Kathak, major classical dance form of North India, literally means a story teller or kathakar. In ancient India there were 'Kathakars' or bards who used to recite religious and mythological tales along with the accompaniments, music, mime and dance. This classical dance form which had its origin in simple story telling came to be known as 'Kathak'.

What distinguishes kathak from other Indian classical dance forms is its spontaneity, freedom from uniformity and a lot of room for improvisation and innovations. At times there is a sort of concert during which the drummer weaves and plays a complex design which in turn is danced by the dancer, specially in the item which is technically known as 'Jagah Dhikhana'. It is a kind of friendly challenge and competition between the two (dancer and drummer) which is full of innovations and improvisation.

Kathak has been best preserved in the cities of Luknow in Uttar Pradesh and Jaipur in Rajasthan. During the medieval period kathak suffered a lot in stylization and formalization. Persian and Muslim influences made kathak from a temple ritual to a courtly entertainment. During this period it was called as 'Nautch'. Gradually from this the Kathak dance form evolved and gained much of its polish, grace and elegance. The contribution of Luknow Gharana and Jaipur Gharana has been the greatest in the revival of kathak dance form.

LUKNOW GHARANA - It began in later half of 19th century Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Audh was a great patron of Kathak and other arts. He himself mastered the art and became an expert Guru (teacher) of this art form. He learnt the art of kathak from the great kathak exponent Shri thakur Prasad Ji. His brother Durga Prasad Ji was also a great kathak Guru. His son 'Bindadin' kathak to great heights by composing as many as 500 thumaris. His brother 'Kalka Prashad' was also a noted Guru and scholar in kathak. He taught his three sons 'Acchan Maharah, Lachhu Maharaj and Shambhu Maharaj'. The well known kathak maestro 'Birju Maharaj' is the son of Acchan Maharaj.

JAIPUR GHARANA- The Jaipur Gharana goes back to middle of 19th century. Bhanuji was the first noted exponent. It is said that he got his training in this dance form from a saint but it was 'Giridhariji' who became one of the greatest masters of Jaipur Gharana Dance style. His two sons, 'Hari Prashad and Hanuman Prashad' led kathak to new heights of technical brilliance, glory and aesthetic beauty. They were followed by Chiranji Lal, Narain Prashad, Mohan Lal, Jai Lal and Sundar Prashad. Hanuman Prashad was well known for his 'Lasya' (soft or feminine) style of kathak and Hari Prashad excelled in Tandava (hard or masculine) style of kathak.

Luknow Gharana is characterized by its tenderness, grace and bhava (mood) whereas in Jaipur Gharana, emphasize is on adoration, ornamentation and technical brilliance. However both Gharanas have much in common and give equal importance to music, mime and pure dance.

Accompaniments and Costumes

Traditionally the accompanying instruments were pakhawaj (a drum), small cymbals (manjira) and the flute but they were replaced under mughal with the 'Tabla' and 'Harmonium'.
Costumes initially were ghaghra (long skirt), Choli (Blouse) and a veil. Gradually it gave way to churidhar, pyjama and angrakha.

Besides many ornament of gold and silver for head, arms, hands, fingers, waist ,feet, and the small ankle bells are the essential part of adornment. The ankle bells or ghungroos, helps in dancing many complex patterns which are hallmarks of Kathak.