The state of Rajasthan is filled with historical significance and rich cultural backgrounds. The performing arts of Rajasthan generally hail from the tribes of Rajasthan and show the socio-historical scenario that represents the time of when it originated. Kachhighodi dance, also known as Kachhi Gori, is an Indian folk dance that originated in the Shekhawati region in the state of Rajasthan and was adopted and performed in other states of the country.
The word ‘Kachhi’ has much meaning in which two are ‘a diaper’ and ‘belonging to the kutch region’, Ghodi means ‘mare’ and when they are used together it means the imitation of the horse. The dancers wear horse costumes around their waists. Horses have always been a very vital part of war and transportation in Rajasthan. The legend of the Brave Rana Pratap Singh goes untold without the mention of his loyal vehicle- Chetak. Horses, as much as they were the symbol of royal power, were also used by the bandits and highwaymen who found it easy to stop people traveling on elephants or bullock carts with their horses.
The performance of Kachhighodi is set together with the dancers, singers, and musicians. The dancers wear novelty horse costumes and do the mock fight while the musician narrates the folk stories of the local bandit. This is usually performed by professionals at wedding functions to welcome the groom and entertain both sides of the bride and groom, and at social settings.
The Kachhighodi is an art by itself. Two bamboos are tied with two baskets with some space left between them. An artificially made head of a horse is decorated with embroidery. The dancers usually dressed in a white kurta and colorful turban (with embellishments and mirror work on it) adjust the Kachhighodi in between their legs and cover the two baskets with their loose garments. The whole adjustment looks like a real horse with its owner riding over it. The dancers hold swords in their hands while performing. The dancers perform with musical bells tied to the feet using mock fights and the show of swords, nimble sidestepping and pirouetting to the rhythm of the songs accompanied by Dhol and Turohi in such a way that the whole dance presents a picturesque sight of horse-riding. Tales of Bhanwariya bandit are narrated in the songs.
Kachhighodi dance has become the symbol of Rajasthani culture. The bright embellished mare costume brightens the sight of any traditional and festive procession in Rajasthan with the unique form of dancing by the Kachhighodi dancers. Today, the dance of Kachhighodi is prevalent in almost all parts of eastern Rajasthan. It is also in a decaying condition as the artists are not able to support their families, and the number of people appreciating these artforms is decreasing.
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