Pandvani is an archaic dance form that conserves the essence and quintessence of the epic Mahabharata. The literal meaning of the term pandavani is hymns and tales of pandavas. The protagonist of the pandavani is none other than the second of the pandavas, Bhima. The focal locus of pandavani is Durg district of Chhattisgarh, and in the adjoining venues of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. There is no convincing evidence of the literal transmission of this art form due to the paucity of experts with the skills of reading and writing in those days. From time immemorial pandavani is solely the prerogative of the male community. The balance was tilted towards the close of the 20th century when the female populace began to sway their importance of dominance in the presentation of Pandavani. Like baul dance of West Bengal and kathak of Odisha Pandavani too plays a dual function – entertainment and edification of spectators.
Interestingly the chief vocalist acts out an entrancing and enlightening schism from the epic to the accompaniment of the mono stringed musical instrument ektara or tambura which is opulently decored with bells and feathers of peacock in one hand and at times kartal in the other hand.As the narration shoots to its peak the tambura becomes the multi symbolic prop representing – bludgeon of Bhima, Stagecoach or archery equipment of Arjuna, long tresses of Draupati etc. Thus the lead narrator singer impersonates himself with the aid of props and fits in the multitudinous roles very adeptly and indiscriminately. Vadamati and kapalika are the two distinct versions of Pandavani. The recital of vedamati is done simply, gracefully and elegantly by squatting on the floor throughout the performance. Kapalika performance is much vibrant and invigorating with the narrator enacting scenes and characters pompously.
No large scale nor detailed stage props or background settings are harnessed for the evolution of the plot. The lead singer is metrically and rhythmically braced by orchestration artists on tabla, harmonium, manjiram and dholak. The assisting vocalists comprise of two or three singers who accompany the main stream non jarringly with their harmonious and calculated ditty. Assorted detrimental factors like urbanization, modernization of media and unprecedented addiction towards the modern cine shows and enticing entertainments paved the way for a sudden and unanticipated diminishing of the number of populus towards pandavani. Forerunners of pandavani like Teejan bai, Habib Tanvir and many others have done their lion’s share in elevating and upthrusting this art form and redeemed it from extinction.
