Guru Bipin Singha : Populariser of Manipuri Dance and Style
Posted by: Ashim Singha on: November 19, 2007
A few decades ago Manipuri dance was not as popular as the other classical dance forms. But the subtlety of the tender dance form and the variety of the rhythm impressed Rabindranath Tagore so much that he is credited with introducing this enchanting style to the other parts of the world. Renowned gurus were invited to teach this dance form in Tagore’s idyllic institute, Shantiniketan. Gradually the practice of this dance form extended outside the Manipuri community and was practiced with great enthusiasm, especially among the Bengalis. Following that initial period, the individual who can be credited for empowering and popularising the dance form, is Guru Bipin Singha.
Guru Bipin Singha was born on August 24, 1918 in a Bishnupriya Manipuri family deeply involved in Manipuri Culture.
8 Responses to "Guru Bipin Singha : Populariser of Manipuri Dance and Style"
2 | Bimal
December 3, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Mr. Kangleyol please read the article properly and first make your facts right. It is not about the personal life of Guru Bipin Singh. It is about his professional life. And i think you know very well the difference between professional and personal life. And yes, Guru Bipin Singh is married to famous dancer Kalavati Devi. But be clear that it is not that he became famous because he married Kalavati Devi. It is because of Guru Bipin Singh, that Kalavati Devi became famous. And for your kind information he is a Bishnupriya Manipuri. And he is the first person who brought Manipuri dance to the world platform. Will you deny all this. So, please stop writing all this. And Mr Ashim Sinha has written everything true as far as i know. So, i dont know for what reason you felt so annoyed.
Regards…Bimal
3 | Ashim Singha
December 3, 2007 at 7:22 pm
In the whole article there was nothing against Kalavati Devi who is no doubt versatile manipuri artists, but my finding tells it was way back 1955 when Kalavati started to take dance lessons in a systematic way under Guru Bipin Singha and they got married later on. So it was Kalavati Devi who became famous due to Guru Bipin Singha. Whatever claim you make for thr origin and delopment of manipuri dance style, you can not just ignore Bishnupriya Manipuris and their great contribution in the field of popularising Manipuri dance and culture. I hope no one will take this in the other way. Best reagrds.
4 | Rayland Nah
May 21, 2008 at 7:47 am
Hi,
I wish to engage 5 manipuri sword dancer for two months to perform at Singapore during July and August 08. If you able to supply, please send me an email.
Thanks you & Best regards.
Rayland Nah
5 | Amit Sinha
September 26, 2008 at 5:36 am
Guru Bipin Singha is a genius a nd a prolific ststure with all teh requisite skills in him…proud to be his grandson and hope to restore and retain his cultural background and upbringing if not in dance than obviously in songs….
6 | Amit Sinha
September 26, 2008 at 5:43 am
people who are ignorant of this caste and language,better dont call it bullshit or else he or she is a bullshit and underdogged personality who needs to treated as a super nonsense and stupid
7 | Amit Sinha
September 26, 2008 at 5:46 am
however kalabati devi has her own powers of skills and capability who cannot be simply sidelined into a picture being popularised by her guru,husband,Guru Bipin Singha…she is a legend at her own,so hats off to her
8 | Amit Sinha
September 27, 2008 at 5:32 am
people with little knowledge is really dangerous both for a community and for the well being of mankind…because they seem to understand only their particular views rather paying any heed to other’s view as well thereby sidelining into oblivion what he or she authentically is?????????????so,lets not be inhumane by the comments of some unimportant people
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December 2, 2007 at 9:07 pm
YOU BISHNUPRYA HAVE GONE FAR, NOW YOU CLAIM MANIPURI DANCE OF YOUR PROPERTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY DID NOT MENTION THAT BIPIN SINGH WAS MARRIED WITH THE MEITEI FAMOUSE ARTIST KALAVATI??/ GET YOUR FACT STRAIGHT, RIGHT?