Katha Kahe so Kathak Kahawe…..the one who tells a Katha (story) is called a Kathak.

Kathak originated in the northern regions of the country and is narrative in nature. It probably started as an oral tradition. Mime and gestures were perhaps added later on to make the recitation more effective. Thus evolved a simple form of expressional dance, providing the origins of what later developed into Kathak as we see it today.

It is one of the eight major Indian classical dance forms.Powerful footwork, multiple spins, recitation of syllables,complicated compositions and subtle abhinaya or expressions are few of the specialities of this dance form.Kathak is the only form of classical dance wedded to Hindustani or the North Indian music. Both of them have had a parallel growth, each feeding and sustaining the other.

Kathak dance evolved in the ancient times, from the performances of professional storytellers, known as kathakas. They used to narrate mythological stories, while dancing and singing at the same time.It was affected by the bhakti movement and was performed in temples. The tradition was passed on from generation to generation through Guru Shishya parampara which is based on the unwavering faith in the teacher and determination on the behalf of the disciple to make the mentor’s path his own.

With the introduction of Kathak in the Mughal court, Persian influences also started having an impact on it. The dance form that was performed purely for worship hence forth became a source of entertainment. An exchange of ideas started taking place between the Indian dancers and those from the Middle East. Then, began the gradual shift of Kathak from the other traditional dances. The characteristic ‘chakkars’ (spins) were introduced in the dance form around this time only.

Kathak did see some melancholic times in British Era, however post Independence it has emerged as a distinct dance form. Being the only classical dance of India having links with Muslim culture, it represents a unique synthesis of Hindu and Muslim genius in art.

Schools (Gharanas)
The different styles of Kathak in the pre-independence period developed into the different schools (gharans), namely

Lucknow Gharana

Jaipur Gharana

Benaras Gharana