Kathak
Kathak is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance. It is known for its storytelling through dance, intricate footwork, and graceful hand gestures, known as mudras. The dance form traces its origins back to the nomadic bards of ancient Northern India, known as Kathakars, who were storytellers and dancers.
History
The history of Kathak is divided into three distinct phases:
- Early Development: It began as a form of oral storytelling accompanied by simple movements. These Kathakars traveled from village to village, reciting tales from ancient Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- Medieval Influence: During the Mughal era, Kathak was patronized by the royal courts. The dance form was influenced by Persian and Central Asian dance forms, introducing elements like the ghazal and thumri. This period saw the inclusion of more intricate footwork and the use of musical instruments like the tabla and sitar.
- British Colonial Period and Modern Era: With the advent of British rule, Kathak faced a decline due to the lack of patronage. However, in the 20th century, it saw a revival through the efforts of dancers like Birju Maharaj, Sambhu Maharaj, and Sitara Devi. The dance form was adapted to stage performances and became more accessible to the public.
Key Elements
- Abhinaya: The expressive aspect of Kathak, involving storytelling through facial expressions, hand gestures, and body movements.
- Nritta: Pure dance, focusing on rhythmic patterns and technical mastery of footwork and body movements.
- Nritya: Combining abhinaya with nritta, where the dancer interprets the lyrics of the songs.
- Gharanas: There are three main schools or gharanas in Kathak - Lucknow Gharana, Jaipur Gharana, and Banaras Gharana, each with distinct styles and emphasis.
- Choreography: Modern Kathak includes innovative choreography, blending traditional movements with contemporary themes and settings.
Performances and Costumes
Kathak performances often begin with an invocation, followed by various items like vandana (devotional piece), thaat (a display of footwork), and tatkar (rhythmic footwork). Dancers wear costumes that are richly embroidered, with traditional attire like the Anarkali or lehenga for women and kurta with churidar for men, often accessorized with jewellery and ghungroo (ankle bells).
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