Kathak is one of the eight classical forms of Indian dance. It is famous because of its dance style and rhythm, as well as narration. There were many different versions of kathak gharanas in this style, the most outstanding ones being Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras (Benaras) Gharana.
The difference between them is that Banaras Gharana Kathak is the most dissimilar since it has a spiritual expression, clarity of rhythm, and devotional narration. The style is founded on the spirituality of the holy place of Varanasi, or Benaras.
The Banaras gharana is not merely a dance tradition; it is an art of reflection of faith and rhythm.
The Story of Its Origin
Pandit Janakiprasad was the Banaras Gharana founder and an artist of the Banaras Gharana, a saintly teacher, and a great man who lived during the 18th century. The Benares gharana was developed within the temples and religious institutes, unlike other traditions of the Kathak gharana that developed under the royal patronage.
This provided it with a distinctive devotional basis and a strong attachment to sacred art. Janakiprasad held that dance was a religious course, a way of meditation and devotion.
He has focused on rhythmic clarity, foot precision, and Natwari bols (rhythmic syllables based on dance movements and not based on percussion instruments).
His students propagated this unique style to other parts like Bikaner, Indore, Patiala, and Bombay, and the word of the founder of the Banaras gharana spread far and wide.
It is out of this lineage that the Banaras Gharana was made a living representation of the unity between rhythm, spirituality, and narration – much like the flowing river of Ganga that is a blessing to the land of its origin.
What Makes Banaras Gharana Different?
All kathak gharanas feature a distinctive personality and deliver a specific flavour of rhythms, expression, and narration. One of them is the Banaras gharana of Kathak that is said to blend spirituality with technical magnificence.
- Strength and Peace: The Banaras gharana is a combination of a blend of strength and peace, creating a balance between energy and grace.
- Focus on Footwork: The Banaras Gharana of Kathak has stressed especially Tatkaar (footwork) and Thirkan, unlike other Gharanas of Kathak.
- Upright and Poised Position: This is a straight and steady position of the dancers, and it is a sign of concentration in them and the spirituality of the movements of Banaras Gharana.
- Take Nritta and Nritya: Banaras Gharana Kathak does not disregard Nritta (pure dance) and Nritya (storytelling) to acquire the complete experience of the performance.
- Mythological Storytelling: Banaras gharan kathak is usually based on the stories of Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, and other gods and made alive by means of rhythm and emotion.
The Power of Traditions and Stepwork.
The core of Banaras Gharana Kathak is rhythm. Dancers perform complex Taal (cycles of rhythms) like Teentaal, Jhaptaal, and Dhamar perfectly and energetically. It is distinguishable by the fact that this style uses Natwari bols, which are specifically designed to be used in dance, and so it has a unique sound and progression as compared to other forms.
The Tatkaar, or footwork, is powerful, accurate and balanced. In a more pronounced way, dancers rely on their heels, creating distinct and strong beats that resonate with devotion and discipline. The ghungroo (ankle bells) are sounded with purpose behind every sound – bringing the music to life.
The communication between the movements of the dancer and the rhythm resembles dialogue. The Banaras gharana dancer does not merely follow the beat, but he/she is the beat. There is technical mastery and spiritual content with each turn, step, and gesture.
Famous Dancers and Teachers
Banaras Gharana Kathak has developed and continued to develop because of the legendary teachers/performers who dedicated their lives to the art. Their passion and knowledge have ensured that the Benaras gharana has not died yet, and it is a source of inspiration to generations.
- Disciples of the Founder: Disciples of Pandit Janakiprasad, like Chunnilal, Sablaji and Dudaji, spread Banaras Gharana to other regions without losing its traditional flavour.
- The Stalwarts of the 20th Century, Pandit Hanuman Prasad, Pandit Gopal and Ashiq Hussain refined and popularised the Banaras Gharana Kathak.
- Modern Gurus: Pandit Hazaril, Pandit Krishna Kumar, and Smt Sunayana Hazarilal were also committed to the teaching of the Benaras gharana to the new generations.
