Who are Behrupiyas?

• A ‘behrupiya’ (or bahrupiya), or impersonator, is a centuries-old form of performing art in some Indian States like Rajasthan, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Gujarat, as also some neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
• Traditionally these behrupiyas used to make a dramatic appearance at weddings or other occasions, dressed as policemen, priests, or other figures, and create a stir among the people, much like a flash mob does today.
• A popular source of entertainment in medieval times for kings and other royal dignitaries, tribe members were also known to be used as spies due to their expertise in disguising themselves. 
• It is said that there were over 350 defined roles for impersonators at one time. 
• Today, with the art form going nearly extinct, most behrupiyas in India are living in abject poverty.

Why in News?

The Covid-19 pandemic has decimated the livelihood of street performers and folk artists.

1. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/india-interior/body-art-a-blast-from-the-past/article9729393.ece