East India Dastangos: Reviving Urdu Storytelling

East India Dastangos is a cultural center in Howrah, West Bengal, committed to the revival of Dastangoi, a 13th-century Urdu oral storytelling art form. Dastangoi, derived from the Persian words 'dastan' (story) and 'goi' (to tell), is a tradition where stories are performed using voice modulation, gestures, and expressions to create a vivid experience for the audience. This unique art form flourished during the Mughal era, particularly in the 16th century, and was a popular source of entertainment in royal courts and public gatherings. The stories often revolved around the adventures of Amir Hamza, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad, blending elements of war, love, magic, and trickery. However, with the decline of the Mughal court and the rise of British colonial rule, Dastangoi began to lose its luster. It is said to have died with the demise of Mir Baqar Ali in 1928. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Dastangoi, with groups like East India Dastangos working to revive and reinvent the art form for contemporary audiences. Founded by Palash Chaturvedi and Zahid Hossain, the group aims to keep the tradition alive through performances and workshops. East India Dastangos had its first public show on July 7, 2017. The name of the group is a nod to the cultural impact of the rulers who made Kolkata their first capital. The center not only hosts performances but also engages in educating the community about the importance of preserving traditional art forms.