experiments and adoptions of this art into other venues.
One notable effort was that of Shivarama Karantha, who produced and exhibited Yakshagana ballet,
using and training local artists.[21][22] Some of the changes brought about by Karanth, however,
attracted criticism.[23] One legal decision even banned any public performance of his experimental
ballets being billed as "Yakshagana."[citation needed]
Important components[edit]
Raga[edit]
Main article: Yakshagana Raga
Yakshagana Rga refers to melodic framework used in Yakshagana. It is based on pre-classical
melodic forms that comprise a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is founded.
Ragas in Yakshagana are closely associated with a set of melodic forms called mattu. In the
Yakshagana tradition, rgas are associated with different times of the night throughout which the
Yakshagana is performed.
Tala[edit]
Main article: Yakshagana Tala
Yakshagana Tala (Sanskrit tla) are frameworks for rhythms in Yakshagana that are determined by a
poetry style calledYakshagana Padya. Tala also decide how a composition is to be enacted by the
dancers. It is similar to tala in other forms of Indian music, but differs from them structurally. Each
composition is set to one or more talas, rendered by the himmela percussion artists play.[2][17]
lost to time. There is evidence showing that oral compositions were in use before the 15th century.
The narratives of the surviving historic Yakshagana Prasangas are now often printed in paperback. [14]
A kings costume (raja vesha) with kireeta(or headgear); the mace is used as an abstract depiction of a weapon
Yakshagna costumes are rich in color. The costumes (or vesha) in Kannadadepend on characters
depicted in the play (prasanga). It also depends on the Yakshagana style (tittu).
Traditionally, Badagutittu Yakshagana ornaments are made out of light wood, pieces of mirror, and
colored stones.[25] Lighter materials, such as thermocol, are sometimes used today, although
ornaments are still predominantly made of woodwork.
Yakshagana costumes consist of headgear (Kirita or Pagade), Kavacha that decorates the chest,
Buja Keerthi (armlets) that decorate the shoulders, and belts (Dabu)all made up of light wood and
covered with golden foil. Mirror work on these ornaments helps to reflect light during shows and add
more color to the costumes. Armaments are worn on a vest and cover the upper half of the body.
The lower half is covered with kachche, which come in unique combinations of red, yellow, and
orange checks. Bulky pads are used under the kachche, making the actors' proportions different in
size from normal.
The character, Bannada Vesha, is used to depict monsters. This often involves detailed facial
makeup taking three to four hours to complete. Males play the female roles in traditional
Yakshagana. However, more recently, yakshagana has seen female artists, who perform in both
male and female roles.
The character of Stree Vesha makes use of sari and other decorative ornaments.
Instruments[edit]
Maddale[edit]
Main article: Maddale
The maddale is a percussion instrument and, along with the chande, is the primary rhythmic
accompaniment in the Yakshagana ensemble.
Taala (Bells)[edit]
Yakshagana bells or cymbals, are a pair of finger bells made of a special alloy (traditionally five
metal). They are made to fit the tone of the bhagawatha's voice. Singers carry more than one set, as
finger bells are available in different keys, thus enabling them to sing in different pitches. They help
create and guide the background music in Yakshagana.
Chande[edit]
Main article: Chande
The Chande is a drum and, along with the maddale, is an important rhythmic accompaniment in the
Yakshagana ensemble.
Artists[edit]
Main article: List of Yakshagana artists
Over the centuries, hundreds of artists performed Yakshagana and some of them like Chittani
Ramachandra Hegde,Keremane Shambhu Hegde Naranappa Uppoor, Kalinga Navada gained star
value.
Outside India[edit]
Yakshagana is finding new popularity outside India. Amateur troupes have emerged in California,
USA and Ontario, Canada. Yakshamitra in Canada, Yakshagana Kalavrinda, Yaksharanga in the
U.S. are a few examples of these international troupes.
