HISTORY  OF  KATHAK 

 HISTORY  OF  KATHAK 

1.ORIGIN

2. Ancient Era

3.BHAKTI ERA

4.MUGHAL ERA

5. BRITISH RAJ ERA

6.MODERN  ERA:-

History Of Kathak Is Very Huge .The most studied version of the Natya Shastra text consists of about 6000 verses structured into 36 chapters. The text, states Natalia Lidova, describes the theory of Tāṇḍava dance (Lord Nataraja ), the theory of rasa, of bhāva, expression, gestures, acting techniques, basic steps, standing postures – all of which are part of Indian classical dance including Kathak. Dance and performance arts, states this ancient Hindu text, are a form of expression of spiritual ideas, virtues and the essence of scriptures.
वेदवेदाङ्गविद्वांसस्तथैवाध्यात्मचिन्तकाः |
चौक्षाश्च भगवद्भक्ताः सूताः पौराणिकाश्च ये ||२||
कथकाश्चापरे राजञ्श्रमणाश्च वनौकसः |
दिव्याख्यानानि ये चापि पठन्ति मधुरं द्विजाः ||३||
Followed by the scholars of the Vedas and Vedangas, and by those who ponder on their soul,
by persons skilled in music, by the devotees of Bhagavata, (...)
by Kathakas (reciters of the sacred lore), by dwellers of forests, (...)
by those who sweetly recite celestial histories.

Kathak is a classical dance form that originated in Northern India. It is usually accompanied by Hindustani Classical Music, though many different types of Kathak compositions have been created with music from around the world. This makes Kathak dance a unique blend of the ancient with the modern, and offers an  unlimited scope for creativity. It is a creative outlet that lets you experience the richness of traditions that are centuries old while blending them with modern tastes and sensibilities.

ORIGIN:-

The name "Kathak" is derived from the Sanskrit words "katha" which means story and "kathakaar" which means story-teller. The name "kathakaars" was later shortened to "kathaks" to describe these story-tellers and this form of story-telling. References to "kathaks" have been found in ancient scriptures dating as far back as the 4th century BC and also in various texts and scriptures throughout the course of history.

ANCIENT ERA:-

As the name implies, this dance form originated in the temples of ancient North India, where the priests would recite and emote out mythological stories and accompany them with hand gestures and facial expressions. This form of story-telling was adopted by story-tellers in temples, streets and various gatherings and evolved into an early version of the dance form that was passed on from generation to generation.

BHAKTI ERA:-

The Bhakti Movement during the medieval age brought new influences of devotion and love to Kathak. Dances to stories of Radha-Krishna and other Hindu Gods were incorporated into the dance form.  Bhakti style of music by saints and teachers of that era also infused into Kathak.

MUGHAL ERA:-

In the Mughal Era, Kathak experienced a metamorphism and was brought to the courts of the Mughal kings. The Persian influence added intricate footwork, spectacular spins and exquisite expressions that are the major characteristics of the dance form as we know it today. The music and musical instruments used to accompany the dancers were also influenced by the Persian music and  culture.

BRITISH RAJ ERA:-

Different Gharanas or Schools of Kathak were formed in the later part of the Mughal Era and continue till modern times. The most popular ones are the Lucknow Gharana, Jaipur Gharana and the Benaras Gharana. Each have their own distinguishing style.
The Lucknow Gharana was formed by the descendants of Bindadin Maharaj, who was brought to the Mughal court by Wajid Ali Shah, Nawab of Awadh in the early 19th century. This gharana is characterized by grace or nazakat, emoting or abhinaya and elegance and intricacies of movement and footwork.  Pt Birju Maharaj is the seventh generation of this illustrious gharana.
The Jaipur Gharana was formed by dancers brought to Rajput courts in Rajasthan. This gharana sees an increased use of the Pakhawaj, "parans" that use pakhawaj bols  and overall more emphasis on "Nritta" or the technical aspect of Kathak.

MODERN  ERA:-

The post-independance era in India brought a lot of the respect and recognition to Kathak. The Indian government promoted and
facilitated various classical dance forms and provided support and opportunities for many classical dancers to practice and propagate their art. Many reputable Kathak schools were established throughout India as well as among non-resident Indian communities throughout the world. Each Kathak dancer has lent their own style, identity and newer dimensions to this art form. They have experimented with music, themes, costumes, presentation styles and formats to make Kathak a truly international art....an artistic confluence of modernity and  tradition!

According to Mary Snodgrass, the Kathak tradition of India is traceable to 400 BCE.The earliest surviving text with Kathak roots is the Natya SHASTRA, attributed to sage Bharata , and its first complete compilation is dated to between 200 BCE and 200 CE, but estimates vary between 500 BCE and 500 CE.

The 2nd century BC panels found in Bharhut  show the dancers in a vertical stance with their arms' positions already suggesting today's Kathak movements. Most of the dancers have one arm near the ear in a ''pataka hasta'' (Mudras ). In subsequent years, the hasta was lowered to the bust level.

The term Kathakas in the sense of "storytellers" appears in ancient Hindu texts, such as the Mahabharta :

Bards, actors, dancers, songsters and musical reciters of legends and stories are mentioned hundreds of times in the Hindu