The origins

Manipuri is an Indian classical dance form that has its roots, as its name suggests, in the north-eastern state of Manipur. Manipuri has many differents aspects and the origins of this dance form are steeped in myth and legend. 

It is believed that the original form of Manipuri is known as Lai Harouba. This dance was performed by maibis who were priestesses of the Meitei tribe who acted as the bearers of the faith from generation to generation. The dance, as performed by them, had the myths surrounding creation as its theme and the relationship between the male deity Lai and the female deity Lairembi. 

According to Meitei folklore, when God created Earth, its surface was lumpy and uneven. The seven Lainoorahs danced on the surface of the earth, gently pressing down on it with their feet to make it firm and smooth. Thus, even today, if you observe the Manipuri dance, you will see that the dancers do not stamp their feet vigorously, but place them delicately on the ground. 

There is another myth about the beginning of Lai Harouba. The story goes that when Krishna, Radha and the gopis danced the Ras Leela, Lord Shiva ensured that no one would disturb the beauty of the performance. Hence, when his wife Parvati expressed a wish to be present, he acquiesced and the Ras Leela was re-enacted in Manipur. Down the ages, in the 11th century, during the rule of Raja Loyamba, this dance was performed by Prince Khamba and Princess Thaibi of the Khomal and Mairang dynasties respectively. At this time, it was renamed the Lai Harouba. 

Even the origin of the name 'Manipuri' has its own legend. Manipuris are believed to descendants of the Gandarvas, the dancers and musicians of the heavenly court of the Lord Indra. Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati are said to have dance in the valleys of Manipur accompanied by the Gandharvas. The performance was lit up by the Mani or jewel on the head of the serpent Athishesha. And that is how Manipur got its name. 
 

The style

According to some ancient texts, this dance form was originally called jogai and its circular movements have been likened to the revolution of the planets around the sun. The body movements involved are soft and flowing, requiring tremendous inner muscle control. The movement of the limbs and the torso often represents the figure of eight. Unlike other Indian dance forms that adopt more open and squat positions, Manipuri is characterized by a more compact stance. In Manipuri, hand movements are used decoratively rather than symbolically. The entire body becomes an instrument of expression in Manipuri, which is not restricted merely to facial expressions. Most performances revolve around the theme of Ras and depict the innumerable escapes of Lord Krishna. 

Manipuri gained popularity in the 20th century, when the poet Rabindranath Tagore came out with his own dance dramas. He choreographed the dances himself drawing heavily upon South East Asian and Indian dances like Manipuri.