# Personalities

## Overview

In this chapter, students explore the life stories and legacies of two iconic figures in Indian classical and folk dance: **Shambhu Maharaj**, a master of **Kathak** from the **Lucknow Gharana**, and **Kedar Nath Sahu**, a renowned exponent of **Seraikella Chhau**. Their artistic journeys highlight the richness of India’s traditional dance forms and the importance of guru-shishya parampara in preserving cultural heritage.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. Shambhu Maharaj – Kathak Maestro from Lucknow Gharana

- **Family Legacy**: Belonged to a lineage of traditional Kathak dancers; his father was Kalka Prasad and his uncle was Binda Deen, key figures in the Lucknow Gharana.
- **Training**: Studied under his uncle Binda Deen.
- **Performance Milestone**: Debuted in 1926 at the All India Music Conference in Lucknow.
- **Career**:
- Performed solo and with his brothers Acchan Maharaj and Lacchu Maharaj.
- Moved to Delhi in 1955 and taught at Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra.
- Known for **abhinaya** (expressive acting) and **bhav batana** (expressing emotion).
- **Legacy**:
- Taught many prominent dancers including **Birju Maharaj**.
- His sons Ram Mohan and Kishan Mohan continued his tradition.
- **Awards**:
- Padma Shri (1958)
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1967)

### 2. Kedar Nath Sahu – Master of Seraikella Chhau

- **Background**: Belonged to the Kanasari caste, known for both Chhau dancing and making household utensils.
- **Training**: Learned dance from his father and grandfather under the **Guru-Shishya Parampara**.
- **Performance Journey**:
- Started with the troupe of Kumar Bijoy Pratap Singh Deo.
- Later established his own troupe and trained many disciples.
- **Legacy**:
- Famous disciples include Shashadhar Acharya, Gopal Prasad Dubey, and Sharon Lowen.
- Known for taking Chhau to international platforms.
- **Awards**:
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1981)
- Padma Shri (2005)

## Activity

- **Research Task**: Students are encouraged to research and write about one of the following personalities:
- Balasaraswati
- Pandit Hazarilal
- Keermane Shivaram Hedge
- Gulabo Sapera

Here is **Part 2** of the markdown summary for the chapter **"Personalities"**, with **definitions of new terms** and **10 practice questions** as per the project structure.

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## New Terms and Simple Definitions

| Term | Definition |
|-------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gharana | A school or style of Indian classical music or dance with distinct features |
| Kathak | A classical dance form from North India known for storytelling and footwork |
| Abhinaya | Expressing emotions through facial expressions and gestures in dance |
| Bhav Batana | Showing emotion or feeling in a performance |
| Guru-Shishya Parampara | Traditional Indian teacher-student learning system |
| Chhau | A semi-classical Indian dance with martial, tribal and folk traditions |
| Seraikella | A region in Jharkhand known for a style of Chhau dance |
| Troupe | A group of performers or dancers |
| Padma Shri | A civilian award given by the Indian Government for excellence |
| Sangeet Natak Akademi | India’s national academy for music, dance, and drama |

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## Practice Questions

### Easy (3)

1. **Who was Shambhu Maharaj’s famous nephew?**
**Answer**: Birju Maharaj
**Explanation**: He taught many, including his nephew Birju Maharaj, who became a legendary Kathak dancer.

2. **Which dance form is associated with Kedar Nath Sahu?**
**Answer**: Seraikella Chhau
**Explanation**: He was a leading exponent of this folk dance form.

3. **What is the meaning of 'Guru-Shishya Parampara'?**
**Answer**: Teacher-student tradition
**Explanation**: It is a way of learning passed orally from master to student.

### Medium (2)

4. **In which year did Shambhu Maharaj receive the Padma Shri?**
**Answer**: 1958
**Explanation**: He received this award for his contribution to Kathak.

5. **Name one disciple of Kedar Nath Sahu who is not Indian.**
**Answer**: Sharon Lowen
**Explanation**: She is an American who trained in Chhau under Kedar Nath Sahu.

### Difficult (3)

6. **Describe the role of the Kanasari caste in the development of Chhau.**
**Answer**: They practiced Chhau dance alongside making household utensils.
**Explanation**: This community kept the tradition alive through generations.

7. **What is 'bhav batana' and how did Shambhu Maharaj use it in Kathak?**
**Answer**: It means expressing emotions.
**Explanation**: He used this expressive style to bring depth to his performances, especially in court-style sitting dance.

8. **How did Shambhu Maharaj contribute to Kathak after moving to Delhi?**
**Answer**: He taught at Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra and spread the Lucknow Gharana style.
**Explanation**: He trained many prominent dancers and established the gharana in Delhi.

### Very Difficult (2)

9. **Compare the performance styles of Kathak and Seraikella Chhau based on the personalities discussed.**
**Answer**: Kathak emphasizes storytelling, expression (abhinaya), and rhythm, while Chhau includes martial elements and mask usage.
**Explanation**: Shambhu Maharaj focused on facial expressions and emotion, whereas Kedar Nath Sahu emphasized vigorous body movements and group dynamics.

10. **Explain how the guru-shishya parampara was central to both Shambhu Maharaj and Kedar Nath Sahu’s legacy.**
**Answer**: Both learned from family elders and passed the art down through dedicated disciples.
**Explanation**: This system ensured the preservation and continuation of dance traditions across generations.

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