The origin of Kathak

The earliest reference of the word Kathak is found in Mahabharata - a great Indian epic dating back to around 500 BC. Kathaka -s are mentioned as the professional storytellers and entertainers who accompany the Pandava king Arjuna on his way to exile.

In some of the holy cities of northern India, some traditional Brahmin families are still known as professional storytellers, the Kathakar or Kathavachak or simply Kathak. Kathavachan, story-telling performances in which the solo dancer-actor (Kathakar) recites and enacts episodes from the religious epics. The performer would sing the poetic verses while narrating and expressing its meaning through mime and Abhinaya (the technique by which the narrative or story communicated through Kathak dance).

In between the verses, the Kathakar would often create short passages of pure dance based on simple rhythmic patterns and decorative movement designs to change the scene before the next verse. This was the initial phase of evolution of Nritta ('pure dance) in Kathak.

Kathakars usually belonged to the Brahmin castes and therefore had easier access to legends and myths from the religious text. The family traditional art passed on to the next generation through a system of learning based on the Shrutis (that which heard and memorised). Thus, to a great extent, the Kathakars were also responsible for preserving the History and Philosophy of the Indiansub-continent through its myths and legends.

Written by Sushmita Ghosh.