Pandavani

Pandavani is a traditional folk-narrative and musical performance art from the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, based on the epic Mahabharata. The term Pandavani literally means “the story of the Pandavas,” referring to the five heroic brothers from the Mahabharata. This vibrant oral tradition combines storytelling, music, acting, and improvisation, and has been a significant part of the region’s cultural and spiritual life for centuries.
Pandavani performances are characterised by their dramatic narration, rhythmic singing, and expressive gestures, through which the performer brings to life the moral, philosophical, and human dimensions of the epic.

Origins and Historical Background

Pandavani traces its origins to the rural oral traditions of central India, particularly Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. It developed as a way for common people — many of whom were illiterate — to understand and connect with the moral teachings of the Mahabharata.
The tradition likely evolved between the 16th and 17th centuries, as part of the larger Bhakti movement that emphasised devotion, storytelling, and accessible forms of spirituality. Over generations, Pandavani became both a folk art and a communal experience, performed during festivals, religious gatherings, and village fairs.
Historically, the performers were from farming or working-class communities, and the performances reflected rural dialects, humour, and local customs, making the great Sanskrit epic relatable to everyday life.

Meaning and Etymology

The word Pandavani is derived from:

• “Pandava” – the protagonists of the Mahabharata.
• “Vani” – meaning “voice” or “speech.”

Thus, Pandavani literally means “the voice or narration of the Pandavas.” It symbolises the oral recitation and dramatic expression of their stories and struggles.

Performance Style and Structure

A Pandavani performance is a solo act, though the performer is accompanied by a group of musicians. The narrative is built around episodes from the Mahabharata — particularly the adventures of Bhima, Arjuna, Draupadi, and Krishna — and is interwoven with songs, dialogues, and commentary.
Key elements of a performance include:

1. The Narrator (Gayak):
   • The main performer, traditionally male but now often female, who sings and enacts the story.
   • The narrator assumes multiple roles, switching between characters through voice modulation, expressions, and gestures.
2. Musical Accompaniment:
   • Instruments such as the tambura (or ektara), tabla, harmonium, manjira, and kartal provide rhythm and melody.
   • The tambura, held by the performer, serves not only as a musical instrument but also as a symbolic prop — representing weapons like Bhima’s mace or Arjuna’s bow.
3. Improvisation:
   • A defining feature of Pandavani is the performer’s spontaneous creativity. The artist often includes local humour, contemporary references, or social commentary to connect with the audience.
4. Language and Expression:
   • The narration is delivered in the Chhattisgarhi dialect, rich in rhythm, humour, and emotion.
   • Performers rely heavily on facial expressions, body movement, and hand gestures to convey drama and emotion.

Styles of Pandavani

There are two principal styles of Pandavani performance — Vedamati and Kapalik — which differ in presentation and tone.

1. Vedamati Style:
   • A more restrained and traditional form.
   • The performer sits and narrates the story in a composed, devotional manner.
   • It emphasises storytelling over dramatization.
2. Kapalik Style:
   • A highly expressive and theatrical style.
   • The performer stands, moves around, and enacts the roles of different characters.
   • It is lively, humorous, and often interactive with the audience.
   • This style was popularised by legendary performer Teejan Bai, who brought Pandavani to international fame.

Themes and Content

While the Mahabharata forms the foundation of Pandavani, the narratives often highlight universal human experiences and moral questions such as:

• The conflict between dharma (duty) and adharma (injustice).
• The values of truth, loyalty, and sacrifice.
• The struggles of ordinary people mirrored in the epic heroes’ challenges.

Performers sometimes adapt episodes to reflect contemporary social issues like gender equality, corruption, or communal harmony, keeping the art form relevant to modern audiences.

Costumes and Stage Setting

The staging of Pandavani is simple yet powerful:

• The performer typically wears a traditional sari or kurta, sometimes adorned with ornaments symbolising characters or weapons.
• The stage is minimalistic — a stool, a few musicians, and the performer’s tambura are enough to create the illusion of a vast mythological battlefield.
• The focus remains on the performer’s expression and narration, not on elaborate sets or props.

Prominent Exponents

1. Teejan Bai:
   • The most celebrated Pandavani artist, credited with popularising the art globally.
   • Born in the Ganiyari village of Chhattisgarh, she broke social barriers as a woman performing a traditionally male-dominated art form.
   • Her powerful voice, dramatic style, and command over the Kapalik form brought Pandavani to national and international recognition.
   • Recipient of major awards including the Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2003), and Padma Vibhushan (2019).
2. Ritu Verma, Usha Barle, and Shanti Bai:
   • Other notable performers who have contributed to the preservation and spread of Pandavani, particularly among younger generations.

Cultural and Social Significance

1. Preservation of Oral Tradition:
   • Pandavani continues the age-old Indian tradition of storytelling, preserving collective memory and cultural identity.
2. Education and Moral Instruction:
   • The performances convey ethical lessons and spiritual insights in an accessible, entertaining format.
3. Folk Identity and Regional Pride:
   • Pandavani is a hallmark of Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage, symbolising the spirit and creativity of its people.
4. Women’s Empowerment:
   • Artists like Teejan Bai have transformed the art form into a space of empowerment, challenging gender stereotypes in rural society.
5. Cultural Diplomacy:
   • Through international tours and festivals, Pandavani has become an ambassador of Indian folk art on the global stage.

Modern Adaptations and Revival

In recent decades, Pandavani has evolved beyond rural performances to reach urban and global audiences. Modern initiatives include:

• Integration into theatre and television productions.
• Documentation by cultural institutions such as Sangeet Natak Akademi.
• Introduction into school and university curricula as part of performing arts education.
• Use of digital media and online platforms to reach new generations.