Etymology
Kaap means 'kavya' (verse) and Aal means 'part of the verse'. Another meaning of the word Aal is 'sharp'. The word Kaap is also one of the many meanings of 'sam' - a distorted form of gesture in the arena, or an image of a humorous comedian or social ugly subject.Ghosh, Binoy, ''Paschim Banger Sanskriti'', (in Bengali), Volume III, First Edition, Prakash Bhawan, Page 69.Form
Alkap is an amalgamation of music, dance and theatrical presentation. An alkap group of ten to twelve performers is led by a ''sarkar'' (master) or ''guru'' (leader) and includes two or three young men called ''chhokras'', one or two ''gayens'' or singers, ''dohar'', choristers, and musicians. Alkap is presented in five parts: ''Asar Vandana'', ''Chhora'', ''Kaap'', ''Baithaki Gaan'' and ''Khemta Pala''. The programme is a reflection of rural society and puts the focus on the prevailing socio-economic condition of the rural masses.In popular culture
Syed Mustafa Siraj's novel ''Mayamrdanga'' is about an Alkap team.References
{{Bengali Hindu people Bengali culture Culture of West Bengal Bangladeshi culture