Kathak Lucknow Gharana – House of Pandit Birju Maharaj

From the energetic folk dances to the elegant classical dance forms, India is a whole package of pleasure. Kathak dance is a special jewel in this treasure. Among many schools of this classical dance, Kathak Lucknow Gharana is the most popular.

Origins of Kathak Lucknow Gharana

Lord Krishna often mentioned in the reference of performances by “Kathavachak”. According to a legend, Krishna also appeared in the dreams of Shri Ishwari Prashad. He devoted his life to practice and promote Kathak- Natwari Nritya following the instructions of Lord Krishna. He taught his sons the dance form and died at the age of 105. Shri Ishwari Prashad is known as the founder of Kathak Lucknow Gharana.

The teachings of Kathak were generally passed from one generation to another within certain families. Thus three traditional schools or gharanas were born- Lucknow, Banaras, and Jaipur Gharana. Each Gharana has its own unique set of techniques and aesthetics. Today, Lucknow Gharana is the most popular school in Kathak tradition. Its popularity has spread across the globe.

Mughal Impact

Mughals transferred Kathak from temples to Courtrooms and performers from men to women. The Grandson of Ishwari Prashad, Prakash Ji also came to Lucknow and became a performer in the Darbar of Nawab Ashif Uddaula.

Lucknow was a prime center for the artists during the Mughal era. Nawabs were admirers and keeper of arts. From painting to music they nurtured many art forms.

Mughal reign played an important role in promoting and transforming Kathak. The influence of Mughal culture is evident in Kathak Lucknow Gharana. Till this period Kathak was only a dance form to narrate Hindu mythological stories and worship the Divine. But now Kathak became a form of entertainment and pleasure of the Rulers.

Several elements of Kathak including Salaami, Aamad, Thhat, and Tukra are the gift of Mughals. In those times, the women were invited to courtrooms to perform Kathak and entertain the rulers. The rulers were least interested in the mythological tales. They only wanted to see the graceful body movements accompanied by sharp footwork and startling expressions.

The costumes of Kathak were also transformed following the instructions of Lord Krishna. Try to keenly notice the costume style the next time when you see a Lucknow Gharana performance. The accessories are traditional Mughal jewels and the dress, Anarkali Kurta and Churidar is a gift from Islamic culture.

Why Is It Called Kalika-Binadin Gharana?

Maharaj Kalika Prasad and Bindadin Maharaj are doyens of Kathak Lucknow Gharana. The grandsons of Prakash Ji Shaped Lucknow Gharana as you can see it today. Their contribution to the kathak tradition is unparalleled. For this reason, Lucknow Gharana is also known as Kalika Bindadin Gharana.

Kalika and Binadin Maharaj were the experts in composing and performing Thumris (semi-classical vocal music form). They have composed lots of mesmerizing Thumris together. But the reason for their fame was the unique way of presentation. They performed their Thumris with expressive body movements and alluring expressions. They formed a relation between Thumri and Bhaav (expression) which is now a specialty of Lucknow Gharana.

Kathak Lucknow Gharana Speciality

Gat Nikas

In Kathak Lucknow Gharana, the focus is more on Gat Nikas rather than Gat Bhaav. Gat Nikas is a beautiful segment of Kathak developed in Lucknow Gharana itself. The art of graceful walk is an integral part of Gat Nikas. In Gat Nikas the dancer enters in a posture and then starts performing on slow beats. Gradually he leads to fast beats maintaining the same posture and ends the segment on the sam (first beat of a Taal) while maintaining the spectacular stance.

Soft Dance Moves of Kathak Lucknow Gharana

When a Kathak Lucknow Gharana dancer moves his wrists and fingers to change from one hand gesture to another you can see the reflection of a sea wave flowing eloquently. This is just an example of how smoothness is prioritized in Lucknow Gharana. Soft moves and smoothness are the staples of Kathak Lucknow Gharana. 

Pandit Birju Maharaj

Padam Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj has won numerous prestigious awards and is still working for the promotion of Kathak all over the world. His expressions will make you smile and cry with him. His movements will leave you startled, and his elegance will soothe every bit of your heart. He is today the prime member of Lucknow Gharana and a renowned Kathak dancer.

A male Kathak dancer in churidar and frock style kurta with a belt around his waist and Ghunghroo (ankle bells) tied on his ankles has reached and made Kathak reach new heights in the world.

Kathak Lucknow Gharana started with the blessing of Lord Krishna and thus Krishna Raasleela remains an eminent part of the school teachings. With graceful body movements and a reflection of Mughal culture, Lucknow Gharana of Kathak continues to promote the tradition and surprise the world with this extraordinary form of art.