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Difficulty: MediumState Society, Culture, and Heritage

Consider the following statements regarding the traditional folk theatre and performing art heritage of Bhavai:

1. It originated in the fourteenth century through the compositions of the poet and dramatist Asaita Thakar.
2. The open-air performance arena or village ground where the play is enacted is known as the Chachhar.
3. The 'Bhungal', a long copper wind instrument, is played to signal character entrances and regulate dramatic pacing.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A
    1 and 2 only
  2. 1, 2, and 3Answer
  3. C
    2 and 3 only
  4. D
    1 and 3 only

Answer

All three statements (1, 2, and 3) are correct.
All three statements are factually correct. Bhavai was formulated by Asaita Thakar in the 14th century, is traditionally enacted in an open ground called the Chachhar, and relies on the distinctive long copper wind instrument called the Bhungal to structure the theatrical pacing and cue performers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate statement 1 regarding the historical origin and founder of Bhavai.
Statement 1 is correct.
Bhavai, the popular traditional folk theatre of Gujarat and adjoining regions of Rajasthan, was initiated in the 14th century by Asaita Thakar, an Audichya Brahmin poet-priest who composed numerous vesicular plays (veshas).
2
Evaluate statement 2 regarding the spatial setting of Bhavai performances.
Statement 2 is correct.
Bhavai does not require an elevated stage; it is performed at ground level in an open-air public enclosure or courtyard known as the 'Chachhar' (or Chachhar chowk), where a sacred boundary is drawn for the actors.
3
Evaluate statement 3 regarding the signature musical instrument used in Bhavai.
Statement 3 is correct.
The 'Bhungal'—a four-foot-long copper or brass straight trumpet—is the primary aerophone of Bhavai. Its piercing sound establishes the acoustic atmosphere, heralds entry cues, and punctuates dialogues and rhythmic shifts.

Key Concept

Bhavai Folk Theatre Heritage and Performance Conventions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

State Society, Culture, and Heritage

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