Maruni Dance and its significance

KRISHAK D BARDEWA

The significance of Maruni dance in the northeastern Indian subcontinent, particularly among the Nepali-speaking communities of Sikkim, Darjeeling (now in West Bengal), and parts of Assam, can be explored through various historical phases.

These regions have had significant Nepali populations, and Maruni played an important role in reflecting their cultural identity. Here’s how its significance evolved during different periods:

1. Ancient India (North-East Indian Subcontinent):

Cultural Origins and Folk Traditions: In ancient times, the northeastern Indian subcontinent, including Sikkim, was influenced by various indigenous and folk traditions, with cultural exchanges from Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal. Maruni, deeply rooted in the Nepali culture, likely evolved as a folk dance reflecting the agrarian and spiritual lifestyles of the Nepali-speaking communities, although its reach remained mostly confined to these areas.

Community and Harvest Celebrations: Like other folk dances in the region, Maruni had strong connections to nature, agriculture, and religious festivals. The dance was performed during major festivals like Tihar (Deepawali), marking prosperity, fertility, and gratitude to the gods. Its significance was particularly tied to community bonding and the marking of seasonal cycles, such as harvests.

 Cross-cultural Influences: While Maruni’s origins are Nepali, it possibly absorbed cultural elements from nearby regions like Tibet and Bhutan due to the region’s trade and migration patterns. However, its reach remained localized to Nepali-speaking pockets of the region, which had a historical presence in Sikkim and parts of modern-day northeast India.

2. British-ruled India (North-East Indian Subcontinent):

Introduction of Nepali Migration: The British brought Nepali workers into regions like Darjeeling, Assam, and Sikkim to work in tea plantations and serve in the British Indian army. This migration strengthened the presence of Nepali culture, including Maruni dance, in the northeastern subcontinent. It became more widespread and practiced by growing Nepali communities in the region.

Cultural Preservation Amid Colonial Influence: During British rule, although Western culture and lifestyle were encouraged, indigenous Nepali traditions like Maruni remained strong within the communities. Maruni became a means of preserving cultural identity, particularly in the Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim, where British tea estates employed large numbers of Nepali workers. The Nepali community retained its distinct cultural practices, with Maruni acting as a key representation of their traditions.

Folk Performances and British Interest: Despite the marginalization of local culture under British influence, Maruni became a folk attraction for British tourists visiting the hill stations of Darjeeling and Sikkim. It provided a glimpse into the vibrant culture of the Nepali people, contributing to the unique cultural landscape of these regions.

3. Pre-Independence India (Late British Rule, North-East Indian Subcontinent):

Symbol of Ethnic Identity: In the pre-independence era, the Maruni dance gained even greater significance as the Nepali community in the northeast solidified its identity. As Indian nationalism began to rise, different ethnic groups, including the Nepali-speaking population, began to assert their distinct cultural identities within the colonial system. Maruni was used as a cultural expression to maintain and promote the community’s ethnic pride in regions like Sikkim and Darjeeling.

Cultural Cohesion and Unity: As Indian and Nepali nationalism grew in the late British period, Maruni also played a role in strengthening bonds within the Nepali-speaking communities of the northeast. It served as a unifying cultural force in community events and religious festivals, particularly during Tihar, and maintained a sense of solidarity among the Nepali diaspora.

Interactions with Neighboring Cultures: During this period, Maruni performances in regions like Sikkim also fostered cultural exchanges with neighboring communities such as the Bhutia and Lepcha populations. Though Maruni remained distinctly Nepali, it helped integrate the Nepali community within the broader cultural fabric of the region.

4. Post-Independence India (North-East Indian Subcontinent):

Cultural Recognition and Preservation: After India’s independence in 1947, there was a greater emphasis on preserving and promoting the cultural diversity of the nation. In the northeastern region, where Nepali communities thrived, Maruni was recognized as an important part of the cultural heritage of Sikkim, Darjeeling, and other parts of northeast India. Governmental initiatives to protect indigenous art forms gave Maruni a platform to thrive in festivals and cultural programs, highlighting the cultural mosaic of the region.

Statehood and Nepali Identity: In Sikkim, which became a part of India in 1975, and in the Darjeeling Hills, where Nepali-speaking people played a key role in the region’s identity, Maruni became a significant cultural marker. It reinforced the Nepali heritage in the region, contributing to Sikkim’s unique cultural identity within the Indian union. In Darjeeling, as demands for Gorkhaland intensified, Maruni continued to serve as a cultural expression of Nepali pride and unity.

Tourism and State Promotion: As tourism increased in post-independence India, particularly in the hilly regions of Darjeeling and Sikkim, Maruni dance became an attraction for tourists. It was showcased in cultural festivals and promoted by the state governments as a representation of the vibrant and distinct cultural identity of the region.

5. Present Times (North-East Indian Subcontinent):

Cultural Pride and Modern Adaptations: In modern times, Maruni continues to play a crucial role in preserving Nepali cultural heritage in the northeast, especially in states like Sikkim, Assam, and the Darjeeling Hills. The dance is a source of pride, performed during festivals and public events, and often integrated into larger celebrations of ethnic and cultural diversity in India.

Tourism and Cultural Showcasing: Maruni has become an integral part of the

cultural tourism in Sikkim and Darjeeling, performed during festivals like the Sikkim Tourism Festival or the Darjeeling Carnival. It has also gained national recognition through state-sponsored programs that showcase folk dances of various Indian communities, contributing to India’s cultural diversity narrative.

Gender Inclusion and Global Platforms: With changing social dynamics, women now actively participate in Maruni performances, which were traditionally performed by men in female roles. Moreover, the dance is increasingly being showcased on national and international stages, promoting not only the Nepali identity but also northeastern India’s cultural richness on a global platform.

Conclusion:

Maruni dance in the northeastern Indian subcontinent has transitioned from a local, communitycentered tradition in ancient times to a powerful symbol of ethnic identity and pride during British rule and the pre-independence period. Post-independence, it became a recognized cultural asset, promoted by the state and central governments as part of the region’s unique cultural heritage. In modern times, Maruni continues to thrive, adapting to gender norms, modern performances, and evolving cultural practices while preserving its deep-rooted significance to the Nepali-speaking communities of the region.