Question

Padma Shri awardee Shovana Narayan is associated with which Indian classical dance form?

• A. Manipuri
• B. Bharatanatyam
• C. Kathak
• D. Odissi

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Kathak

Kathak Dance Form

• Shovana Narayan is a renowned exponent of the Kathak classical dance form. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992 for her contributions to the art.

• Kathak is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance, originating from the northern part of India.

• The word 'Kathak' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Katha', meaning 'story'.

• Kathak dancers primarily use their feet, elaborate footwork with ankle bells (ghungroos), and swift, stylized movements.

• Key elements include intricate footwork (tatkar), rhythmic patterns (bols), expressive storytelling (abhinaya), and pirouettes (chakkars).

• Historically, Kathak performers were known as 'Kathakars' or storytellers, who narrated tales from epics and mythology through dance.

• Major Gharanas (schools) of Kathak include:

  • Lucknow Gharana

  • Jaipur Gharana

  • Banares Gharana

  • Raigarh Gharana

• Notable Kathak dancers, besides Shovana Narayan, include Birju Maharaj, Lacchu Maharaj, Sitara Devi, and Damayanti Joshi.

• The dance form has seen significant evolution, incorporating influences from Persian and Mughal court traditions.