Alkap Explained

Alkap (Bengali: আলকাপ) is a Bengali folk dance popular in the districts of Murshidabad, Malda and Birbhum in West Bengal and Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi in Bangladesh.[1] It has also spread to the adjoining areas of Jharkhand and Bihar such as Dumka and Purnia.[2]

Etymology

Kaap means 'kavya' (verse) and Aal means 'part of the verse'.[2] Another meaning of the word Aal is 'sharp'. The word Kaap is also one of the many meanings of 'sam' - a distorted form of gesture in the arena, or an image of a humorous comedian or social ugly subject.[3]

Form

Alkap is an amalgamation of music, dance and theatrical presentation. An alkap group of ten to twelve performers is led by a sarkar (master) or guru (leader) and includes two or three young men called chhokras, one or two gayens or singers, dohar, choristers, and musicians. Alkap is presented in five parts: Asar Vandana, Chhora, Kaap, Baithaki Gaan and Khemta Pala. The programme is a reflection of rural society and puts the focus on the prevailing socio-economic condition of the rural masses.[1] [2]

In popular culture

Syed Mustafa Siraj's novel Mayamrdanga is about an Alkap team.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Alkap Gan . 2009-03-22 . Ahmed. Wakil . Banglapedia . Asiatic Society of Bangladesh .
  2. Web site: Sudkhor . https://archive.today/20130203162413/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030718/asp/calcutta/story_2173034.asp . dead . February 3, 2013 . 2009-03-22 . The Telegraph, 18 July 2003 .
  3. Ghosh, Binoy, Paschim Banger Sanskriti, (in Bengali), Volume III, First Edition, Prakash Bhawan, Page 69.