Chhau in Purulia and the Mask-Making
Purulia, the westernmost district of West Bengal, boasts a stunning natural landscape with rivers winding through lush hills and dramatic rocky outcrops framing thunderous waterfalls. Amidst this natural beauty lies a rich historical tapestry, with countless ancient temples scattered across the district. Moreover, Purulia is renowned for its intangible heritage—the celebrated Chhau masked dance. In 2010, Chhau earned a prestigious spot on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and also secured a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Chhau, a semi-classical dance form, fuses folk and traditional elements with martial arts influences. While Purulia is a prominent hub, Chhau finds expression in Seraikella (Jharkhand) and Mayurbhanj (Odisha) as well. These three regional variations offer unique insights into the art, with decorative masks being a distinctive feature in the Purulia and Seraikella forms.
The masks created for Chhau dance performances in Purulia captivate with their diverse range of characters, expressive features, vibrant hues, and captivating ability to mesmerise. These masks adorn doorways, embellish walls, and seamlessly blend into the local scenery, becoming an integral part of the landscape.
Where the Masks are Made
Charida, a tranquil village nestled beneath the towering Ayodhya Hills, is famously referred to as “Mukhosh Gram,” signifying its role as the heart of Chhau mask crafting in Purulia. Here, spanning several generations, nearly a few hundred families have dedicated themselves to the intricate craft of mask making. Along the village road, workshops belonging to these skilled artisans can be spotted on either side. Adorning the outer walls of these workshops are strikingly adorned masks that greet visitors with a fierce, demonic gaze. The workshops themselves, though modest in size, exude an elegant charm.
Makers of Chhau Masks in Charida
The credit for popularising the mask-making tradition in Charida goes to Buddeshwar, revered as the pioneer mask maker of the village. In honor of his invaluable contribution, Charida proudly boasts a statue erected in his name. Buddeshwar’s legacy is marked by a significant milestone in this craft’s history: his creation of the first male and female masks, christened Kirat and Kiratani, which symbolised the divine forms of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Today, the mask makers of Charida showcase their remarkable versatility by crafting masks that span not only traditional representations but also contemporary figures, including prominent political personalities.
Types of Masks made by the Mask Makers
Adorned deer heads, a hallmark of Purulia’s master mask makers, merit a place in a museum celebrating the artistry and skill of folk communities. A golden-hued deer mask serves as a dancer’s prop, reenacting a scene from the religious epic, the Ramayana, where a demon assumes the guise of a golden deer to approach Sita in the forest. Elaborate Chhau demon masks coexist with simpler ones, echoing the charm and simplicity of this art form, combining clay, paper crafting, and traditional painting techniques. The village grounds serve as the stage for Chhau dancers, with stories drawn from well-known epics and mythological tales deeply embedded in India’s cultural fabric. The audience revels in narratives featuring epic battles and the ultimate triumph of the gods and goddess.
The Art of Mask Making
The mask-making process remains largely unchanged. It starts with layering 8 to 10 sheets of soft paper, soaked in diluted glue, onto a mould. A unique mud and cloth layer is added, followed by sun-drying. Clay is meticulously shaped by hand to create facial features, and then vibrant colors, along with bead, ribbon, artificial flower, and leaf embellishments, adorn the masks. Finally, holes for the nose and eyes are carefully drilled to complete the process.Over time, Chhau masks have evolved. Raw materials have shifted, with traditional reeds and ropes giving way to plastic. Natural dyes have been replaced by synthetic paints. Artists now often craft smaller, less intricate masks, perfect for adorning apartment walls. These pocket-friendly creations enjoy high demand.
What is happening Today?
Today, masks are readily available in numerous shops that double as workshops and showrooms. Dancers from Odisha visit to procure these masks for their performances. Beyond their role as dance accessories, Purulia masks have transformed into decorative wall pieces, souvenirs, and integral elements of decor, gracing the interiors of expansive stores and airports alike.
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