Kritika Dutt
India is a land of cultural diversity, and its unique people and states have a rich history and past that makes them a subject of great interest. Let’s throw light on the traditions and roots of India’s diverse culture, especially when it comes to the classical dances of India. There are primarily 8 classical dances recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, which is the apex body of performing arts. Kathak is one of the famous classical dances of north India, as the origin of major schools or Gharanas of Kathak took birth here. There are three major Gharanas of Kathak, namely Lucknow, Banaras, and Jaipur Gharana; in addition to this, there is one more, namely Raigarh Gharana founded by Raja Chakradhar Singh; each one has its speciality and can be recognised easily by the movements, speed, and expressions performed by a dancer. The intricate footwork, postures, hand movement, spins, understanding of laya, tala, and expressions together constitute the making of a great Kathak dancer. The Kathak tradition of India is traceable back to 400 BCE. The earliest surviving text with Kathak roots is the Natya Shastra, attributed to Sage Bharata. It is also said to be as old as the Aryan Civilization of the North. This dance is said to have been first performed in the temples in the form of a story, as it was heavily influenced by Raslila. According to some scholars, it is also believed that Kathak originated from Raas, performed by Lord Krishna, in which small compositions called bolas were used like Ta Thai Tat, Takit Dhikit, Dhilang, To Tat, etc., which are very similar to Kathak dance’s bolas; hence it is said to be a part of Raas. The dance form that evolved was later on performed in the courts of Mughal emperors as a form of entertainment, but we need to note that Kathak is a dance form that is filled with grace and precision; it has a mathematical system that is followed to make a bandish or a composition. The most important part of a composition is to get it to finish at the sum, which is the first beat of any composition. Kathak has its own language, which an ordinary person might not understand, but the beautiful expressions and movements are enough to keep them hooked.
In contemporary times, this dance form has revolutionised and has gained the utmost respect. People from all over the globe have developed an interest in knowing more about this dance form, as many believe it to be a path to liberation and peace, a connection to the Almighty, irrespective of gender, caste, or religion. Even when it comes to making Kathak a career option, there is a lot of scope and avenues one can utilise to achieve success. Moreover, the Ministry of Culture provides scholarships to young artists in different cultural fields, and kathak is one of the categories, wherein each year numerous students gain scholarships to continue their training or pursue research in this field. Awards like Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Padma Shri, and the National Nritya Shiromani Award also increase the appreciation for this dance form.
The educational institutes that provide undergraduate degrees for passionate Kathak enthusiasts are Banaras Hindu University, the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Bangalore University, the Institute of Music and Fine Arts (JU), the Punjabi University of
Patiala, the GCW of Panjab University (Chandigarh), the Raja Man Singh Tomar Music and Arts University of Gwalior, and many more. The comprehensive study in the development of Kathak with different perspectives, not just in India but all over the world, has been a key trend and has contributed a lot in the academic world. One can excel in this field by gaining expertise through rigorous practice and certifications, apart from educational degrees. The career opportunities are massive, and since it is not the common profession your parents direct you to opt for, it remains rather unexplored and very offering.
The impact of Kathak on international relations is also huge, as it promotes cultural exchange and understanding in different cultures as well as plays a vital role in educating about the historical relevance of such traditional art forms and how they relate to the modern age and its impact upon relations between different countries and geopolitical intersections. For instance, Indian dancers are invited to perform in embassies of different countries where they participate in spreading knowledge about Kathak and our tradition through their performances and speeches, thus making it global. International bodies like UNESCO have expressed support for World Kathak Day and have advocated for more support for initiatives that showcase Indian art forms. In addition to this, if we talk about unemployment and job insecurity in today’s world, driven by factors like technological advancements, globalisation, economic fluctuations, and industry shifts, we encounter that making professions in art forms like kathak, which cannot be replaced by technologies like AI anytime soon, offers job security and a scope to innovate and experiment, offering the creation of different realms of employment like psychotherapy through kathak, cultural ambassadorship, Kathak makeup artist, stage designer, freelancing, Kathak choreographer in the film industry, costume designing. All of these areas have rather less competition and can help one be successful and unique and offer them a platform where they love what they do rather than your common 9-5 job that won’t satisfy your drive and compel you to be ordinary.
Kathak dance is not just a mere side hobby; it has the power to transform, transcend and revolutionise the existing norms and beliefs and generate the power to express oneself through art and tradition, it can heal, inspire, and generate employment, giving one an upper hand in being his own boss and helping the ones who struggle or suffer. It is a noble pursuit that requires more and more awareness in order to embed its footprints and help those who need it to transform their lives.