Basavaraj Naikar, The Folk Theatre of North-Karnataka

Abstract

India is a land of remarkable diversity. Geographically its terrain comprises snowcapped peaks, lovely lakes and resounding rivers, verdant valleys as also arid plains, inhospitable marshes and infertile lands. Even as this diversity makes the life and people of the country, around 80% of them living in villages lead a quiet life bound by the thread of folklore, legends and myths. While they till their lands to eke out a meager living they look for some entertainment provided by the folk dancers and singers. Almost everywhere folk literature is replete with songs and snatches of love, separations, battles, praise of Nature, adulation of heroes and heroines and encomiums to the prowess and wisdom of gods and goddesses. The folk theatre of Karnataka is no exception.