Consider the following statements about Kathak dance form.1. It the on...
The nineteenth century saw the golden age of Kathak under the patronage of Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Oudh. He established the Lucknow gharana with its strong accent on bhava, the expression of moods and emotions. The Jaipur gharana known for its layakari or rhythmic virtuosity and the Benaras gharana are other prominent schools of Kathak dance. The technique of movement in Kathak is unique to it.
Today, Kathak has emerged as a distinct dance form. Being the only classical dance of India having links with Muslim culture, it represents a unique synthesis of Hindu and Muslim genius in art. Further, Kathak is the only form of classical dance wedded to Hindustani or the North Indian music. Both of them have had a parallel growth,each feeding and sustaining the other
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Consider the following statements about Kathak dance form.1. It the on...
Introduction:
Kathak is one of the eight major classical dance forms of India. It originated in the northern part of the country and is known for its intricate footwork, graceful movements, and expressive storytelling. In this context, let us analyze the given statements.
Statement 1: It is the only classical dance of India having links with Muslim culture.
Kathak indeed has strong historical links with Muslim culture. The dance form evolved in the courts of the Mughal rulers and was greatly influenced by Persian and Islamic traditions. During the Mughal era, Kathak dancers, known as 'Kathakars', were employed to entertain the royal court and nobility. The dance form assimilated elements of Persian and Central Asian dance traditions, as well as storytelling techniques, costumes, and musical instruments. The use of Urdu poetry and the incorporation of 'Taal' (rhythmic cycles) from Hindustani classical music further highlight the influence of Muslim culture on Kathak. Therefore, statement 1 is true.
Statement 2: It is the only form of classical dance wedded to Hindustani or the North Indian music.
While it is true that Kathak is closely associated with Hindustani music, it would be incorrect to claim that it is the only classical dance form wedded to this style. Hindustani music, with its origins in North India, has greatly influenced many classical dance forms, including Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Odissi. Kathak, in particular, has a strong rhythmic aspect that aligns with the intricate 'Taal' patterns of Hindustani music. The dancers often perform intricate footwork patterns, known as 'tatkars', that synchronize with the beats of the tabla, sitar, and other classical instruments. However, other classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Odissi also incorporate Hindustani music in their performances. Therefore, statement 2 is not entirely true.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, statement 1 is true as Kathak indeed has links with Muslim culture due to its historical association with the Mughal courts. However, statement 2 is not entirely true as Kathak is not the only classical dance form wedded to Hindustani music. Other dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Odissi also incorporate elements of Hindustani music in their performances.