Kathak

Kathak  is one of the eight forms of Indian classical dance. This dance form traces its origins to the nomadic bards of ancient northern India, known as Kathakars or storytellers. Its form today contains traces of temple and ritual dances, and the influence of the bhakti movement. 

The name Kathak is derived from the Sanskrit word katha meaning story, and kathaka in Sanskrit means he who tells a story, or to do with stories. The name of the form is properly कत्थक katthak, with the geminated dental to show a derived form, but this has since simplified to modern-day कथक kathak. kathaa kahe so kathak is a saying many teachers pass on to their pupils, which is generally translated, she/he who tells a story, is a kathak', but which can also be translated, 'that which tells a story, that is 'Kathak'.

Kathak, a dance form of north India, derives its name from katha (story) since it originated from the devotional recitation by story-tellers or kathakars, who were attached to temples. The kathakars used to tell the story through music and dance. Douring medieval period it recived special patronage from both the Mughal and Hindu rulers.

The most well-known performers of kathak today are Guru Birju Maharaj and Shovana Narain.
 

Share on Google Plus