Dancing Through Time: Celebrate Kathak, the Oldest Dance Form
Kathak is one of the oldest dance forms in the world. It originated in northern India and has been performed in many different regions across the subcontinent for nearly 2,000 years. The word ‘Kathak’ means ‘to tell a story’ and refers to stories that are often related through song, dance and mime. Historians agree that Kathak originated in the northern regions of India, before making its way to northwestern provinces. Kathak is a form of Indian classical dance, originating in the northern regions of India and making its way to northwestern provinces. It has been around for over 2000 years, but it’s still very much alive today.
Kathak takes its name from the Katha Upanishad (or “threads”) which describes eight forms of devotion: bhakti (love), karma (work), jnana (wisdom), yoga-Nidra or “yoga sleep” meditation, dhyana or meditation on one’s soul/mind, chit Anandamaya kosha—the cosmic consciousness that is present within every being, Muktasatva or liberation from all rebirths, Tanmayamya Vishvasya Bhavayah—the love that fills everything in this world and beyond…
Most scholars think it originated from devotional songs of the Nath cult. Nath is an ascetic order that has been venerated by Hindus since ancient times, and many people still follow its teachings. The tradition is known for its devotional songs and dances, which are part of Kathak’s performances. The influence of the Nath tradition on Kathak is evident in terms of both choreography and aesthetic style: dancers wear colourful costumes with elaborate headdresses (known as Kunkis) and use props such as swords or sometimes animals during their performances – all inspired by figures from Hindu mythology!
Possibly due to this worship, the hands are held in a gesture called Hasta Mudra or Chin Mudra. It’s a gesture used in the dance form Kathak. It’s also used in Indian classical music and dance, so when you see one of these amazing dancers performing this gesture, keep an eye out for it—you’ll be sure to recognise it as soon as you see it! The words ‘Kathak’ and ‘Katthaka’ are both derived from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘to recite’, or ‘to tell a story’. This is why so many Kathak performances involve some element of storytelling through song, dance, mime and language recitation.
Kathak is a classical Indian dance form that has been around for more than two millennia. It originated in northern India, where it was developed by performers of the Nath cults during their religious ceremonies. The word Kathak is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘to recite’ or ‘to tell a story’. The earliest written records of Kathak date back to 500 CE, when there are references to some of its basic movements such as ghatam (hand gestures), choli (upper garment worn by women), dhoti (loincloth) and dandia Tatpurush Keertans which were performed by dancers dressed up as gods or heroes from mythology
This ancient form of Indian dance has been around for over 2000 years. Kathak is one of the oldest dance forms in the world, having been around since at least the 5th century. The earliest known reference to Kathak comes from a 17th-century text called “Kathaka-Nataka” written by Braja Dattatreya who lived during Mughal times (1611–1707). The latter was later translated into English by Sir William Jones as “The Annals of Dance”, which describes how Kathak evolved from devotional songs of Nath cults during medieval times.
