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Ojapali
Assam, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, is also known for its invaluable folk, visual and performing arts traditions. One such unique folk dance-drama is Ojapali. The word ‘Ojapali’ is a combination of two terms – ‘Oja’ which shares lineage with the Sanskrit word ‘Upadhyaya’ (meaning the one who propagates the teachings of the Vedas, or a headman), and ‘Pali’ which has evolved from the word ‘Palita’ (meaning an assistant artisan in the context of the art form).
Although the genesis of Ojapali is unknown, there are various versions that explain its origin. According to the Mahabharata, the knowledge of this folk tradition was shared with Uttara by Arjun in the guise of Brihannala. He is believed to have brought the tradition from heaven to earth. However, another version maintains that a woman named Parijat received knowledge and the material accompaniments of Ojapali in her dreams which were later passed on to her disciples. After gaining knowledge of the form, Parijat’s disciples went on to spread the Ojapali music, and the art form thus became popular. In Assam, various towns of the Darrang district like Sipajhar, Mangaldoi and certain areas of Tezpur and Udalguri continue to practise Ojapali.
Ojapali being performed by a troupe. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ojapali performers adorn themselves with the traditional Assamese Gamosa. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Darrang district of Assam emerged as a centre of Ojapali under the patronage of the Koch ruler, Dharmanarayana (1615-1637 CE). It is poet Narayanadeva’s “Padma Purana”, patronised by King Dharmanarayana that became the basis of Ojapali in the Darrang district.
The stories portrayed in Ojapali are also drawn from epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata apart from mythological stories surrounding the Serpent Goddess Manasa. The Byasgoa and Biyahgoa branches of Ojapali are based on the themes of the two aforementioned epics. The troupe, usually consisting of five to six members, skilfully presents the tales with a lyrical cadence, using vivid facial expressions, graceful hand gestures, and synchronised movements to convey the emotions and essence of the story. Ojapali is usually performed in open-air venues, where the public gathers to witness this age-old theatrical performance.
Oja, the leader of the troupe, recites the themes from the mythological stories and epics during the performance. He is assisted by the Palis in the process. Traditionally, a troupe comprises three to four Palis of which the main Pali is the Dainapali (daina implying Dakshin or right). The Dainapali serves as the chief assistant of the Oja, literally his ‘right-hand assistant’ and is the second leader of the troupe. Following the recitation of the Oja, the Dainapali elaborates on the meaning of the verses and further adds humour to amuse the audience. Often, the Oja and Palis assimilate their own tales with the epic stories. Musical instruments like cymbals may also be used to make the performance more aurally appealing.
Scholars of folk literature argue that Ojapali draws various elements from the Kathakata tradition. The Kathakata is a tradition of epic storytelling practised in India, and various performative styles are believed to have originated from it. Ojapali shares conspicuous similarities in terms of its text, structure, and performance with Kathakata. This serves as a reminder that art transcends boundaries and unites people through shared narratives and cultural expressions. Ojapali stalwarts Lalit Chandra Nath and Kinaram Nath have been honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
This art form, with its unique style and rhythmic gestures, reflects the rich heritage of Assam. The gradually dwindling number of practitioners of the art prompts us to preserve our cultural traditions for future generations. In today's fast-paced world, where digital entertainment dominates our lives, Ojapali remains a treasured art form that helps us remain rooted to our shared past.
The most commonly used instrument during the Ojapali performance is a pair of cymbals. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
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