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Volume 4 Issue 2 by Ranjana Upadhyay

Granthaalayah Publications and Printers, 2023

The word “gharana” is related to that particular art, which is passed down from generation to gen... more The word “gharana” is related to that particular art, which is passed down from generation to generation. In simple words, a gharana means a “house” in which every member living follows his ancestors. In the field of music, the names of many famous gharanas are derived; each gharaana represents its own different artistic structure or style. If seen in the history of the music world, the gharanas were born when one artist practiced his art until his presentation did not seem to be different from other artists and then he passed this legacy to his next generation; in this way, from one generation to another, this form of art flowed, which gave birth to the Gharana.
Mainly in the field of Kathak dance, the names of three gharanas are found: Lucknow Gharana, Banaras Gharana, and Jaipur Gharana. These gharanas seem to be different from each other on the basis of their specific artistic talents. Banaras Gharana is famous for its strong movement and devotional presentation. Janaki Prasad and Sukhdev Maharaj are considered to be the two founders of Banaras Gharana. Janaki Prasad was born in Rajasthan, but he made Banaras his workplace. On the other hand, Sukhdev Maharaj was born in Banaras, but He rendered his musical services in the court of the King of Nepal, after which his children stayed in Banaras and strengthened the Banaras Gharana. Presently, all the artists representing the Banaras Gharana are related to this lineage.
The presented research article describes the genealogy of past and present artists of Banaras Gharana of Kathak and their contribution to Kathak dance.

Papers by Ranjana Upadhyay

ShodhKosh Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, Aug 23, 2023

The term "gharana" pertains to a specific art form that is passed from one generation to the next... more The term "gharana" pertains to a specific art form that is passed from one generation to the next. Simply put, a gharana refers to a "house" wherein each member follows the artistic traditions of their ancestors. In the field of music, there are several gharanas which emerged, each representing a distinct artistic structure or style of its own. When we look back at the history of music, gharana came up as a result of performers working hard to perfect their skill and set themselves apart from other performers. This unique style was then passed down through generations, creating a lineage of artistic tradition. Thus, the concept of gharanas was born out of this organic evolution and transmission of musical knowledge from one generation to the other. In Kathak, three prominent gharanas stand out: Lucknow Gharana, Banaras Gharana, and Jaipur Gharana. Each gharana boasts distinct artistic characteristics and styles that set them apart from one another. The Banaras Gharana is famous for its strong movement and devotional presentation. Janaki Prasad and Sukhdev Maharaj are considered to be the two founders of Banaras Gharana. Janaki Prasad was born in Rajasthan, but moved to Banaras and spent rest of his life teaching Kathak there, which led to the establishment of the Banaras Gharana. On the other hand, Sukhdev Maharaj was born in Banaras, but he rendered his musical services in the court of the King of Nepal, after which his children stayed in Banaras and strengthened the Banaras Gharana. Presently, all the artists representing the Banaras Gharana are related to this lineage. The present research article focuses on the genealogy of past and present artists of Banaras Gharana of Kathak and their contribution to Kathak dance.

Vyanjana Art and Culture Society, Prayagraj, 2023

Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi (Land of Gods), is a captivating realm of mountains, myths, ... more Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi (Land of Gods), is a captivating realm of mountains, myths, and enchanting landscapes. Kumaun, within Uttarakhand, holds its own cultural traditions, featuring folk arts, festivals, and diverse ethnicities. This research paper delves into the festivals of the Kumaun region in Uttarakhand, India, exploring their cultural heritage, intricate rituals, and profound societal impact. By situating these celebrations within historical and social frameworks, this study aims
to illuminate the central role of festivals in shaping the region’s identity and fostering unity among its diverse communities. The research methodology capitalized on the researchers’ native status in the region. It centered on an autoethnographic approach that utilized the researcher’s personal experiences and cultural familiarity. Active participant observation was a key element, involving the researchers’ direct engagement in festivals with a focus on documenting local interactions and observations within the community. Significant academic journals, books, articles, research papers, etc. are also examined that are suitable for the documentation and critical study of the research subject. According to the findings, there are various folk festivals celebrated in the Kumaun region, but the researchers’ have critically studied and documented six majorly celebrated festivals and their cultural and communal significance.

India International Rural Cultural Centre, New Delhi, 2022

Nautch Girls were a unique class of Courtesans who played a significant role in the society du... more Nautch Girls were a unique class of
Courtesans who played a significant
role in the society during the 18th -19th
centuries in India. They were - a
dancer, singer, performer, and
occasionally a provider of sexual favors.
But in the whole context, they were the
preserver of dance. They embodied a
delightful blend of various dance styles,
including both classical and popular
dance, making numerous appearances
throughout the ages. The paper is an
attempt to give an account of the
journey of a dancing girl and their
transition from Apsara to the Nautch
Girls who were the real hereditary
women dancers of what we see today as
Kathak dance.

