Kamsale dance

Kamsale dance

➧ Kamsale is known as Beesu Kamsale. It is a unique folk art performed by the devotees of God Mahadeshwara.

➧ It is a group dance form performed by the menfolk in villages in the Mysuru, Mandya, Nanjanagudu, Kollegala and Bengaluru areas in karnataka.

➧ The Kamsale nritya is closely connected to atraditiona of Male Mahadevashwara, or Lord Shiva worship by the haalu kuruba/Kuruba Gowsa community. Most of the dancers are also drawn from this community.

➧ The dance is performed to rhythmic ans melodious music that is sung in praise of "Lord Male Mahadeshwara" or "Shiva". The dance is a part of a 'dilksha', or oath and is taught by teacher or spiritual leader.

➧ Kamsale also refers to brass made musical instruments. Its origin is traced to the Mythological period.

➧ The kamsale comprises a cymbal in one hand and a bronze disc in the other and is used to produce a rhythmic clang.

➧ Kamsale is used both as an instruments and also as a copy by the dancers themselves.

Kamsale dance

Kamsale Instrument:

• It is an 11th century percussion instrument and belongs to the category of idiophones.
• It is referred to as Batlu and Kaital a in ancient texts.
• Kamsale resembles the cymbals, is played in pairs and usually made of bronze and, occasionally, in brass.It is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kamsya tala' meaning bronze cymbals.
• The pairs are not identical like the thinner.
• The performers feel that gari denotes the sky while battalu signifies the earth.
• The performers hold the cup-like in the left hand while right hand holds the other piece.
• The kamsale is then struck to produce different sounds.
• There is a projection on the outer surface of one of the piece through which passes a multi-colored string.