Alkap

Alkap (Bengali: আলকাপ) is a form of Bengali folk performance popular in the districts of Murshidabad, Malda and Birbhum in West Bengal and Chapai Nawabganj, Randajshahi in Bangladesh.[1] It has also spread to the adjoining areas of Jharkhand and Bihar such as Dumka and Purnia.[2]

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Culture of Bengal
History
Cuisine

    Etymology

    Kaap means ‘kavya’ (verse) and Aal is part of the verse.[2] Again, one of the meanings of the word Aal is ‘sharp’. On the other hand, the word Kaap is one of the many meanings of ‘sam’ - a distorted form of gesture in the arena, or an image of a humorous comedian or social ugly subject.[3]

    Form

    Alkap is an amalgamation of music, dance and theatrical presentation. An alkap group of ten to twelve performers is led by a sarkar (master) or guru (leader) and includes two or three young men called chhokras, one or two gayens or singers, dohar, choristers, and musicians. Alkap is presented in five parts: Asar Vandana, Chhora, Kaap, Baithaki Gaan and Khemta Pala. The programme is a reflection of rural society and puts the focus on the prevailing socio-economic condition of the rural masses.[1][2]

    Syed Mustafa Siraj's Mayamrdanga novel is written about an Alkap team.

    gollark: (I can't actually distinguish accents very reliably, which suggests I might not be very good at this stuff)
    gollark: It might be possible to somewhat, with lots of practice, sure, but I can't just trivially alter it massive amounts for... social convenience?
    gollark: You do realise that I can't just pick my accent, right?
    gollark: Yeeeees, apparently.
    gollark: ↓ you

    References
    1. Ahmed, Wakil. "Alkap Gan". Banglapedia. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
    2. "Sudkhor". The Telegraph, 18 July 2003. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
    3. Ghosh, Binoy, "Culture of West Bengal", Volume III, First Edition, Prakash Bhawan, Page 69.
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