Bindadin Maharaj

🪔 About

Bindadin Maharaj (1830–1918) was a legendary Kathak pioneer and a pivotal figure in the development of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak dance. Born in 1830 in Handia Tehsil, Allahabad district, his father was Durga Prasad, and his uncle was Thakur Prasad. He received his initial dance training from both his father and uncle, beginning at the tender age of nine. Bindadin Maharaj dedicated himself to rigorous practice, reportedly spending twelve hours a day for three to four years mastering the foundational rhythm “Tigda Dig Dig”. At a young age, around twelve, Bindadin Maharaj showcased his extraordinary talent by engaging in a discussion about Tala with the renowned Pakhawaj wizard, Kudau Singh, in the court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, where his skill was highly acclaimed. Along with his brother Kalika Prasad, Bindadin Maharaj is credited with bringing a renaissance to Kathak, elevating it to a highly polished and stylized art form and co-founding the Lucknow Gharana. While Kalika Prasad was known for his rhythmic prowess, Bindadin Maharaj was celebrated for his poetic interpretations and compositional skills. Beyond his dancing, Bindadin Maharaj was also proficient in playing Tabla, Pakhawaj, and Naal, and was an expert in singing and composing Thumris. He is said to have composed hundreds, with some sources suggesting around 1500 to 3000, new Thumris and Bandishes, often using the nom de plume "Binda Kahat" in his compositions. A devotee of Lord Krishna, he led a simple life and was known for his strong character. During the First War of Independence in 1857, he temporarily left Lucknow with Thakur Prasad, finding warm reception and accolades in places like Nepal and Bhopal. Bindadin Maharaj passed away in 1918, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in Kathak.