Who is recognised as the founder of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Ishwari Prasad.
The founder of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak is widely recognized as Pandit Ishwari Prasad, a court dancer in the Nawab of Awadh’s durbar during the 18th century. He belonged to a family of Brahmin storytellers from the Handiya village near Prayagraj and is credited with giving a classical and devotional character to Kathak. His descendants, particularly Thakur Prasad, Bindadin Maharaj, and Kalka Prasad, further enriched the tradition and brought it to prominence in the courts of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Lucknow. The gharana is known for its delicate grace, expressive abhinaya (facial expressions), and intricate footwork.