KATHAK

Bana Bhatta's HARSHACHARITA throws light on the existence of KATHAKAS who wandered village sabhas and temple courtyards telling stories {KATHAS} tastefully handpicked from mythology and adding colour to it with actions and expressions. By the 13th century a definite style had emerged. It was during the 15th and 16th century at the time of BHAKTI MOVEMENT, Rasalila had tremendous impact on KATHAK.During this period stories of RADHA -KRISHNA ,Srikrishan's exploits in the holy land of VRINDAVAN ,tales of KRISHNA LEELA {Krishan's childhood} all became very popular and the dance which was more spiritual started to acquire folk elements too.Following mythology and ancient scriptures we get to know that this dance took the form of "KATHKALAKSHEPAM" and "HARIKATHA" in Southern India and came to be known as "KATHAK" in the North.