Kathak Dance in the Mughal Court
- Lecture
The Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation Exhibition Hall
Circumcision ceremony for Akbar’s sons, painting 126 from an Akbar-nama (Book of Akbar) of Abu’l Fazl (Indian, 1551–1602) (detail), c. 1602-3. Attributed to Dharam Das (Indian, active c. 1580–1605). Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper; image: 22.9 x 12.1 cm. Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund, 1971.76.
About The Event
An ancient classical Indian dance form originating from Hindu storytelling traditions, kathak became a celebrated form of entertainment in the Mughal courts. Discover kathak’s rich history and its transformation under Mughal patronage with Sujata Lakhe, kathak student and enthusiast, and Sonya Rhie Quintanilla, curator of Indian and Southeast Asian art. Dance demonstrations presented by a student from the Anga Kala Kathak Academy.
Free; reservations recommended. Meet in the exhibition.