Kathak’s Journey: Evolution Through Devotion Dynasty and Modernity

Abstract

A historical exploration of Kathak often reveals contradictory perspectives and points of contention about its evolution, as there is much in its history that continues to divide opinion. Meanwhile these contentions have been widened recently in the light of jarring political differences.

Now while this dance form's historical journey is very well documented, the real debate lies in how its present form is understood in relation to its origins. The beginning of Kathak from what it is today is believed to have been very much different. Though modern-day Kathak is very different from what it was during the Bhakti movement, the question remains whether it gained or lost in this transformation. As Stoltenberg (2019) argues, Kathak once served as a sacred movement — an “axis mundi” — connecting the dancer to the divine, which makes this transformation even more significant. Purists may view these changes as a dilution of its spiritual roots, while others, who see art as dynamic and ever evolving, may consider Kathak a true beneficiary of historical transitions.

This paper aims to explore the evolution of Kathak, with a special focus on the influence of Mughal patronage. It does not attempt to judge whether these changes were good or bad. Rather, it critically examines how Kathak transformed in terms of style, purpose and presentation as it moved from temples to royal courts (Chakravorty, 2000). The study highlights shift in technique, costume, themes and audience, offering a balanced view of Kathak’s growth through cultural exchange and historical change.

Recognized as one of India’s eight major classical dance forms, Kathak is the only one that originated in North India. In its earliest form, Kathak was not just a dance but a sacred storytelling tradition. The word ‘Kathak’ comes from katha, meaning “story” in Sanskrit. Its performers, called Kathakars, used expressive gestures, facial movements and rhythmic footwork to narrate episodes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These performances took place in temple spaces carefully adapted for intimate engagement with the divine, reinforcing the dance's ritualistic and sacred identity (Mudgerikar, 2020). They were seen not as entertainment, but as acts of devotion.

This temple tradition laid the spiritual and emotional foundation of Kathak. The dancer was not just a performer but also a devotee and storyteller. The rituals were simple but deeply emotional and the music was devotional in nature. Kathak was not intended for entertainment — it was a sacred offering.

Over time, Kathak evolved. It moved beyond temple courtyards and entered royal courts, especially during the Mughal era (Williams, 2023). This journey brought new elements into the dance — from costumes and musical styles to themes and techniques. Today, Kathak is known for its intricate footwork, graceful spins, expressive abhinaya and emotional storytelling. What makes it unique is its ability to balance two worlds — the devotional and the performative — and to bridge tradition with transformation.

This paper will explore these dimensions in depth, tracing the phases of Kathak’s development and examining how Mughal patronage shaped its journey into a refined classical art form.