Impact of Historical Events on Kathak

As cultures and civilizations interact over time, elements of them tend to blend into each other. Art is a great way to see the result of this interaction. Among all Indian classical dance forms, Kathak was the most influenced by historical events. Invasions such as those by the Mughals or the British Raj, as well as movements like the Bhakti movement, had a significant effect on the structure and elements of Kathak.

Kathak originated from stories of Hindu mythology, particularly the heroic deeds of the gods. It was initially performed only in temples as a form of devotion. In the 14th century, the Bhakti movement, which spread from South to North India, rejected the traditional caste system and embraced the idea of a personal connection to God. This concept influenced the arts, including songs and poetry, and eventually Kathak. It also emphasized Krishna, particularly through the form of Ras-Leela, a portrayal of the love between Radha and Krishna, who are considered the epitome of true love in Hindu mythology.

When the Mughals arrived, many elements of Kathak changed. Kathak became the only Indian classical dance form to incorporate Persian elements. Unlike other classical dance forms that remained temple-centric, Kathak began to be performed in courts, shifting from a devotional to an entertainment purpose. While most Indian classical dance forms use a demi-plié position, such as in Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, or Odissi, Persian influence introduced a straight-legged stance and rapid footwork. The chakkars, or spins, that Kathak is known for were also influenced by Persian music and Sufism. This period saw Kathak dancers performing stories beyond Hindu mythology, making Kathak a bridge between Hinduism and Islam. For instance, a Muslim king, Ali Shah, established one of the three Kathak gharanas (main centers of learning), the Lucknow Gharana. Items such as Ghazal and Salaami were incorporated into Kathak, along with Urdu music.

During the British Raj, Kathak’s influence declined as the British sought to promote Christianity and questioned the heritage of this dance form, often applying derogatory labels to it.

Overall, the impact of different historical trends—colonization, imperialism, and globalization—can be seen in the arts of India, particularly through Kathak.