The biography of Chhau Dance exponent Kumari Bani was released recently.

The book is titled, Chhondobondhone Kumari Bani.

It was released in the presence of Raja Pratap Aditya Singh Deo, Descendent of Seraikella Rajbari, noted linguist Pabitra Sarkar, Educationist Dipankar Dasgupta, Musician Scientist Dr VM Kulkarni.

The book is a grand celebration of the life and accomplishments of the danseuse and has been penned by daughter, Tilottama Das and published by Karigar.

The tradition of Kumari Bani, who is renowned for preserving the delicate dance style Seraikella Chhau Naach, spans several generations. The Mazumdar family, one of Kolkata’s most esteemed creative families, served as a major inspiration for Ms. Tilottama Das as she put together this book. This book is a loving ode to a woman who reinvented conventional dance styles and made her indelible mark on cultural history. Notable author Kamal Kumar Majumdar, renowned artists Nirode Mazumder, and Shanu Lahiri, and nephew Chittrovanu Mazumdar are among Kumari Bani’s siblings.

A dance style known as Seraikella Chhau Naach was exclusively performed by male dancers, and it was restricted to members of the royal family for many years. These gender stereotypes were destroyed by Kumari Bani, who also led the charge to popularise this energetic dance style. “Seraikella Chhau Naach” became more well-known as a result of her efforts on both the national and international levels. In order to further her dancing studies and honor her mother’s desires, Kumari Bani eventually gained admission to Kala Bhavan in Santiniketan. She improved much more as a result of her interactions with Rabindranath Tagore, who used her in several of his dance works. These choreographed performances, overseen by Shantidev Ghosh, added new facets to her artistic development.

The evening was followed by a musical performance by Ajanta Chakrabarti & Payel Kar through songs of Tagore and other luminaries.

The book is priced at Rs 400/- and will be available at Karigar / Kriti Books, Barna Parichay Building, Gate-3, First Floor, College Street.

To order books Call/SMS/Whatsapp @ 9062123456 or visit the shop at College Street, Kolkata.

Priyanka Dutta