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Introduction

Ranmale :

This is a form similar to the Ramlila in the north of India. It renders the story of Rama in its particular way. Ranamale does not extend beyond Sattari taluka and some parts of Sanguem taluka Indeed the mass mind does not seem to carry a strong impression of the story of Lord Rama.

Apart from songs related to wedding ceremonies, folk songs seems to be full of the story of Krishna, of other tales of the Mahabharata and of Vitthala and Rakhumai. It is said that the episode of Rama's killing the demoness Tratika is rendered in some places, the performances are found nowhere but the the temple of Mhalsa at Mardol.

There is a little dancing; there is however, a special dance in a martial mood for battle scenes. The accompaniment is shamel (a wooden percussion instrument) and zanj (a kind of cymbals); occasionally the ghumat is added. The form is thoroughly influenced by the Yakshagana of Karnataka.

The Sutradhara enters first; in this form he is called a Bhagavat. Next comes a humorous character called Kodangi; it is traditional for this jester to dance the phugdi. These two characters remain on the stage throughout the performances and the shift properties of the scenes.

The plot moves forward through their dialogue. The costumes are colourful and picturesque. The dialogues are more verse than prose. Neither form of khel admits women; females role are played by men made up like women. It is held that the dramatic form of tiyatra (from "theatre") on the Konkani stage today evolved from the khel.

See Also Other Folk Art Forms of Goa:

( Dashavatara | Dekhni | Dhalo | Dhangar | Fugdi |Ghodemodni | Goff | Kunbi | Mando | Muslam Khel |Ranmale | Samayi Dance | Veerbhadra | Other Folk Dances )