Kathak Kathak is one of the eight forms of Indian classical dance and originated from Utthar Pradeśh, India. This dance form traces its origins to the nomadic bards of ancient northern India, known as Kathaks, or storytellers. The term Kathak is derived from Kathā meaning story. History: Kathā or story telling were a part of religious functions. The stories were narrated by a group called Kathakas or story tellers. References to the Kathakas are found in epics like the Mahābhāratha, Rāmāyaṇā and books like the Nāṭya Śhāsthra. Kathakas interpreted stories through music and dance. A dance form called Rasa was performed by the Rasadhhārīs. They were a community of artists, who danced in praise of Lord Kriṣhṇa and Rādhhā. Those who performed Rāsa were called Rāsa Maṇḍalis. This dance was accompanied by a type of music called Kīrthan. Those who performed Kīrthan were called Kīrthana Maṇḍalis. Kathak is said to have evolved from Kīrthan music. The Kathak style of dancing imbibed the broad principles laid down by the Nāṭya Śhāsthra and also developed its own style over an extensive period. Under the influence of Vaiṣhṇavism, Kathak adopted at its initial stage, the stories of Rādhhā and Kriṣhṇa, and narrated them through music, dance and drama. Later, when the Muslim rulers extended their patronage, it shifted from its original religious anchorage to a more secular character. The Muslim rulers adopted Kathak performances into their courts and the expectation of monetary rewards for performances worked as an incentive. In consequence the attitude of the connoisseur underwent a change. The artist’s attention was diverted more to giving expression to certain basic emotions rather than deeper aesthetic values. Ability in performance was judged by skilful execution of bodily movements rather than capacity to give expression to ideas. Kathak thus gradually became a source of amusement and lost its … Continue reading Classical Dances of India – Kathak – Compiled by Aarthy Natarajan & Indira Kadambi