History and Art and Culture
Context: The article is based on the controversy surrounding dance form, “ Lavani “, which has come under criticism for being ‘vulgar’ and ‘obscene’.
About Lavani:
- Maharashtra folk dance
- The word Lavani comes from ‘lavanya’ or beauty.
- Traditional folk art form in which women dancers wearing nine-yard-long sarees in bright colours, make-up, and ghunghroos perform on dholak beats on a stage before a live audience.
- Lavani has a history going back several centuries
- It attained particular popularity in the Peshwa era in the 18th century.
- Traditionally, performances were held in front of kings or lords, and for the entertainment of tired soldiers resting during breaks in fighting.
- There are several types of Lavani:
- Most popular is the Shringarik (erotic) kind.
Source – Indian Express
