In our previous article we discussed The Art of storytelling through dance and the history of Kathak. In this article we discuss the concept of Gharana and discuss 4 different gharanas of Kathak.

The word “Gharana” literally means “house” and it implies the house of the teacher. It is linked to the very ancient concept of the Guru-Shishya-Parampara (linage of teacher /disciple) certain stylistic and technical features began to fossilise and became hallmarks of a particular school, guru or group of teachers. The different styles are known as gharanas, and these are:

Lucknow Gharana 

The Lucknow Gharana of Kathak dance came into existence mainly in the court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah the ruler of Awadh in the early 19th century. It was in this period that the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak attained maturity, through the efforts of Thakur Prasad Maharaj, the court dancer and guru of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and subsequently by his sons Bindadin Maharaj and Kalka Prasad Maharaj. Kalka Prasad’s sons Achchan Maharaj, Lachu Maharaj and Shambhu Maharaj also contributed to the further development of this gharana style.

The Lucknow style or Kathak dance is characterised by graceful movements, elegance and natural poise with dance. Abhinaya (art of expression), concern for movement shape and creative improvisions are the hallmarks of this style. Presently, Birju Maharaj is considered the chief representative of this gharana.

Jaipur Gharana

The Jaipur Gharana developed in the courts of the Kachchwaha kings of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Importance is placed on the more technical aspects of dance, such as complex and powerful footwork, multiple spins, and complicated compositions in different talas.

Benares Gharana

The Benares Gharana was developed by Janakiprasad. It is characterized by the exclusive use of the natwari or dance bols, which are different from the tabla and the pakhawaj bols. There are differences in the thaat and tatkaar, and chakkars are kept at a minimum but are often taken from both the right and the left-hand sides with equal confidence. There is also a greater use of the floor.

Raigarh Gharana

This was established by the Maharaja Chakradhar Singh in the princely state of Raigarh in present Chhatisgarh in the early 20th century. The Maharaja invited many luminaries of Kathak (as well as famous percussionists) to his court, including Kalka Prasad and his sons, and Pandit Jailal from Jaipur gharana. The confluence of different styles and artists created a unique environment for the development of new Kathak and tabla compositions drawn from various backgrounds.