kathak ( from the ganga- yamuna tahzeeb)

                               KATHAK

                                           FROM THE GANGA- YAMUNA TAHZEEB



The graceful dance of north india, origin 'kathak' 'kahave', the one who tells stories is kathakaar or katha. Also known as 'NATWARI NRUTYA'. Kathak is one of the most charming dance fprm of india. 

This dance form from uttar pradesh, central india.
It's origin- devadasis in mughal court.
Kthak evolved during bhakti movement. It includes the childhood and stories of the lord krishna.

THEMES- The themes of kathak revolve around stories of RAMAYANA, MAHABHARAT, and                                   KRISHNA.

Apart from this, kathak encompasses presentations on manifold subjects.
'Raslila of braj is quite akin to kathak'. ' A solo dance form but group compositions on themes with perfect synchronization steal the heart. 


UNIQUE FEATURES-  LASYA PREDOMINATES.
   
     Kathak is world famous for it's spectacular footwork, amazing spins, nazakat and padhant (chanting of bols, toda, tukdas by dancer himself and then performing).
This is the distinctive feature of kathak. It's creates a nexus between the dancer and audience.

It communicates stories from the great epics and ancient mythology through dance, thier hand movements and foortwork and through their facial expression, songs, and music.




Thia dance form highlights therhythmic foot movements, adorned with small bells (ghungroo) and the movements in context to the music. The heavy ghungroos are worn by dancers - 100/ 200/ 250 on one leg.





There is a wide variety of sounds are hidden in these ghungroos like- Runningn train, heavy rains, sound of horse and riding ( ghode ki chaal) and much more. This adds more beauty to the performance.


The legs and torso are generally straight and the story is told through a developed vocabulary based on the gestures of arms and upper body movement, stage movements, facial expressions, bends and turns.

The major focus of the dance becomes the eyes and the foot movements.


GHARANAS/ SCHOOLS-  Kathak found in three distinct forms, called gharanas from where kathak                                                   dance evolved- Raigarh and banaras gharana, lucknow gharana, jaipur                                                       gharana. 
These schools are named according to the geographical area in which they developed.




COSTUME AND MAKEUP-  Sari, ghangra- choli, chudidar frock- jacket, dupatta for women and men                                                    can wear chudidar kurta and dupatta tied at the waist.

This dance- drama may costumes as per the character. Makeup is not much heavy but is quite sharp and fine to reflect the expressions. A bun or long plaits with garland looks beautiful. Mostly white- yellow pearl ornaments are used. 




MUSIC AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS-  Hindustani music- lyrics may be in hindi, brij, sanskrit or                                                                           any other regional language.

Music instruments- Pakhawaj, tabla, sarangi, sitar, harmonium, flute, sarod etc. are used.



PATRONS-  The period of nawab wajidali shah was a golden age for kathak. He himself was a great                           artist and extensively promoted katha.

 The king of raigarh raja chakradhar singh who himself was a kathak dancegave birth to raigarh gharana of kathak- greatest contribution to kathak.

Achhan maharaj, shambhu maharaj, gopi krishna, pandit birju maharaj and many more artists gave their priceleass contribution in kathak.





Kathak kendra delhi a constituent body of sangeet natak academy and many other Government and private institutes all over the world stive hard continuously for the taining and promotions of kathak.

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