Known for its characteristic music and style, Povadas is essentially a type of Marathi ballad that describes the life and work of a brave Marathi ruler called Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In Indian history, Shivaji is known for his indomitable spirits and for laying the foundation of Maratha kingdom. It is in his honor that these ballads or Povadas are sung, accompanied with rhythmic movements on the sound of small drum, cymbal, tambourine and a stringed instrument known as tuntune.

This ballad-dance performance is typically carried by men who wear traditional style turban, loose upper garment paired with salwar and a colorful waistband tied with side knots.

Povadas, a genre of Marathi poetry, took its form in the latter part of the 17th century. Povadas singers or narrators are referred to as Shahirs. Having a likeness to ballads, this narrative musical performance is usually based on important historical events in order to invoke devotional, heroic and other such feelings in people or audiences. Because the popularity of this folk dance of Maharashtra is rising with people, social and political matters have also become a part of these performances.

History of Povadas

Steeped in Maharashtrian roots, Povadas are composed very interestingly. The main focus of these ballads was the historical events of bravery. It is believed that a large number of ballads are written by people who were present at the time of the events described through these. Of the various ballads, the one composed by Agnidas holds special place in the hearts of the people for its fine narration of the triumph of Shivaji over Afzal Khan. The ballad is called "Afzal Khanacha Vadh".

Another famous ballad is "Tanaji Malusare" by Tulsidas. This ballad speaks of the victory of Marathas over Sinhagad fort by Tanaji and the lines which Shivaji Maharaj had uttered after the death of Tanaji in the battle. Apart from these, one more famous ballad is Baji Pasalkar written by Yamaji Bhaskar. A number of other Povadas were also composed in the time of Peshwa rule by singers like Ram Joshi, Prabhakar and Anant Phandi.

Povadas Costumes

In this narrative song-dance performance, men dress themselves in angarakha or a long, straight cut kurtas (a kind of traditional garment for upper body) and salwar with a colorful waistband. They wear turbans also. Attired in traditional clothes, men perform these ballads to the vigorous beating of tambourine, cymbals and drum along with tuntune. The body movement is maintained to match the mood of the ballad.

Performances

Nowadays, Povadas performances cover not only historical events, but political as well as social incidents too. The main lead of Povadas performance is called Shahir. He begins his singing and dance in the company of other male performers, who are referred to as jhilkari. Jhilkari offer vocal, instrumental and musical support to the enacting Shahir. They use small drum, cymbals, tambourine and tuntune to play music to which the singer sings and dances. In the beginning of the performance, a small prayer is called paying tribute to the Hindu God Ganesha.