Kathak

Subject – Art and Culture

Context – Kathak dancer Pandit Munna Shukla dies at 78

Concept –

It is one of the classical dances of India.
The word Kathak has been derived from the word Katha which means a story. It is primarily performed in Northern India.
It was primarily a temple or village performance wherein the dancers narrated stories from ancient scriptures.
Usually a solo performance, the dancer often pauses to recite verses followed by their execution through movement.
The focus is more on footwork; the movements are skillfully controlled and performed straight legged by dancers wearing ankle-bells.
Kathak is the only form of classical dance wedded to Hindustani or the North Indian music.
Some prominent dancers include Birju Maharaj, Sitara Devi.

Other Classical dances –

1) Bharatnatyam, Tamil Nadu

Bharatanatyam, also known as the mother of all other classical dance styles, is considered as the oldest dance forms in the country India that originated from the temple dancers in Tamil Nadu.
The dance is a pure amalgam of expressions, music, beat and rhythm.

2) Kathakali, Kerala

This one is probably one of the most attractive, dramatic and elaborate forms of classical Indian dance.
Kathakali originated in the south Indian state of Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country during the 17th century.
The artist performing the dance needs to have detailed make-up, wear heavy costumes and, most importantly, work on their gestures.

3) Kuchipudi, Andhra Pradesh

Kuchipudi is considered one of the toughest forms of Indian classical dance that originated in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
The form is considered the toughest because it requires a whole lot of rituals, from lighting the incense sticks to sprinkling holy water and praying to the lord.

4) Manipuri, Manipur

Manipuri dance form originated in the northeastern state of Manipur and is a pure spiritual experience.
This is a theme based classical dance form that depicts Raaslila or the romantic act of the Hindu gods Radha and Krishna. Costumes and makeup plays an important role here.

5) Odissi, Odisha

Odissi dance form emerged from the east Indian state of Odisha and is mainly derived from the ancient Hindu temples in Odisha.
The whole dance is based on gestures and movements or mudras. The dance is performed to express the mythical stories of the Hindu gods, such as Lord Shiva and Surya. It is also considered as the oldest surviving dance forms of India.

6) Sattriya Dance, Assam

The Sattriya Dance of Assam is living tradition of state and one of the eight major classical Indian dance traditions.
Sattriya classical dance form is well appreciated and practiced outside the state as well as outside of Indian mainland.

7) Mohiniyattam,Kerala

Mohiniyattam is another classical dance style from Kerala state and one of the eight principal Indian classical dance.
The Mohiniyattam is a popular dance form with a drama in dance, performed with subtle gestures and footwork.