Benares Gharana

Benares gharana is a branch of Kathak dance.

History

Unlike the Lucknow gharana, the Benares gharana was not greatly impacted by the Mughals. Artists did everything under the name of religion and were independent of sponsors. They resided at the Hindu royal courts.

Characteristics

Dancers give more importance to tabla bols and there are very few todas and tukras in this gharana. The basic body position is very straight, and instead of circles, dancers do tatkar.