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Kathak
is a North Indian classical dance that is dated back to 1550
B.C. The Kathak that is witnessed today evolved from a group
of male dancers called Kathakas. The Kathakas traveled
to the indigenous populations of India spreading Hinduism
through dance, mime, singing, and acting. Over the various
periods and invasions in the history of India, Kathak was
most influenced by the Moghul reign.
During the
Moghul Reign in India, the Muslim kings held strong
patronage for all the arts. The kings had brought with them
dancers and musicians from Persia and Central and West Asia.
Being
that the Moghuls centrally ruled over the northern
parts of India, Kathak, more so than other dance styles
was most effected and slowly entered into the courts. 
The dancers and
musicians from Persia borrowed some elements and features of Indian
art. Likewise, the Indian artists were also influenced by the arts
of the Middle East. Over hundreds of years, the arts of the two
cultures borrowed from one another and ultimately fused into one.
Kathak is the best result of the conglomeration of the two cultures.
In Kathak the major part of the interpretive themes were
largely centered around Radha Krishna, and retelling incidents
in the life of Krishna. Rhythmic syllables were composed
from the words in praise of Krishna and were used in Kathak.
During this period,
Kathak was showered with emotional values, variety of movements
and intricate foot work, which exemplifies the modern day characteristics
of Kathak.
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