Granthaalayah Publications and Printers, 2023

The word “gharana” is related to that particular art, which is passed down from generation to gen... more The word “gharana” is related to that particular art, which is passed down from generation to generation. In simple words, a gharana means a “house” in which every member living follows his ancestors. In the field of music, the names of many famous gharanas are derived; each gharaana represents its own different artistic structure or style. If seen in the history of the music world, the gharanas were born when one artist practiced his art until his presentation did not seem to be different from other artists and then he passed this legacy to his next generation; in this way, from one generation to another, this form of art flowed, which gave birth to the Gharana.
Mainly in the field of Kathak dance, the names of three gharanas are found: Lucknow Gharana, Banaras Gharana, and Jaipur Gharana. These gharanas seem to be different from each other on the basis of their specific artistic talents. Banaras Gharana is famous for its strong movement and devotional presentation. Janaki Prasad and Sukhdev Maharaj are considered to be the two founders of Banaras Gharana. Janaki Prasad was born in Rajasthan, but he made Banaras his workplace. On the other hand, Sukhdev Maharaj was born in Banaras, but He rendered his musical services in the court of the King of Nepal, after which his children stayed in Banaras and strengthened the Banaras Gharana. Presently, all the artists representing the Banaras Gharana are related to this lineage.
The presented research article describes the genealogy of past and present artists of Banaras Gharana of Kathak and their contribution to Kathak dance.

ShodhKosh Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, Aug 23, 2023

The term "gharana" pertains to a specific art form that is passed from one generation to the next... more The term "gharana" pertains to a specific art form that is passed from one generation to the next. Simply put, a gharana refers to a "house" wherein each member follows the artistic traditions of their ancestors. In the field of music, there are several gharanas which emerged, each representing a distinct artistic structure or style of its own. When we look back at the history of music, gharana came up as a result of performers working hard to perfect their skill and set themselves apart from other performers. This unique style was then passed down through generations, creating a lineage of artistic tradition. Thus, the concept of gharanas was born out of this organic evolution and transmission of musical knowledge from one generation to the other. In Kathak, three prominent gharanas stand out: Lucknow Gharana, Banaras Gharana, and Jaipur Gharana. Each gharana boasts distinct artistic characteristics and styles that set them apart from one another. The Banaras Gharana is famous for its strong movement and devotional presentation. Janaki Prasad and Sukhdev Maharaj are considered to be the two founders of Banaras Gharana. Janaki Prasad was born in Rajasthan, but moved to Banaras and spent rest of his life teaching Kathak there, which led to the establishment of the Banaras Gharana. On the other hand, Sukhdev Maharaj was born in Banaras, but he rendered his musical services in the court of the King of Nepal, after which his children stayed in Banaras and strengthened the Banaras Gharana. Presently, all the artists representing the Banaras Gharana are related to this lineage. The present research article focuses on the genealogy of past and present artists of Banaras Gharana of Kathak and their contribution to Kathak dance.

Vyanjana Art and Culture Society, Prayagraj, 2023

Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi (Land of Gods), is a captivating realm of mountains, myths, ... more Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi (Land of Gods), is a captivating realm of mountains, myths, and enchanting landscapes. Kumaun, within Uttarakhand, holds its own cultural traditions, featuring folk arts, festivals, and diverse ethnicities. This research paper delves into the festivals of the Kumaun region in Uttarakhand, India, exploring their cultural heritage, intricate rituals, and profound societal impact. By situating these celebrations within historical and social frameworks, this study aims
to illuminate the central role of festivals in shaping the region’s identity and fostering unity among its diverse communities. The research methodology capitalized on the researchers’ native status in the region. It centered on an autoethnographic approach that utilized the researcher’s personal experiences and cultural familiarity. Active participant observation was a key element, involving the researchers’ direct engagement in festivals with a focus on documenting local interactions and observations within the community. Significant academic journals, books, articles, research papers, etc. are also examined that are suitable for the documentation and critical study of the research subject. According to the findings, there are various folk festivals celebrated in the Kumaun region, but the researchers’ have critically studied and documented six majorly celebrated festivals and their cultural and communal significance.

India International Rural Cultural Centre, New Delhi, 2022

Nautch Girls were a unique class of Courtesans who played a significant role in the society du... more Nautch Girls were a unique class of
Courtesans who played a significant
role in the society during the 18th -19th
centuries in India. They were - a
dancer, singer, performer, and
occasionally a provider of sexual favors.
But in the whole context, they were the
preserver of dance. They embodied a
delightful blend of various dance styles,
including both classical and popular
dance, making numerous appearances
throughout the ages. The paper is an
attempt to give an account of the
journey of a dancing girl and their
transition from Apsara to the Nautch
Girls who were the real hereditary
women dancers of what we see today as
Kathak dance.