Kathak: The rhythm of royal court

Classical Fare

However, Mughal invasion made a great impact on this art and moulded it according to the wishes of the Muslim rulers. Over time, Kathak became the court dance of Muslim emperors.

To this day, the costume and jewellery worn by Kathak performers rekindle the memory of the grand Mughal era. The literal meaning of the word ‘kathak’ is ‘storyteller’.

It probably refers to storytellers who performed in village squares and temple courtyards, recounting mythological and moral tales from the scriptures, and embellished their recitals with hand gestures and facial expressions.

It was quintessential theatre, using instrumental and vocal music along with stylised gestures, to enliven the stories. Its form today contains traces of temple and ritual dances, and the influence of the bhakti movement.