Stage or street magic has a long history in India. Popular tricks include the rope trick, Indian basket, Green Mango Mystery, Indian Cups and Ball, and Indian Flying Man.
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Derived from a Latin term 'Magi' which was used to refer to Zorastrians in ancient times, the performance of magic and its practice is in fact historical and very ancient. There would be definite yet varied purposes for the practice of Magic evolved where entertainment, tricks, deception, illusion, cheating in games, fun, etc. have been aimed. Sometimes, in religious context and purpose, it meant to offer social education along with some kind of preaching and healing too. Practice of Magic started to become evident post closure of 17th Century, and eventually India presented some distinct magicians in 18th and 19th centuries. West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Mumbai and some other parts of India have produced few great magicians so far.
P.C. Sorcar is known as the father of modern Indian magic. Some of his specialties included the Rope Trick and the Flying Carpet, and was a prolific author of books on magic in Hindi, Bengali and English languages. On Feb 23, 2010, the Indian government honored him with a postage stamp.
However chronologically, character and eminence of Mohammed Chhel, born 1850 in Ningala, (Bhavnagar, Gujarat) is distinct in the magic world. Mohammed Chhel, very popular regionally, is considered a Mystic and Chhel did not venture into stage shows and such commercial performances. His target audience remained peasants, simple - ordinary people, villagers, train passengers and such a class of society. With his performance/acts he often intended to convey some message of life to people, and he would strive to extend with his acts/magic for the benefit of deprived people. [1] [2] There are also several other popular magicians and their groups in Gujarat, such as one more big name of K. Lal, Pro. Chudasama, and few others.
The grandfather of Kerala's magic is Vazhakunnam Neelakandan Namboothiri. He played an important role in bringing magic as an art. Born in 1903, he learned magic after having watched some tricks shown in his Illam by one Mundaya Eachara Varier. Vaazhakunnam later became famous for Kayyothukkam, although occasionally he performed also "Cheppum Panthum" (cups and balls) to small family gatherings. After 1940 he started real stage performances with his troupe. Apart from magic, the shows included short dance programmes, comedy skits, etc.
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