Question

Which of the following Gharana is influenced by the Kathak dance ?

• A. Delhi
• B. Ajrada
• C. Lucknow
• D. Agra

Hint:

Lucknow is famous as a mutual powerhouse for both Kathak dance and the Khula Baaj (open style) of Tabla playing. Their deep integration makes Lucknow the primary dance-influenced percussion Gharana.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The growth of Tabla playing in Northern India evolved through distinct lineage schools called Gharanas. Each developed specialized styles based on geographic migration, patron preferences, and crossover interactions with surrounding performance mediums like singing or classical dance.

Step 1: Examine the core playing style of the Lucknow Gharana.
The Lucknow Tabla Gharana was established by Ustad Modu Khan and Ustad Bakshu Khan, who moved to the court of Lucknow. In Lucknow, the classical dance form Kathak flourished vibrantly under the patronage of the Nawabs.

Step 2: Connect the percussion style to the rhythmic dance form.
Because Tabla artists regularly accompanied the dancers, they absorbed the heavy, bold, and expressive rhythmic compositions of Kathak into their repertoire. This led to the creation of rhythmic patterns rich in Parans, Gats, and thematic variations directly derived from Kathak dance syllables.