Kathak - The Dance of the Storytellers

FOUNDER- YOGENDRA JI

In Jaipur, pure dance (dance without emotion) received more importance. This resulted in the Jaipur gharana developing mostly into rhythmic pyrotechnics. Technical virtuosity became important. The Jaipur gharana became famous for its ‘laykari’ or rhythmic wizardry. The masters of this gharana were all good tabla and pakhavaj (musical instruments) players. Speed and rhythm became the primary concern of this gharana. Complicated and competitive, this style of pure kathak characterized a unique, narrative tradition- the ‘kavith toda’. This is poetry recited in a stylized chant, interspersed with rhythmic patterns of drum beats. The proponents of Jaipur gharana are Bhanuji, Kanuji, Hari Prasad, Hanuman Prasad, Mangala Bhatt, Rajendra Gangani, etc.