SHUTRADHARI OF MANIPURI RAAS LEELA

Manipuri Raas Leela is one of the major Indian classical dance forms, originating from the state of Manipur. It is one of the greatest cultural achievements of the traditional Vaishnavism adhering Meitei people of Manipur. Owing to the Meitei civilization, the classical dance form, first formally developed by Rajarshri Bhagyachandra, one of the King of Manipur, is considered to be the highest spiritual expression of the worship of Hindu deity Krishna and the theme is based on Prem Bhakti Rasa experience of divine love that expressed through dance particularly within the context of devotional practices. The main objective is to explore and highlight the important role of Shutradhari in Manipuri Raas Leela. The study has adopted an observation method including participant and non-participant approaches, images and interviews of different Shutradhari of Manipuri Raas Leela. They have specific attire that complements the overall aesthetic of the performance. Shutradhari plays an essential role in enhancing the cultural authenticity and visual spectacle of the dance performance of Manipuri Rass Leela. The attire reflects the rich heritage and aesthetic sensibilities of Manipuri culture while complementing the narrative and thematic elements of the Raas Leela. This study intends to demonstrate the ongoing significance and evolution of this distinctive narrative device in both traditional and modern contexts by placing the Shutradhari within the larger framework of Manipuri dance performance traditionally and in Vaishnavite philosophy. A traditional dance style with roots in Manipur's Vaishnavite culture is more than just a show, it is a cultural and spiritual manifestation of the love between Radha and Krishna. Keywords: Manipuri Raas Leela, Shutradhari, Vaishnavite Culture, Manipuri Culture