ASPECTS OF ANKIYA NAAT BHAONA: MASK, MAKEUP, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, WEAPONS, AND COSTUMES

Abstract [English]

The accompanying elements of the Ankiya Naat Bhaona include masks, make- up, musical instruments, weapons and costumes as well as other performative components. Srimanta Sankardeva, the most venerated Guru ornamented the tradition of Bhaona byWeaving indigenous creative forms and aesthetics available in the traditional corporeal processes like puppet theatre, Kushan Gaan, Oja Paali. The art of making masks has rich historical roots in both India and Assam and the Guru brought new life to mask-making practices while passing on a dignified sharing of it with meaning for Bhaona performances. The eclectic application of makeup to differentiate and embellish characters within his works is also takes special note. Moreover, musical instruments are an essential part of the bhaona and they have a pivotal role in aesthetic and narrative construction as well. To bring this point forward, the way in which weapons are utilized throughout the performances is of great significance to character depiction as well as dramatic presence.