«*» RUKHSANA«*» The Lost Art Form of Dastangoi

'LECTURE ON THE LOST ART FORM OF DASTANGOI (URDU STORY TELLING)'

 

A lecture on the lost art of Dastangoi was delivered by Dr. Sabahat Zeejah at Faiz Ghar, Lahore.

 

The word "Dastangoi" is a compound of two Persian words; 'Dastan' means story and 'Goi' means telling. It is a unique form of art that uses no musical instruments, no props or other visual stimuli. Only the story is told. Dastangoi was originated in Asia during 16th century and became a perfect fusion of literature and performance. Dastans were epics, passed on and communicated orally since many generations. The tradition remained popular during the Mughal era and Akbar was known to patron Dastangos (story-tellers) in his court. The stories were about magic and sorcerers, like Dastan-e-Tilism-e-Hoshruba, Dastan-e-Ameer Hamza and Dastan-e-Alif Lailah.

 

It was very common for communities to come together and listen to stories which were narrated by skilled story-tellers (Dastangos). Tales of folk lore, medieval romances, war, heroes and even those built around kings, queens and animals held the audiences spell-bound. The story teller's voice, tone, narrative being the main ingredients of the performance, storytelling was sometimes accompanied by puppet shows. The beauty of the art being that while the main story is interesting to hear, a deeper message of wisdom and advice emerges from it.

 

Dastangoi remained popular till the early 20th century. However, this great form of art is now near to vanish from earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Regards,