- Good Idols: Sitara Devi, the Kathak Queen, was greatly influenced by the Banaras Gharana Katha, and she was now introducing that energy.
- Masters of Technique and Devotion: Masters of guruhood with this ideal combination of technique and devotion symbolised the actual state and the traditional legacy.
How It Differs from Other Kathak Gharanas
The Lucknow style is more romantic, and the Jaipur style is more energetic, whereas the Benaras gharana is meditation in motion. It is not merely a matter of external performance. The dancer is very simple when it comes to his expression of divinity, and every movement is natural, meaningful, and soulful.
This special balance has made the Banaras Gharana Kathak a complete art form – technical, expressive, and very spiritual.
- The Lucknow Gharana is characterised by beautiful storytelling and fine movements.
- The Jaipur Gharana is known for its well-developed footwork and complicated rhythmic patterns.
- The Banaras Gharana, however, is a combination of these two – it has the rhythmic intensity of Jaipur and the expressive lightness of Lucknow bound together with spirituality.
Passing the Tradition to the Next Generation
The spirit of Banaras Gharana Kathak is still present in the form of the Guru-Shishya Parampara, or the sacred teacher-pupil system. This system is intimately connected with learning, not only with teaching but also through intimate personal guidance, devotion, and years of practice.
There are numerous famous gurus in India and other countries whose lives were dedicated to teaching the Banaras gharana style. Young students in Varanasi, Delhi, and Mumbai academic bodies still study it in pure form in the dance academies. The style is gaining recognition all over the world through international workshops and festivals, and international collaborations.
International workshops and festivals, and international co-operations are making the style known all around the world. Despite new elements introduced by the modern influences, the core of Banaras Gharana Kathak is still the content, rhythm, devotion, and storytelling.
Conclusion
Banaras Gharana Kathak is a beautiful combination of grace, rhythmic dancing and religious hail. It is the breathing of Indian classical dance, and it was created in the sacred city of Benares, where the dance is not only done but also felt.
The art form has been in its evolution since its founding by its founder, Pandit Janakiprasad, through the chanting of the current gurus, and this has preserved the sacredness in it.
Master the pure form of Banaras Gharana Kathak, a sacred blend of grace, powerful rhythm, and spiritual devotion. If you are seeking authentic Kathak dance classes in Delhi, join us to learn this poised style and become part of a timeless artistic legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major features of Banaras Gharana?
The major features are a special balance of power and calmness, a straight and steady posture, and special emphasis on vigorous, powerful footwork (Tatkaar). It employs characteristic Natwari Bols and lays equal emphasis on pure dance (Nritta) and emotive narration (Nritya), with themes being largely derived from the mythology of Lord Shiva and Krishna.
In what ways is Banaras Gharana distinct from Lucknow and Jaipur Gharanas?
Banaras Gharana finds a balance all of its own. Lucknow Gharana is famous for its delicate, romantic expressiveness, whereas Jaipur Gharana is renowned for its energetic rhythmic patterns and rotations. Banaras weaves together Jaipur’s rhythmic ferocity with Lucknow’s expressive delicacy, all held in check by a deep, intrinsic spirituality and devotional passion. What are Natwari Bols?
Natwari Bols are rhythmic syllables specific to the Banaras Gharana. Contrary to Taal Bols, which find their roots in percussion, Natwari Bols are rooted in dance movements themselves. Formulated by Pt. Janakiprasad, they impart a unique sound and rhythmic movement to the Gharana, making the verbal rhythm deeply interrelated with the physical performance of the dance.
Which are some renowned exponents of the Banaras Gharana?
The tradition was continued by Pt. Janakiprasad’s own disciples, such as Chunnilal and Sablaji. Subsequent stalwarts are Pt. Hanuman Prasad, Pt. Gopal and Ashiq Hussain. In contemporary times, gurus such as Pt. Hazarilal, Pt. Krishna Kumar, and Smt. Sunayana Hazarilal have been responsible. The great Sitara Devi was also heavily influenced by its techniques.