Terah Taali is a Rajasthani folk dance from India, performed by the “Kamada” tribe of Rajasthan in India. This “folk dance” has originated from the state of Rajasthan, and involves the use of pots and a sword. This dance is said to be performed in many parts of the state such as Pokhran as a tribute to a local folk hero known as “Baba Ramdev”. In addition, this folk dance is usually performed during festive and auspicious occasions such as a marriage. Furthermore, the costume used in this dance form includes the use of about “thirteen manjeeras” i.e. little brass discs attached to various parts of the dancer’s body.
a. History/origin of the Terah Taali Dance:
The cultural history of this “intriguing” folk dance states that it was first developed by the “Kamada” tribe in Rajasthan. In addition, to this tribal community this dance is also performed by other tribes in the state such as Mirasi, Bhandi, Dholi, Bhat, and Nat. Furthermore, this dance style is considered to be an extremely important ritual at the Baba Ramdev Temple in Runicha, and hence regular performances are witnessed over here.
b. Costumes used in the Terah Taali Dance:
The costume used by a performer in this dance form includes the “Gaghra and Choli”. In addition, attached to various parts of the body of the performer are thirteen “manjeeras” i.e. small discs made up of brass. Furthermore, pots and a sword are accessories also added to the costume so as to make this dance style extremely intriguing.
c. Music used in the Terah Taali Dance:
The music produced for this dance form is essentially via the use of a musical instrument known as “Ektara” i.e. a traditional string instrument. In addition, the sound produced by the “manjeeras” attached to the body of the dancer generates rhythmic beats known as “Terah Taali” (i.e. thirteen beats). It is thus the combination of beats produced by the manjeera and the use of Ektara that then produces the music for this dance form.
d. Training availability and dance technique involved in the Terah Taali Dance:
The dance technique of this folk dance, essentially involves a performer dancing to the beats generated by “manjeeras” attached to the body as well as by those produced by Ektara. In addition, along with the dancing the performer is required to balance a number of pots placed on the head and hold a “sword” in the mouth. Furthermore, since this folk dance is not very popular, and is mainly performed by a few tribal communities in the state there are virtually no specific training centres/schools available for this “fascinating” dance form.