What is the Difference Between Kathak and Bharatnatyam

The main difference between Kathak and Bharatnatyam is that Bharatnatyam is a South Indian dance tradition that originated around the state of Tamil Nadu, whereas Kathak is a Northern  Indian dance tradition that was initially developed in Hindu temples.

Kathak and Bharatnatyam are two classical dance forms of India. Both Kathak and Bharatnatyam mark their origins around the Hindu temples and have a very long history.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Kathak  
   – Definition, Features 
2. What is Bharatnatyam
     – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between Kathak and Bharatnatyam
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Kathak and Bharatnatyam
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Classical Dance, Kathak, Bharatnatyam

What is Kathak

Kathak is an Indian classical dance form that originated in North India. Kathak originated in Hindu temples mainly as a storytelling device that portrayed the epic tales of Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Hindu scriptures. In the beginning, Kathak performance poetry was combined with the rhythmic movement of the dancer in order to deliver devoted storytelling.

However, Kathak story performances that started inside the North Indian Hindu temples did not remain inside the temple walls for a long period of time. The wandering storytellers who were known as Nomadic Kathakars started to spread the Kathak dance tradition throughout India. Later on, Katha performers included facial expressions and different emotions in their performances, further developing the dance tradition with the addition of different elements of theatricality and of mime performances.

There are three main gharanas or schools of Kathak dance: Lucknow, Varanasi, and Jaipur. This dance form also has two main forms: nritya (pure dance) and abhinaya (expressions). Moreover, Kathak uses an intricate system of footwork, and dancers create complex rhythmic patterns with the use of the flat feet and the sound of the ankle bells they wear. In addition, dancers use their upper body movements, neck movements, eyes and eyebrow movements, facial expressions, bends, and turns to narrate a tale. 

What is Bharatnatyam

Bharatnatyam is a South Indian classical dance tradition that is considered to be the oldest classical dance heritage of India. In the beginning. Bharatnatyam was a solo dance performed only by female dancers in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu.

Furthermore, the theoretical foundation of Bharatnatyam extends back to ‘Natya Shastra,’ which is an ancient Sanskrit Hindu text based on the performing arts. In Bharatnatyam, dancers emote the illustrative tales of Hindu religion and spiritual ideas with their impressive footwork and gestures. The performances typically involve natya, nrita, and nritya, and the dancer is usually accompanied by music, a singer, and especially a guru who conducts and directs the performance of the dancer.

Bharatnatyam, as a performing art, has continued to inspire several other forms of art forms such as sculptures and paintings, beginning with the picturesque CE temple sculptures of the 6th century.

Similarities Between Kathak and Bharatnatyam

• Both Kathak and Bharatnatyam are two forms of Indian Classical Dance.
• In addition, they have a long history.
• Both Kathak and Bharatnatyam mark their origins around the Hindu temples in India.
• Moreover, Kathak and Bharatnatyam dancers use many facial expressions.
• They are both equally popular among the Classical dancing lovers in India.

Difference Between Kathak and Bharatnatyam

Definition

Bharatnatyam is a South Indian classical dance tradition that originated around the state of Tamil Nadu, whereas Kathak is a Northern Indian classical dance tradition that initially started in Hindu temples.

Origin

Bharatnatyam originated in the Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu, while Katha dancing tradition originated in North India.

Tales Involved

Bharatnatyam is based on the tales of Lord Shiva, while Kathak dance tradition has evolved from the stories of Radha and Krishna. 

Dancing Postures

In Bharatnatyam, the performer uses many mudras and hip movements that involve most of the stage space. Moreover, Bharatnatyam movements take after the movements of a dancing flame or fire, and the dancer uses more sitting or bent knees postures. In contrast, in Kathak dancing, the dancer uses a standing posture throughout the performance, and any hip movements can be rarely seen.

Conclusion

The main difference between Kathak and Bharatnatyam is that Bharatnatyam is a South Indian dance tradition that originated around the state of Tamil Nadu, whereas Kathak is a Northern  Indian dance tradition that was initially developed in Hindu temples.

Reference:

1. “What Is Kathak Dance?” Katha Dance Theatre.
2. “What Is Bharatanatyam?” Bollycurves.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Shinjini kathak dance indian classical in traditional attire” By Shinjinikulkarni – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Bharathanatyam By Ranjitha” By Kamranahmedar – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia