Gharanas in Kathak Dance in India
After decline of Mogul rule & proliferation
of small principalities, Kathak dancers went to villages or in
search of patronage under Nawabs (Muslim rulers) & Hindu Rajput
kings. Lucknow & Jaipur became two major centers of Kathak
in India.
Lucknow Gharana
The Lucknow gharana of Kathak dance came into
existence in the beginning of the 19th century & attained
maturity & perfection in the court of Wajid ali Shah. Lucknow
gharana was greatly influenced by Muslim culture & traditions.
In addition it was also influenced by "Rahas"
dancers from Mathura & Braj (i.e.rasdharis, who specialized
in the Lord Krishna Lila) & Kashmiri Bhands.
The founder of the most illustrious Lucknow gharana was revered
Ishwari Prasad ji. Prakash ji the grand son of Ishwari Prasad
ji was appointed court dancer during the reign of Nawab Asafudaula.
He & his son Durga Prasad ji were eminent dancers who also
taught Kathak dance to Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. It was his reign
during which Music & Dancing flourished in an unprecedented
manner.
Character & specialty
In Lucknow gharana emphasis is on Salami Rukhsaar Gat, Short tihaies.A
typical performance of Lucknow gharana unfolds gradually through
several stages, each stage establishing a tempo & dynamic
quicker & more intense than the last.
The slow invocations to the gods (vandana/paran) are followed
by several sections of abstracts pieces (that, Amad & then
much faster tempo tukra, tora & paran).
• Gat Nikas: The dancer suggests a series
of animal or human characters using chal (Walk) & poses.
• Gat Bhava: Through gat bhava (expressions)
the dancer brings thumri, ghazals Dadra.
• Jugalbandi: Through Jugalbandi the dancer
often enters into playful rhythmic competition with their tabla
accompanists in the form of duet where one imitates the other,
trying constantly to outguess opponent. The ultimate aim is to
develop creative improvisation with the accompanists.
• Tarana: Through Tarana the dancer emphasizes
both technical & expressive aspects of dance.
Benaras Gharana
The distinguish feature of this gharana is Nritts,
dance bol of tabla or pakhawaj are never employed. Benaras gharana
does not emphasize on the speed but believes in executing steps
& movements in slow & moderate tempo with graceful precision.
