Quick Links
Quick Links
UPSC Exams
Latest Update
UPSC Mains Exam Schedule 2025 Bihar Sakshamta Pariksha Admit Card 2025 UP LT Grade Teacher Notification 2025 in Hindi UP LT Grade Teacher 2025 Notification UPSC CMS Admit Card 2025 Out HTET New Exam Date 2025 OTET Admit Card 2025 RRB Railway Teacher Application Status 2025 CSIR NET Exam Date 2025 UPSC DAF 1 2025 UPSC Prelims Result 2025 UPSC IFS Result 2025 8th Pay Commission Salary Hike News UPSC 2024 Prelims Answer Key UPSC 2026 Calendar UPSC Admit Card 2025 UPSC Prelims Result Date 2025 UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 UPSC Prelims 2025 Expected Cut Off UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2025 UPSC Final Result 2025 UPSC Topper Shakti Dubey UPSC Application Rejected List 2025 UPSC Application Date Re-Extended UPSC Notification 2025 UPSC Admit Card 2025 for Prelims UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC IFS Notification 2025
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission
ISRO Space Missions
NVS-02 ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-A ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-B ISRO Space Mission Proba-3 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-N2 ISRO Space Mission EOS-08 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DS ISRO Space Mission XPoSat ISRO Space Mission Aditya-L1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-3 ISRO Space Mission NVS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-07 ISRO Space Mission INS-2B ISRO Space Mission EOS-06 ISRO Space Mission EOS-02 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-24 ISRO Space Mission INS-2TD ISRO Space Mission EOS-04 ISRO Space Mission EOS-03 ISRO Space Mission CMS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-01 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-30 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2BR1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan 2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2B ISRO Space Mission EMISAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-31 ISRO Space Mission Microsat-R ISRO Space Mission GSAT-7A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-11 ISRO Space Mission HysIS ISRO Space Mission GSAT-29 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1I ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6A ISRO Space Mission INS-1C ISRO Space Mission Microsat ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1H ISRO Space Mission GSAT-17 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-19 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-9 ISRO Space Mission Cartosat-2 Series Satellite INS-1A ISRO Space Mission INS-1B ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-18 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DR ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1G ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1F ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-15 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1D ISRO Space Mission Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) ISRO Space Mission GSAT-16 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1C ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1B ISRO Space Mission GSAT-14 ISRO Space Mission Mars Orbiter Mission Spacecraft GSAT-7 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3D ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1A ISRO Space Mission SARAL ISRO Space Mission GSAT-10 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-1 ISRO Space Mission Megha-Tropiques ISRO Space Mission GSAT-12 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-8 ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2 ISRO Space Mission YOUTHSAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-5P ISRO Space Mission GSAT-4 ISRO Space Mission Oceansat-2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-1 ISRO Space Mission IMS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4CR ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4B ISRO Space Mission SRE-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4A ISRO Space Mission HAMSAT ISRO Space Mission EDUSAT ISRO Space Mission IRS-P6 / RESOURCESAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3A ISRO Space Mission KALPANA-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3C ISRO Space Mission GSAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3B ISRO Space Mission Oceansat(IRS-P4) ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2E ISRO Space Mission IRS-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2D ISRO Space Mission IRS-P3 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2C ISRO Space Mission IRS-P2 ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1E ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C ISRO Space Mission IRS-1B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1C ISRO Space Mission SROSS-2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1B ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-D2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1A ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-II ISRO Space Mission Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE) ISRO Rohini Satellite RS-D1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Technology Payload (RTP) ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-I ISRO Space Mission Aryabhata ISRO Space Mission
Home / IAS Preparation / Kathak Dance

Kathak Dance: Evolution, Features, Instruments & Exponents - UPSC Notes

Last Updated on Mar 18, 2025
Also Read Kathak Dance in Hindi
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
Agriculture Notes For UPSC Public Administration UPSC Notes Modern History Books For UPSC Overseas Citizen Of India Caste System & Panchayati Raj Godavari River Federalism In India Indira Point New Development Bank Battle Of Sinhagad Sankalp And Strive Schemes Digital India High Yielding Varieties Economic Growth Development League Of Nations Ease Of Doing Business Mid Day Meal Scheme Wildlife Protection Act 1972 UPSC Notes International Union Conservation Nature

