Rasdhari was originally a name given to the performers of Raslila. This now signifies a popular form that evolved when the original spread westwards to the adjoining Hadoti and Mewati regions of eastern Rajasthan. Raslila contains episodes from Krishna legend, but Rasdhari incorporated stories from Rama`s life and other myths too.
It occupies a geographical and artistic middle ground between Rasalila and Khyal of Rajasthan, perhaps closer to the latter with its combination of entertaining dance, song, and dialogue. Although it started as a community activity expressing devotional joy, troupes have become professional, performances serving as their livelihood. As in other north Indian forms, an open space at ground level serves as the acting area. There is no provision for furniture. If required, one of the artists functions as a chair or stool. Spectators watch from all sides, the actors entering amidst them and the musicians sitting with the audience.
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