Behurupiya

Why in news?

• Covid 19 has pushed performers of the behrupiya to poverty.

About behrupiya:

• A behrupiya or bahrupiya is an impressionist in the traditional performing arts of India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
• Behrupiyas, their name derived from ‘bahu-roop’ or ‘many forms’ in Sanskrit, were the original entertainers on streets and in the courts of kings.
• During festivals and religious occasions behrupiyas  disguised themselves as deities.
• It was once common for behrupiyas to make a dramatic entrance at wedding or other festivities dressed as a policeman, priest, or other figure and create a commotion.
• The social norm surrounding these appearances was that the behrupiya usually collected no money if he was detected as an impersonator.
• However, if he was able to successfully convince his audience of his fake identity, he would then reveal it and be awarded a baksheesh for having entertained the group.
• Once popular and widespread, the art form is now in decline with most practitioners living in poverty.

PRELIMS QUESTION

The term “ Behurupiya” is associated with:
(a)A style of Hindustani music.
(b)A style of Painting.
(c)A traditional performing artform. 
(d)None of the above.

Answer to prelims question