Kathak Dance is one of the eight classical dances in India. Kathak is a classical dance of Uttar Pradesh. It traces its origins from the Ras Leela of Brajbhuoomi. The word ‘Kathak’ comes from the Sanskrit word “Kathakar” which means a storyteller. Where a woman storyteller was referred to as “Kathika” & male storyteller was known as “Kathakar”. The Kathaks were formerly a caste of storytellers who performed in north Indian temples and adorned their acts with gestures and music. Kathak dancers convey narratives through elegant hand gestures, intricate footwork, supple body motions, and notably, powerful facial expressions that can evoke a spectrum of emotions. The evolution of Kathak can be traced back to the Bhakti movement, where it assimilated stories centered around the Hindu deity Krishna and his early years.

The topic of Kathak dance is important from the perspective of UPSC IAS examination and it falls under the General Studies Paper 1 (Preliminary) and General Studies Paper 1 (Mains) under the Indian Art and Culture section. For further information and an explanation of the topic visit UPSC CSE Coaching here!

In this article we shall discuss Kathak dance and its evolution since its origin. We will also have an insight into its salient features, the costumes used by the Kathak dancers, the musical instruments used in the dance and the famous dancers associated with Kathak dance for UPSC exam.

Check out this article on Pashmina Shawl for the UPSC Exam!

GS Paper

General Studies Paper I

Topics for UPSC Prelims

Classical Dances of India

Topics for UPSC Mains

Role of Kathak in the Indian cultural and artistic landscape

What is Kathak?

Kathak, one of the eight major Indian classical dance forms, hails from Uttar Pradesh. Its origin is linked to ancient northern Indian bards called Kathakars or storytellers. "Kathak" is derived from Sanskrit, where "Katha" means "story," and "Kathakar" means "the one who tells a story" or "related to stories." Wandering Kathakars conveyed stories from epics and ancient mythology through dance, songs, and music. Kathak dancers convey tales through hand movements, intricate footwork, body flexibility, and, crucially, facial expressions.

How and Where did Kathak Originate?

The Kathak dance traces its origin back to 400 BCE to the bhakti movement and was performed in the courts of the northern Indian kingdoms. The Natya Shastra, credited to the sage Bharata, is the earliest extant document that contains the origins of Kathak.

  • Kathak emerged in the villages of North India. These Kathakkars, or storytellers, dispersed their art of storytelling from kingdom to kingdom and from village to hamlet.
  • They occasionally made temples their rest places and here they used to unwind the great epics of hindu tradition by giving it a classical touch.
    • This set the base for evolution of Kathak as a temple dance focussing on mythology and epic tales.
  • In the medieval era, Kathak dance got patronage of Persian Kings as well as the Muslim Mughals. This resulted in a shift from the temples to the royal courts and a fusion of Hindu and Islam tradition took place.
    • This also resulted in Kathak Dance being more of a classical dance which embeds within itself the rich tradition of both Hindu as well as Muslim culture rather than being a dance solely for entertainment purposes.
  • With the advent of European powers in India, Kathak Dance declined in the face of the “anti-dance” or “anti-nautch” stance of the christian missionaries. Kathak dancers were brutalized while the patronage provided to the dance was henceforth stopped.
  • However, the dance form remained alive in the hearts of the hindu households where it was practiced. Wajid Ali Shah the medieval ruler needs special mention due to his efforts in the revival of the dance form.
  • Post colonial India witnessed the resurgence of Kathak with the initiation of major Muslim and Hindu Gharanas.

Check out this article on Tata Vadya for the UPSC Exam!