Yakshamitra performs in Toronto, Canada, and was the first to use local live music himmela for their
performances. The other troupes usually use a recorded background himmela for their shows.
Yakshagana Kalavrinda performs on the east coast of the U.S.
Yaksharanga in the USA started after the visit of Yakshagana artist, Sri Chittani Ramachandra
Hegde. His performance at the age of 74 was so inspiring that art lovers decided to continue his art
thousands of miles away from its home. Sri Kidayuru Ganesh, who accompanied Sri Chittani, stayed
back for a couple of months to train a new generation of Yakshagana artists. The initial result was a
performance of Yakshagana Sudanvarjuna Kalaga. Hegde won the Padmashri Award in 2012 for
his lifetime contribution to the art. Yaksharanga has since performed many shows around California.
A Yakshagana Troupe, "Shri Idagunji Mahaganapati Yakshagana Mandali, Keremane," headed by
Shri Keremane Shambhu Hegde and Shri Keremane Shivanand Hegde, toured the U.S., and
performed more than 22 programs throughout North America. The troupe visited 12 countries.
Mela or troupes[edit]
There are about 30 full-fledged professional troupes, and about 200 amateur troupes in Yakshagana.
Professional troupes go on tour between November to May, giving about 180-200 shows. There are
about one thousand professional artists and many more amateurs. Further there are off season
shows during the wet season, the anniversary shows, school and college students Yakshagana and
of course the Talamaddale performances. Yakshagana commercial shows witness 12,000
performances per year in Karnataka generating a turnover of Rs. Six crore. [27][28]
Town/Villag
e
Kumble
Date
Started
Date of
closure
(if any)
Main sponsor
19th
century[citation
Thenkuthittu
(T) or
Badaguthittu
(B)
Free or
Ticket
Donation
needed]
Karki Hasyagara
Mela
1850s[7]
Soukooru Mela
Kamalashile
Mela[7]
still
performing
Sri Braahmi
Durgaparameshwari
Temple
Donation
Halady temple
Free/donation
Ticket
Ticket
Devotees'
Halady
1980s
Still
performing
Saligrama
1980s
Still
performing
Amrutheswari
Early 20th
Still
century[citation performing Amrutheswari temple
needed]
Makkala Mela[7]
1973
Saligrama
Dharmasthala
Mela
19th
century[citation
still
Sri Kshetra
Town/Villag
e
Date
Started
needed]
Date of
closure
(if any)
performing
Main sponsor
Thenkuthittu
(T) or
Badaguthittu
(B)
Dharmasthala
Free or
Ticket
donation
Kudlu Kutyala
Mela
Suratkal Mela
Ranjadakate
mela
From Shimoga
Dist.
Sasthana
Kateel Shri
Durgaparameshwari
Temple
Goli Garadi[7]
Kateel Mela
1867[29]
still
performing
Idugunji Mela[7]
1934
still
performing
still
performing
Sri
still
Anathapadhmanaabha
performing
Temple
Ticket
Ticket
Donation,
Hosanagara
Mela
Perduru Mela[7]
19831984
Kondadakuli
Mela
Maranakatte
mela[7]
still
performing
Sri
Brahmalingeshwara
Donation/Ticket
s
Town/Villag
e
Date of
closure
(if any)
Date
Started
Main sponsor
Thenkuthittu
(T) or
Badaguthittu
(B)
Temple
Mandarthi
Mela[7]
still
performing
1950s
Durgaparameswari
Temple
Keremane Mela
Devotee
Bappanadu
Durgaparameshwari
Temple, Mulki
Bappanadu Mela
Kondadakuli
Madana Vesha
Free or
Ticket
Devotees'
donation
Thulu Yakshagana
Bhima in Yakshagana
Bhima
Gajamukhadavage Ganapage
Bannada Vesha
Poothini
Veerabhadra (Thenkuthittu)
Akrura vesha
Akrura
Bannada Vesha
Badaguthittu vesha
Parvathi artist
Hanumantha
Notes[edit]
1.
