Shumang Leela, a traditional Meitei form of courtyard performance, is facing severe challenges due to ethnic violence in Manipur.
About Shumang Leela:
- Shumang Leela is a Meitei traditional form of courtyard performance, usually performed in Manipur.
- The unique theatre form started as a comic genre for royalty and has evolved into a powerful medium for education, entertainment, and relaxation.
- It serves as a medium to spread awareness among people about social, political, and economic issues.
- This traditional form of theatre is believed to have descended from Lai Haraoba, a ritual of the Meitei community in Manipur.
Gender Roles and Heteronormativity:
- Shumang Leela features men, known as Nupa Shabis, playing all roles of women, and women playing male roles in women’s theatre groups (Nupi Shumang Leela).
- The gender-bending nature of Shumang Leela challenges societal heteronormativity, where the actors taking up roles of the opposite gender are both applauded and ridiculed.
Two Types of Shumang Leela:
- Nupa Shumang Leela: Performed exclusively by men.
- Nupi Shumang Leela: Performed exclusively by women.
About Lai Haraoba:
- Lai Haraoba is a traditional Meitei religious festival of ritual dance and musical theatre, celebrated annually in honour of Umang Lais, the forest deities of Sanamahism.
Ref: Source
| UPSC IAS Preparation Resources | |
| Current Affairs Analysis | Topperspedia |
| GS Shots | Simply Explained |
| Daily Flash Cards | Daily Quiz |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is Shumang Leela?
Shumang Leela is a traditional Meitei form of courtyard performance usually performed in Manipur. It started as a comic genre for royalty and has evolved into a medium for education, entertainment, and spreading awareness about social, political, and economic issues.
What are the two types of Shumang Leela?
The two types of Shumang Leela are Nupa Shumang Leela, performed exclusively by men, and Nupi Shumang Leela, performed exclusively by women.
How does Shumang Leela challenge societal heteronormativity?
Shumang Leela challenges societal heteronormativity by featuring men playing all roles of women and women playing male roles in women’s theatre groups, thereby bending traditional gender roles.
What is the origin of Shumang Leela?
Shumang Leela is believed to have descended from Lai Haraoba, a ritual of the Meitei community in Manipur. Lai Haraoba is a traditional religious festival celebrated annually in honour of Umang Lais, the forest deities of Sanamahism.