Salient Features of Kathak Dance Form

The salient features of Kathak Dance style are as under:

  • As the dance form evolved from the Natya shastra tradition, much of its technique finds roots in its tradition.
  • These include division of dance form into Nritya which is pura dance performance running from slower to faster pace performances and the other one as Natya (Abhinaya) where emphasis is on expressions.
    • The Nritta is associated with Benaras Gharana whereas the Nritya is associated with Lucknow Gharana.
  • The sequence followed in Kathak dance are:
    • Amad- the dramatic and eye-catching entrance of a dancer
    • Thaat- the gentle and elegant segment of dance
    • Tora, Tukra, and Paran- creative compositions of dance
    • Parhant- steps of soft rhythms
    • Tatkar- foot movement
      • Footwork has immense importance in Kathak dance. Apart from footwork, immense importance is placed on the body movements.
  • Though it is a solo dance, group dance has gained popularity in recent times.

Check out this article on Tanjore Painting for the UPSC Exam!

Mudras of the Kathak Dance Form

Mudras are based on the list of 24 mudras mentioned in Natyashastra or the 28 mudras mentioned in Abhinaya Darpana. The mudras used in kathak dance finds mention in Abhinaya Darpana.

  • Ardhchandra: When the thumb is separated from other fingers and extended outward, it is referred to as Ardhchandra in Pataka. On Janmashtami, it’s used to signify the moon, holding someone’s neck, praying, etc.
  • Aral: When the index finger in Pataka is bent, it is referred as Aral Hasta.
  • Pataka: This hand gesture is made by keeping all fingers straight and together and bending the thumb such that it contacts the tip of the index finger. It depicts clouds, wind, etc.
  • Tripataka: In Pataka, when the ring finger is bent, it is known as Tripataka. It depicts a crown, tree, etc.
  • Ardhpataka: When the little finger is bent in tripataka hasta, it becomes Ardhpataka. It is used to depict leaves, flags, etc.
  • Kartarimukh: When the index finger and little finger are spread in ardhapataka, it is Kartarimukh. It depicts men and women, the corner of the eye, separation, etc.
  • Padmakosh: When all the fingers are spread whilst facing inwards it is known as Padmakosh. It depicts fruit, balls, buds, etc.
  • Sarpsheesh: In Pataka, when the fingers are bent slightly, it becomes a Sarpsheesh mudra.
  • Mrigasheesh: In Sarpsheesh, when the little finger and thumb is stretched upright, it becomes Mrigasheesh. It depicts clothes, calling the lover, etc.
  • Mayur: In Kartarimukh Hasta, when the ring and thumb are united and the little finger is lifted, it is called Mayur. It is used to describe a peacock, creeper, braid, and so forth.
  • Shuktund: Shuktund hasta is the term for bending the ring finger in Aral hasta. It is used to express flood, wound, shock, etc.
  • Mushti: Mushti is when all four fingers are linked to create a fist and the thumb is placed on top. It is used to express firmness, among other things.
  • Shikhar: Shikhar is when the thumb is raised upwards in Mushti. It is used to represent Kamdeva, bow, determination, etc.
  • Kapittha: Kapittha is when the first finger is bent and linked with the thumb on top in Shikhar hasta. It is used to depict Lakshmi, Saraswati, holding the dupatta and other deities.
  • Katkamukh: Katkamukh is the middle finger beside the index finger. It is used to describe picking flowers, a necklace, a garland, etc.
  • Soochi: When the index finger is lifted upright in Katakamukha hasta, it is called Soochi. It is used to represent one God, the world, rejection, fact/statement, etc.
  • Chandrakala: Chandrakala is when the thumb is extended outward and separated from the other fingers. It is used to represent a crescent, Lord Shiva’s moon on his head, etc.

Check out this article on Rod Puppets in India for the UPSC Exam!

Kathak During the Mughal Era

This classical dance form, initially linked to Hindu epics, gained recognition in Mughal courts. In the Mughal courts, the dance took on a more sensual style, departing from its previous religious and spiritual themes. Dancers introduced improvisations to captivate Muslim audiences with sensuous and sexual performances, while still conveying subtle messages, such as the love of Radha-Krishna.

Central Asian and Persian influences began to shape Kathak's repertoire, including changes in costumes, like baring the midriff and using transparent veils akin to those worn by medieval Harem dancers, and incorporating whirling movements seen in Sufi dance. By the time European colonial officials arrived in India, Kathak had evolved into a fusion of ancient Indian classical dance and Persian-Central Asian dance forms, with dancers often referred to as 'nautch girls.'

