Odisha is the only state other than Maharastra that nurtured and patronized an indigenous version of the Tamasha folk form in the different regions of the state. The word Tamasha is derived from the Persian vocabulary meaning fun or entertainment. Some scholars even believe that this form of theatre has been strongly inspired by two forms of Sanskrit drama – the ‘Prahasana’ and the ‘Bhana’.Mughal Tamasha that was evolved in Sangat village as a variation of the traditional ChaitiTamasha performed in Bhadrak region of Odisha state sometime during the later half of 18th century and spread out to other areas of Northern Odisha. This incredible fertile imagination of BanshiBallavGoswami, had created seven works of Tamasha, the most outstanding and unique among them was theMughal Tamasha. The remaining six creations have vanished from popular memory long ago and forgotten completely without any patronage and promotion. Though people remember and get to see occasional performances of Mughal Tamasha, it is also struggling for survival with decreasing public and private patronage and promotion.
Odisha is the only state other than Maharastra that nurtured and patronized an indigenous version of the Tamasha folk form in the different regions of the state. The word Tamasha is derived from the Persian vocabulary meaning fun or entertainment. Some scholars even believe that this form of theatre has been strongly inspired by two forms of Sanskrit drama – the ‘Prahasana’ and the ‘Bhana’.Mughal Tamasha that was evolved in Sangat village as a variation of the traditional ChaitiTamasha performed in Bhadrak region of Odisha state sometime during the later half of 18th century and spread out to other areas of Northern Odisha. This incredible fertile imagination of BanshiBallavGoswami, had created seven works of Tamasha, the most outstanding and unique among them was theMughal Tamasha. The remaining six creations have vanished from popular memory long ago and forgotten completely without any patronage and promotion. Though people remember and get to see occasional performances of Mughal Tamasha, it is also struggling for survival with decreasing public and private patronage and promotion.