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Bhavai

Dramatic Genres

Bhavai, also known as Vesha or Swang, is a popular folk theatre form of western India, especially the state of Gujarat.

Facts
Place of Origin
Gujarat, in western India 1
Notable Example
Jasma Odan, adapted by Shanta Gandhi, alongside Rasiklal Parikh's Mena Gurjari (1953) and C. C. Mehta's Hololika (1956), among the most popular modern Bhavai musicals. 1
Defining Trait
Folk theatre built on subtle social criticism laced with pungent humour, mocking the pompous behaviour of high-caste figures. 1
Connections

Form Of Genre

Drama, Genres
Sources
1. Bhavai (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation (Wikipedia)
  • lead paragraph
    Bhavai, also known as Vesha or Swang, is a popular folk theatre form of western India, especially in Gujarat.
  • Overview section
    Subtle social criticism laced with pungent humour is the speciality of Bhavai.
  • Contemporary performances section
    Jasma Odan based on Gujarati folk tale, written and directed by Shanta Gandhi; Rasiklal Parikh's Mena Gurjari (Mena of Gujarat, 1953) produced by Deena Gandhi and C. C. Mehta's Hololika (1956) were some of the most popular Bhavai musicals of modern times.
  • History section
    Bhavai is believed to have originated in the 14th century. Asaita Thakar is traditionally credited for its origin.
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