FOLK THEATRE

NAQQALS

It is an old form of Drama displaying the art of mimicry. It resembles the Bhavai of Gujarat the Tamasha of Maharashtra and Swang of Haryana. Various actors, males and those in the guise of females perform in an open arena. The Naqqals collect events and episodes from their surroundings and reproduce them in a humorous manner. The main thrust of their humor is satire, which regales the audience. In the princely states of Punjab the Naqqal performers were rewarded with Jagirs (estates), elephants and other offerings.