Raybeshe

• Author: Aditya Mukhopadhyay
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers 
• Language: Bengali
• Edition: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9789350401156
• Pages: 212
• Weight: 343 gm

Book Description

Raybeshe: Jeevan O Shilpo explores the rich cultural heritage and lifestyle of the Raybeshe dancers of Bengal, primarily from the regions of Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Bardhaman. These artists are often considered the modern-day descendants of Bengal's dacoits (bandits), who were once part of royal armies or bodyguards during the time of the zamindars (landlords). The book delves into their evolution from warriors with improvised bamboo weapons to cultural practitioners of martial dance. With the decline of the zamindar system and the rise of modern weapons, these artists found themselves displaced, with some turning to robbery, while others tried to preserve their traditional art form in the face of change.

The dance form, known as Raybeshe, has been crucial to the martial arts culture in rural Bengal, and the book traces the struggles and efforts of the present-day Raybeshe artists to keep this tradition alive amidst modern influences. The author investigates the challenges, joys, and sorrows of these performers, shedding light on the cultural and emotional significance of Raybeshe in their lives.

Key Highlights:

• Cultural Exploration: Focuses on the Raybeshe dance form, its history, and its importance in the local culture of Bengal.
• Transition of Raybeshe Artists: Chronicles the transformation of Raybeshe artists from warriors to performers and their attempts to adapt to modern times while preserving tradition.
• Rural Bengal’s Cultural Heritage: Offers a unique insight into the rural communities of Bengal and the intersection of culture, history, and survival.
• Author’s Expertise: Written by Aditya Mukhopadhyay, a Bengali language and literature professor with a rich background in local traditions, documentaries, and research on folk arts.

🔹 Main Focus:
Raybeshe: Jeevan O Shilpo brings attention to the folk traditions of Bengal, especially the Raybeshe dance, and the artists’ lives within the context of cultural transformation, identity, and modern challenges.

📖 This book is perfect for:
✅ Cultural enthusiasts and readers interested in folk traditions of Bengal
✅ Researchers and students of sociology and anthropology
✅ Folk art lovers and those fascinated by martial arts and dance
✅ Historians seeking a closer look at rural Bengal’s socio-cultural evolution