Kathak History and Gharanas

Kathak is a major classical dance form of Northern India. The word Kathak comes from the original Sanskrit word "Kathakar" which literally means a story teller. “Katha” means a story and Kathakar means a storyteller. "Katha kare so Kathakar", which meant "one who tells a story is a storyteller". Traditionally these story tellers were both men and women, a woman storyteller was known as "Kathika" and a male storyteller was "Kathaka". These so called nomadic bards of ancient northern India, performed in village squares and temple courtyards, mostly specialized in recounting mythological and moral tales from the scriptures, and embellished their recitals with hand gestures and facial expressions. It was quintessential theatre, using instrumental and vocal music along with stylized gestures, to enliven the stories.

With the advent of Mughal culture, Kathak became a sophisticated chamber art. Under the patronage of medieval rulers and Nawabs a class of dancing girls and courtesans emerged to entertain the palaces and courts. Medieval traditions imparted Kathak a distinct Hindu-Muslim texture. Patronized by art loving rulers, the practitioners of Kathak worked at refining its dramatic and rhythmic aspects, delighting elite audiences with their mastery over rhythm and the stylized mime.

Lucknow, Banaras and Jaipur are recognized as the three schools, or gharanas, where this art was nurtured and where the interpretative and rhythmic aspects were refined to a high standard.

The following pages describe hisory and gharanas in more detail.

• History of Kathak
  
  Kathak dates back to Vedik times. when epics of Rigveda, Mahabharata and Ramayana were composed. Indian Dance School explores history of Kathak - a major Classical Dance from India.
• Kathak Lucknow Gharana
  
  The Lucknow Gharana of Kathak was developed in the courts of the Nawab of Oudh. It particularly emphasises grace, elegance and naturalness in the dance. Gauri Jog is a prominent Kathak dancer in USA.
• Kathak Jaipur Gharana
  
  The Jaipur Gharana of Kathak was developed in the courts of the Kachchwaha kings of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Here is the emphasis is on complex and powerful footwork, multiple spins
• Kathak Beneras Gharana
  
  The Benaras Gharana was developed by Janakiprasad. It is characterized by the exclusive use of the natwari or dance bols. Gauri Jog teaches Kathak at Schaumburg, Naperville and Chicago.
• Comparison of Gharanas
  
  Lucknow, Banaras and Jaipur are recognized as the three schools, or gharanas of Kathak. Gauri Jog is a renowned dancer, choreographer and teacher in north America.