Teratali

(from left)
- Teratali performers
- Mangi Bai performing Teratali
(c) Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi.

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It is performed by a group of female dancers mostly in sitting position, tying small cymbals on their feet up to knee level and striking them rhythmically with hand held cymbals in accordance with music.

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Reasons for selection

A traditional ritualistic performance of Rajasthan, a state in the western part of India. An ancient form having considerable visual appeal and rhythmic variation.

Area where performed

All over the state of Rajasthan, India.

Essential elements of the performing art

Music, Dance

Detailed explanation

It is performed by group of women led by senior experienced leader. The performers sit on the ground in unique squatting position stretching one leg, on which numerous small brass cymbals are tied. They are attired in brightly coloured traditional costumes with their faces veiled. Music is normally provided by the male singers and accompanists along with which, the dancers strike rhythmically the small cymbals tied at the leg with two hand held cymbals tied at the end of a rope. The tempo of music is normally fast and the dancers beat out interesting rhythmic patterns. The accompanying songs often relate to the Lord Krishna episodes.

Simple movements are subtly transformed into pure aesthetic movements which grows in complexity displaying high degree of rhythmic skill, balance and agility, with its progression.

Publication and textual documentation

VATSYAYAN, Kapila
1987 Traditions of Indian Folk Dance.
New Delhi: Clarion Books associated with Hind Pocket Books (first ed.1976).

Audio documentation

Audio recording on tape/cassettes are available at the archives, Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi.

Visual documentation

Video recording available on tape at the archives, Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi.

Institution/organisation involved in preservation and promotion

1. Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi.
2. West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, India

Data provider

Mr. Jayant Kastuar
Secretary
Sangeet Natak Akademi
Address: Rabindra Bhawan, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi - 110001, India