Kathak Gharanas

Kathak has three distinct traditions: Banaras, Lucknow, and Jaipur Gharanas, named after the cities where they thrived.

  • The Jaipur Gharana emphasizes foot movements, while the Banaras and Lucknow Gharanas prioritize facial expressions and graceful hand movements.
  • In terms of style, Kathak highlights rhythmic footwork complemented by small bells (Ghungroo) in sync with the music.
  • Dancers maintain straight legs and torso, conveying the story through a rich vocabulary encompassing arm gestures, upper body movements, facial expressions, neck and eye movements, and swift turns.
  • The primary focus shifts between the eyes and foot movements, with the eyes conveying the story and the eyebrows contributing to various facial expressions.
  • Sub-traditions differ in their emphasis, with Lucknow style prioritizing acting, while Jaipur style is renowned for its impressive footwork.

Costumes Used by the Kathak Dancers

The costumes used by Kathak dancers are:

  • Initially, the costumes were Saree due to the influence of Hindu traditions.
  • Later, due to Persian influence, anarkali suits accompanied with pyjamas and lehenga-choli formed the costume of Kathak dance.
  • An odhni, tied across from the right shoulder of the performer to its left side towards the waist, is usually found.
  • Also, a waist belt made of zari or meenakari work is used. Thus costumes used are vibrant, colourful and magnificent.
  • There has been a shift in fabric used for costumes. While the initial focus was on silk, more recently, the focus has shifted on to cotton clothes.
  • Vivid face make-up helps highlight the facial expressions of the performer.
  • Males are seen wearing a long kurta & churidar with dupatta wrapped around their waist.
  • Ghungroos’ use in kathak dance is unparalleled.
  • Suitable ornaments on head, a bindi, nose rings, earrings are also worn. Bangles, which were earlier not used, are now worn.
  • More recently, a small cap is seen worn during performances.

Check out this article on Puppetry in India for the UPSC Exam!

Musical Instruments Used in Kathak Dance Form

The musical instruments used for Kathak dance are:

  • flute or bansuri,
  • dilruba,
  • harmonium,
  • ghungaru,
  • pakhawaj,
  • santur,
  • sarangi,
  • sarod,
  • sitar,
  • surmandal,
  • tabla.

The musicians use Tanpura to create Kathak’s background music.

Check out this article on Pithora Painting for the UPSC Exam!

Famous Kathak Dancers

The famous dancers associated with Kathak Dance are:

  • Bhanuji
  • Janaki Prasad of the Benaras Gharana
  • Ishwari Prasad of the Lucknow Gharana
  • Shambhu Maharaj of the Lucknow Gharana
  • Raja Chakradhar Singh of the Raigarh Gharana
  • Lachhu Maharaj and Acchan Maharaj
  • Pandit Birju Maharaj
  • Sitara Devi
  •  Roshan Kumari
  • Shovana Narayan
  • Maya Rao and
  • Kumudini Lakhia

Check out this article on Temple Style Architecture for the UPSC Exam!

Other Cultural Dance Forms of India

Indian culture consists of seven other classical dances apart from Kathak dance. They are

Other Cultural Dance Forms of India

Dance

States where it is practiced

Bharatnatyam

Tamil Nadu

Sattariya

Assam

Kathakali

Kerala

Odissi

Odisha

Manipuri

Manipur

Mohiniattam

Kerala

Kuchipudi

Andhra Pradesh

Check out the test series for UPSC IAS Exam here.

Download the Key Takeaways PDF for Kathak!

We hope all your doubts regarding Kathak Dance are addressed after going through this article.Testbook provides comprehensive notes for different competitive examinations. It has always assured the quality of its product like content pages, live tests, Gk and current affairs, mocks and so on.Ace your UPSC preparation with the Testbook App!

More Articles for IAS Preparation

Kathak Dance UPSC FAQs

The Kathak Ghagra is usually a long skirt worn during Kathak performances.

The origin of kathak dance can be traced to the bhakti movement in 400 BCE

Lord Krishna is the God of Kathak

Kathak is a classical dance.
Report An Error
Exams Tests Super Practice