Origin and development of styles in Kathak
Subashini PATHMANATHAN
The North Indian classical dance form is known as kathak. Like all
other forms kathak too has different styles. The different styles, or
schools, are known as gharanas in kathak. As in classical Bharatha
Natyam, the so called styles were developed by the gurus stationed in
different areas.
The so called styles are imaginary creations of the masters who
developed certain aspects in dance. Males contributed much to the
development of kathak. Unlike in Bharatha Natyam, males also performed
on the stage since the initial days. Kathak male and female dancers have
different and distinguished costumes of their own. Kathak also
originated in temples. Later it developed in the royal courts. During
19th century Kathak faced a new era. Wajid Ali Shah of Avadh the last
Nawab was a poet, dancer and musician. Though a Muslim ruler he showed
equal attention to Hindu themes. Under his guidance the Lucknow gharana
in Kathak was established with the help of Thakur Prasad and his two
sons.
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Creating
rhythmic patterns |
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Exceptional expressions through Kathak
dancing |
Thakur Prasad and his two sons, Kalka Prasad and Binda Din, served in
Wajid Ali Shah’s royal courts. Binda Din was a gifted poet and his
brother Kalka Prasad was a Thala Exponent. Binda Din composed beautiful
lyrics on Radha Krishna themes. Later Kalka Prasad’s three sons, Acchan
Maharaj, Lacchu Maharaj and Shambu Maharaj, received training under
their uncle Binda Din. With the passage of time under their guidance
beautiful verses, rhythmic syllabus and melodious musical compositions
were introduced. And this gave birth to Lucknow Gharana or style in
Kathak. Now this particular style is famous for expressions, bavas and
graceful movements.
Rhythmic movements of the dance are coordinated with footwork (step
movements) with thala laya instruments like other styles of kathak.
This particular style is known for exceptional expressions. Another
Kathak style is known as Jaipur style. It originated in Rajasthan. This
particular style gives more attention to the rhythmic patterns and
changing speeds fast thrilling movements in the rhythmic patterns and
changing speeds fast thrilling movements in the rhythmic patterns. Still
this style pays more importance to the traditional kavidi toda (The
poetic verses) intermingled with rhythmic patterns. Famous gurus of this
style were Hanuman Prasad and Hari Prasad.
Another gharana is known as Banaras, named after the founder of the
style Janaki Prasad. This dance form follows oral and tabla for pure
dances and prefers a moderate tempo and reveals the graceful movements
in this tradition.
Kathak was preserved in the royal courts by another ruler in Madhya
Pradesh Charander Singh. He wanted to bring the two different styles
together.
Like all other styles of classical dance forms, two different styles
of kathak do not have rigid differences in the basic concept of kathak.
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