The correct answer is Option (1) - Pandit Birju Maharaj
Pandit Birju Maharaj is a renowned Kathak dancer and choreographer who belongs to the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Kathak.
The Kalka-Bindadin gharana is one of the major schools or styles (gharanas) of Kathak, a classical dance form originating from North India. This gharana is named after two legendary Kathak dancers, Kalka Prasad and Bindadin Maharaj, who were pivotal figures in the development and propagation of Kathak in the Lucknow region during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Pandit Birju Maharaj is the son and disciple of Acchan Maharaj, who was himself a prominent Kathak exponent belonging to the Kalka-Bindadin gharana. Birju Maharaj learned Kathak from his father and other members of his family, thus inheriting and preserving the rich tradition and repertoire of this gharana.
Throughout his illustrious career, Pandit Birju Maharaj has not only mastered the traditional repertoire of the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana but has also contributed significantly to the evolution and popularization of Kathak on a global scale. He is celebrated for his virtuosity, creativity, and artistic expression in both classical and contemporary contexts.
As a torchbearer of the Kalka-Bindadin gharana, Pandit Birju Maharaj has trained numerous disciples and has played a key role in ensuring the continuity and vitality of this Kathak tradition. His performances, compositions, and teachings have had a profound impact on the Kathak community and have helped to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of India.
Overall, Pandit Birju Maharaj's association with the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Kathak underscores his deep-rooted connection to this classical dance tradition and his commitment to its preservation and propagation for future generations. |
