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Dance

Chholiya

छोलियाAlmora & Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand · India

Kumaoni sword-and-shield martial procession dance of the central Himalayas performed at Rajput wedding barat processions with brass turi horns.

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The tradition & historical record

1 min read · 6 cited sources

Dating back a thousand years to the Katyuri and Chand dynasties of Kumaon in Uttarakhand, Chholiya dancers carry forged triangular brass shields and curved talwar swords at the head of mountain wedding processions. [1]

Accompanied by dhol-damau percussion, ransingha S-shaped copper horns, and bagpipe-like mashakbeens. [2]

Transmission & Custody

Documented custodians and practitioner lineages: Kumaon Chholiya Troupes of Almora, Bageshwar & Pithoragarh.

Sources on Record
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What is still undocumented in this room

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Active Practitioner Census
Current guild- or locality-level count of active masters and apprentices awaits a cited survey.
Field Audio & Notation
CC-licensed performance audio or rhythmic notation is not yet linked to this record.
Vernacular Bibliography
Regional-language monographs and local academy catalogues remain open for citation.

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