Kathak

Kathak

Notes

• Origin: North India. Derived from katha (story), as performed by kathakars (storytellers) in temples.
• Development:
  • Bhakti movement: Raslila (Krishna) in Vrindavan.
  • Mughal era: it moved to the courts, picking up Persian costume, chakkar (spins) and a more secular, entertainment-oriented style.
  • Nawab Wajid Ali Shah (Lucknow) was a major patron.
• Gharanas:
  • Jaipur: emphasises layakari (rhythm), footwork and spins.
  • Lucknow: emphasises abhinaya, grace and subtlety.
  • Banaras: emphasises natwari (Janakiprasad).
  • Raigarh: developed by Raja Chakradhar Singh.
• Features:
  • Straight posture, with no deep bends.
  • Footwork (tatkar) with ghungroos.
  • Compositions: Amad, tukra, paran, tihai.
  • Accompaniment: tabla, pakhawaj, sarangi, with Hindustani music.
  • Tal: Teental (16 beats).
• Exponents: Pt. Birju Maharaj, Shambhu Maharaj, Sitara Devi, Kumudini Lakhia.

Key Points

• Kathak is the only classical dance with both Hindu and Muslim cultural influences.
• Rhythm (laya) and footwork dominate over expression.
• It includes both storytelling and pure dance (nritta).

MCQs

1. The word Kathak is derived from:
(a) Katha
(b) Kala
(c) Kavya
(d) Kirtan

Answers: 1-a

2. Which of the following was a major patron of Kathak at Lucknow?

(a) Akbar
(b) Wajid Ali Shah
(c) Tipu Sultan
(d) Serfoji II

Answers: 2-b

3. Which Kathak gharana is known for rhythmic complexity and footwork?

(a) Lucknow
(b) Jaipur
(c) Banaras
(d) Raigarh

Answers:  3-b