Jump up^ This King of Mysore was deaf and dumb, but knew several languages.
2.
Jump up^ Mysore kings often gave patronage to various forms of performance artists
References[edit]
1.
2.
^ Jump up to:a b Prof. Sridhara Uppura; 1998; Yakshagana and Nataka Diganta; publications.
3.
^ Jump up to:a b "The changing face of Yakshagana". Online webpage of The Hindu (Chennai,
India: The Hindu). Retrieved 2007-09-06.
4.
^ Jump up to:a b c Dr. Shivarama Karantha; Yakshagana Bayalaata; Harsha Publications; 1963;
Puttur, South Canara, India.
5.
6.
7.
^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g h i j k Martha Bush Ashton, Bruce Christie (1977). Yakshagana, a Dance
Drama of India. New Delhi: Abhinav Publications. p. 21,22. Retrieved August 8,2012.
8.
^ Jump up to:a b "The Hindu- Focus on rural art". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 2005-12-23.
Retrieved 2007-09-06.
9.
Jump up^ Note: This due to what Karantha describes as procedural lapses in their research
and conclusions. Karantha bases his claim on the fact that Venkata was reported to be a bhagawatha
(singer) himself, and is believed to have founded his own troupe.
10.
^ Jump up to:a b Pranesh, Meera Rajaram (2003) [2003]. Musical Composers during Wodeyar
Dynasty (16381947 A.D.). Bangalore: Vee Emm. pp. 37, 38.
11.
Jump up^ Hapgood, Robert; 1983; Macbeth Distilled: AYakshagana Production in Delhi];
"Shakespeare Quarterly;" Vol. 31; No. 3; Autumn, 1980; pp. 439-440.
12.
Jump up^ Growing with Tradition; 14 October 2005 article;Hindu.com; accessed November
2013
13.
Jump up^ "3-day festival to celebrate Karanth's birth centenary". The Times of India. 200212-20. Retrieved 2007-09-06.
14.
^ Jump up to:a b Brandon, James R. (ed.). The Cambridge guide to Asian Theatre (1997 (2nd
reprint) ed.). Cambridge,UK: Cambridge University Press. pp. 115, 116.ISBN 9780521588225.
15.
^ Jump up to:a b Dr. Achar, Palthady Ramakrishna; 2004; Janapada Parisara; Puttur; "Supriya
Prakashana;" p.68
16.
^ Jump up to:a b Classical Indian Dance Directory; Narthaki.com; accessed November 2013.
17.
18.
19.
^ Jump up to:a b Gosh, Banerjee, Sampa, Utpal Kumar; Banerjee, Utpal K., (2006). Indian
puppets. New Delhi: Abhinav publications. p. 78. ISBN 9788170174356. Retrieved16 August 2012.
20.
Jump up^ "Award for achievement". Online webpage of The Hindu(Chennai, India: The
Hindu). 2006-03-07. Retrieved2007-09-06.
21.
Jump up^ K.S., Upadhyaya (12 May 2001). "Sri Naranappa Uppooru". Udupi:
Yakshagana.com. Retrieved 21 August2012.
22.
23.
24.
Jump up^ Prof Sridhara Uppura; Diganta Sahitya publications; Managalore; 1998.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
Jump up^ Yakshagana Costumes of Karnataka; "The Craft and Artisans"; accessed
November 2013
Jump up^ The Hindu-Yakshagana Kendra has effectively popularised the art form
Jump up^ "Open study-chairs for research on Yakshagana".Online webpage of The
Hindu (Chennai, India: The Hindu). 2007-07-09. Retrieved 2007-09-06.
Jump up^ "Traditional touch in theatre". The Telegraph (Kolkata). Retrieved 2007-09-06.
Jump up^ http://portal.kinnigoli.com/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=3066&catid=13:english-fiction&Itemid=37