Where a single step can tell a thousand tales. Discover the ancient art of storytelling through dance.
Before written words filled books, stories traveled on the wind, carried by music and movement. In ancient India, they were brought to life by the Kathakars, the storytellers.
The word 'Kathak' comes from 'Katha'—the Sanskrit word for story. It wasn't just a dance, but a sacred narrative performed by traveling bards, weaving tales of gods and heroes.
With the rise of the Bhakti movement, the dance found a new heart. It moved from village squares to temple courtyards, its stories now focused on the divine love of Radha and Krishna.
Then, a new chapter began. Kathak entered the opulent Mughal courts. Here, under royal patronage, it absorbed Persian influences, evolving into a sophisticated art of pure entertainment and grace.
The soul of Kathak is heard before it is seen. Hundreds of tiny bells, or 'ghungroos,' are tied around the dancer's ankles. They are not mere ornaments; they are the orchestra.
With thunderous precision, the feet strike the floor in complex rhythmic patterns called 'tatkaar.' Each stomp, slide, and tap is a percussive syllable in this language of movement.
While the feet create rhythm, the face tells the story. This is 'abhinaya'—the art of expression. A subtle glance, a flicker of the eyebrows, can convey love, sorrow, or jealousy.
Just as a story can be told in different dialects, Kathak developed distinct styles in different cities. These schools, or 'gharanas,' each have their own unique accent and flair.
Born in the courts of Rajput warriors, the Jaipur gharana is known for its power and speed. It emphasizes lightning-fast spins ('chakkars') and breathtakingly complex footwork.
Nurtured in the poetic courts of Lucknow's Nawabs, this gharana is all about grace, elegance, and subtlety. It focuses on delicate expressions and lyrical movements.
From the spiritual city of Varanasi comes the Banaras gharana. It is often described as the most grounded, using pure dance syllables ('natwari bols') to explore deep spirituality and rhythm.
Under British rule, the dance faced a period of decline, misunderstood and pushed out of public esteem. The vibrant courts vanished, and the Kathakars struggled to keep their art alive.
But a story this powerful could not be silenced forever. In the 20th century, as India fought for its independence, masters and patrons revived Kathak, restoring it as a national treasure.
Among its modern masters, Pandit Birju Maharaj became a global icon for the Lucknow gharana. He believed, 'Dance is beyond gender and age,' and took Kathak to stages all over the world.
The knowledge of Kathak is passed down through the 'guru-shishya parampara,' an unbroken chain from teacher to disciple. This tradition keeps the spirit of each gharana alive and evolving.
Today, Kathak continues to tell new stories. Artists fuse its ancient rhythms with jazz, flamenco, and ballet, proving that this timeless art form still has endless tales to share.
Discover more curated stories