Paika (Paika Nritya)

Understand

Where Paika (Paika Nritya) comes from

Paika (or Paika Nritya) is the martial folk-dance of the Munda and Oraon tribes of Jharkhand, performed by armed men of the community in the traditional weapons-dance format. The dance-dramatic form is associated with the Munda martial heritage and with the historical resistance of the Adivasis of the Chota Nagpur plateau against outside rule — particularly the revolts of Tilka Manjhi and Birsa Munda against the British. Paika is performed in the Munda ceremonial cycle and at the important festivals of the community (including the Maghe Turuk and the Tusu festival). The dance is closely related to the historic martial training of the Munda warriors and was traditionally performed at the assembly of the village Munda chief.

How it's practiced

Paika is performed by men of the Munda and Oraon community, organised in martial formations with swords, shields, axes and lances. The dancers enact dramatic battle sequences — the marshalling of the warriors, the parade, the mock-combat and the victory celebration. Music is the dhak-dhol of the region, with the rhythmic support of the brass-shehnai and small cymbals. The dance moves through several phases — the formation of the warrior line, the salute of the chief (the Munda-Manki), the charge, the duel, and the triumph. Costume is the traditional Munda-Manki dress with the headband, the dhoti, the bright-coloured turban and the bandolier with the small bells. Performances are held at the central village ground on the festival day.