KATHAK DANCE IN ANCIENT PERIOD BY:- KAVITA

KATHAK DANCE IN ANCIENT PERIOD The name “kathak” is derived from the sanskrit word ‘katha'which means story and “kathakaar” which means story teller. The name “kathakaar” was later shortened to ‘kathaks'to describe these story-tellers and this form of story telling. These are literary references from the 3rd and 4 th centuries which refer to kathakas.the two texts are in the archives of kameshwar library at mithila. There are also two verses from the Mahabharata which refer to kathakas.

As the name implies this dance from originated in the temples of ancient north india where the priests would recite and emote out mythological stories and accompany them with hand gestures and facial expression. The performance of the dancers vividly expressed devotion and love of the devotee towards God and was considered the most appropriate means to be one with God.  Women dancers who used to obey all religious rituals of the temple including its maintenance, were known as 'Devadasis'.  As the name suggests through conjunction we can explore its meaning as 'Dev' and 'Dasi' that means slave of God. They were so dedicated towards their deities that it was considered that a devadasi is a woman married to God, who is her divine husband. 

Ancient times women had less or no opportunity to study and therefore the profession of a devadasi gave them opportunity to study and to continue to be married life long. Brahmins who were expert in Music, Dance, Literature and other streams of study taught them. These dancers used to express stories and tales from ancient epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas through their dance and song.  Dancers used to sing while they danced and religious themes were enacted through abhinaya simultaneously. Dhruvpad, Dhamaar, Bhajan. Keertan, Hori, Vandana, Pada all were sung and danced upon. This devotional dance was also given the name of 'Dhrupad Nritya'. Gradually with the advent of Muslim rule the situation of devadasis deteriorated. They were employed by kings and other rich men, for the purpose of entertainment. They became mistresses and queens of the Kings and were no more associated with religion or piousness.