Kathak – Classical Dance of Uttar Pradesh

Kathak is an important classical dance form of Northern India. It is most popular in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

The word Kathak means the “narrator”. Kathak dance is the art of narration through slick yet sharp body movements. It is accompanied by the traditional instrument Tabla or pakhavaj.

This classical dance was not always as you see it today. The rich and adventurous history of India has helped Kathak dance evolve over the centuries. Today you can rarely find a male Kathak dancer, but not a very long time ago only men used to perform Kathak. Today you think of Kathak as a medium of entertainment but then it was a ritual for worship.

Few elements might have changed but the essence remains the same. Kathak was developed as the art to narrate stories through dancing. The Kathavachak or storytellers used to wander from temple to temple to perform the stories from famous legends such as Mahabharat and Ramayana. As soon as the instruments started playing, the men used to dance in unison imitating the mythological characters.

Kathak Gharanas

Kathak is a classical dance form which is further divided into three unique Gharanas, Lucknow, Banaras, and Jaipur. These gharanas practiced the same dance form with slight variations. The development of gharanas helped in the wide popularity and continuity of dance tradition.

Lucknow Gharana

Lucknow Gharana is the most popular Gharana. This Gharana developed focused on a graceful form of Kathak. The dancers use graceful wrist and hand movements to depict the story.

Pandit Ishwari Prasad is the founder of the Lucknow Gharana. Most notable and famous dancer of Lucknow gharana is Pandit Birju Maharaj.

Banaras Gharana

Banaras Gharana developed on the banks of the holy river Ganga. The renowned dancer Jankiprasad founded this Gharana. This Gharana focuses on stage setting and freely utilizes a more liberal form of Chakkars.

Jaipur Gharana

Jaipur has remained untouched by the Mughal influenced to a certain extent. Hence, this Gharana practices a more pure form of the Kathak. This school was founded by Bhanu Ji Maharaj. Jaipur Gharana utilizes fierce moves with great energy.