Jaipur

The Jaipur gharana of Kathak traces its origins to Bhanuji, a famed Shiva Tandava dancer who, upon visiting Vrindavan, was inspired and taught Natvari Nritya. Bhanuji was trained in the Tandava (vigorous dance inspired by Lord Shiva) style by a sage, and this powerful, energetic foundation became the hallmark of the Jaipur tradition. Bhanuji's grandsons Laluji and Kanhuji were similarly inspired by Krishna during their time in Vrindavan, and they returned to Jaipur where, together, they began the Jaipur gharana of Kathak.

The Jaipur gharana developed under the sponsorship of the Rajput Kachchwaha kings of Jaipur in Rajasthan, and they favored Kathak dance with Hindu religious themes. The Jaipur style is an amalgamation of various Kathak families across Rajasthan, and by the 19th century, it had evolved into one of the three major gharanas of Kathak alongside Lucknow and Benares. Traditionally, the Jaipur gharana has had a strong spiritual flavor, covering a diverse range of ideas in Vaishnavism and Shaivism, reflecting the religious devotion of the Rajput courts.

The gharana's lineage continued through Bhanuji's descendants, with Hanuman Prasad and Hariprasad, two sons of Dulhaji, being known as 'Devpari' (celestial beings). Both were appointed in the 'Gunijan Khana' (house of excellence) of the Jaipur Court. Hariprasadji was famous for Akashchari (aerial movements), while Hanuman Prasad was renowned for Lasya Natya (graceful dance). Hanuman Prasad had three sons: Mohanlal, Chiranjilal, and Narayan Prasad, who wrote 'Asankhya Kavitt' (countless verses) and bhajans that are sung with respect in the Jaipur gharana tradition.

In the modern era, this school has continued its emphasis on dance and footwork with exponents such as Jai Lal, Janki Prasad, Kundan Lal, Mohan Lal, and Nawal Kishore. Jai Lal's son Shri Ram Gopal lived in Kolkata and imparted the education of dance, while his daughter Jayakumari also earned a special reputation in the field of Kathak dance. The Gangani family is known as leading exponents, and their three generations continue performing this style all over the country and world.