Lucknow

The Lucknow gharana of Kathak, also known as the Kalka-Bindadin gharana, represents one of the most refined and aesthetically sophisticated traditions in Indian classical dance. Sri Ishwari Prasad is credited as the original founder who, in the 18th century, formalized the gharana's core principles through his own practice and teachings. According to tradition, Ishwari Prasad was a devotee from Handia Tehsil in Allahabad (present-day Prayagraj) who was inspired in a dream by Lord Krishna to revive and systematize Kathak as a narrative dance form blending devotion and rhythm.

The gharana gained prominence when it reached the courts of the Nawab of Oudh in Lucknow during the 18th and 19th centuries. Under the artistic guidance and patronage of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah (ruled 1847-1856), Kathak achieved greater dimensions as he gave it a definite form, made it more artistic, and gave it an aesthetic touch, enriched it with rasa and bhava, added literature to it, and furnished it with grandeur and splendor. Wajid Ali Shah, himself a trained Kathak dancer, became a disciple of Pandit Durga Prasad, and from then on, Kathak proliferated as a blend of nritya (pure dance) and abhinaya (expression).

The present form of the Lucknow gharana was choreographed by the legendary brothers Kalka Prasad and Bindadin Maharaj, who were known in the Kathak world as 'Yuga Purush' (men of the era) and became famous throughout the country. Kalka Prasad's specialty lay in his mastery of rhythm, while Bindadin was gifted with poetic leanings and was a great composer. Together they shaped the Lucknow gharana by the attributes it has come to be known for—lyrical, precise, and deeply expressive.

The gharana's legacy was carried forward by the three sons of Kalka Prasad: Acchan Maharaj, Lachhu Maharaj, and Shambhu Maharaj, all of whom became great dancers in their own right. Acchan Maharaj excelled in bhava (emotional expression), the forte of the Lucknow gharana, and was an expert in bhav, laya (rhythm), and taal (meter). Lachhu Maharaj, born Bajinath Prasad in 1901, was exceptionally gifted at displaying grace, emotions, and sensuality, bringing untainted innocence to his performances.

The most renowned modern exponent of the Lucknow gharana was Pandit Birju Maharaj (1938-2022), son of Acchan Maharaj, who began performing as a child alongside his father and became a master of the classical dance form and a leading exponent of the Kalka-Bindadin gharana. He began teaching Kathak at the age of 13 at Sangeet Bharati and went on to teach at prominent institutions such as Bharatiya Kala Kendra and the Kathak Kendra, where he served as head of faculty and director, ensuring the continuation of this elegant tradition into the 21st century.