Tamasha (Folklore Studies)

Tamasha is a traditional form of Marathi theatre, often with singing and dancing, widely performed by local or travelling theatre groups within the state of Maharashtra, India. It has also been the subject of several Marathi films. Some Hindi movies have also included Tamasha-themed songs, known as Lavanis, in the past. The word ‘Tamasha’ is originally from Persian, meaning a show or theatrical entertainment of some kind. Colloquially the word has come to represent commotion, or any activity or display with bustle and excitement, sometimes in the sense of "a tempest in a teacup."

        Traditional Tamasha is influenced by many Indian art forms and draws from such diverse traditions as kaveli, ghazals, Kathak dance, dashavatara, lalit and kirtan. There are two types of Tamasha: dholki bhaari and the older form, sangeet baari which contains more dance and music than drama. In Maharashtra, the Kolhati groups are traditionally associated with the performance of Tamasha.

            History reveals that this art form perhaps existed or came to be known during reigh of Adil Shahi and this art form was also konwn as Tamashagir and writers of these form are known as Shahirs. Again, influence of Urdu langauge is high in Tamasha. However, 'Gammath' a part of Tamasha had become popular among Muslim rulers. A reference of the same is made by Sant Gyaneshwar in Thirteenth Century in his literature.

            This art form was performed by low caste community and also watched mostly by them. It is also said that, High and Upper caste people seldom viewed this art form and viewing Tamasha was considered as committing sin. Even the instruments used like Dhol or Dolki and Tuntune were not used by upper caste. In the sense, upper caste did not learn to play these instruments. If a upper caste individual wanted learn these instruments were not allowed to learn. Like playing of ‘Nadaswaram’ was strictly restricted to Barber community in South India-especially Tamil Nadu. Women are dressed in traditional saree in bright red or green worn in Maharashtrian style called 'Kachi', hair tied like a juda with flowers covering it, wearing lots of bangles and tying ghoongaroos. Maharashtrian NOSE PIN called NATH is an important ornamnets worn by the women. Men also wear dhothi, kurtha, traditional caps and play instruments.

            Today the performance of Tamasha has incorporated modern text, prose, music, sound system and the traditional Sardar has totally disappeared. Again, both Tamasha has influenced Cinema and vice versa.