(A Special Tribute on His Birth Anniversary – Basant Panchami)
(BTI)-This is a story from the days when I embarked on a journey to Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, to learn dance from Pt. Birju Maharaj. Yes, it was between 1990 and 1993. I sought permission from my first guru, Prof. Kalyan Das Mahant, a court artist of the Raigarh royal court. Guru Mahant even wrote a formal letter to Maharaj Ji, entrusting me (Krishna Kumar Sinha) to his tutelage for Kathak training. Since 1990, I have remained his disciple for 32 years. This is why Maharaj Ji shared a strong bond with Chhattisgarh and Rajnandgaon.
Maharaj Ji always referred to Rajnandgaon as “Nandgaon.” Even today, Maharaj Ji’s family—Guru Mata Annapurna Devi Ji, Krishna Mohan Mishra, Shashwati Didi, Jaykishan Maharaj, and others—affectionately call me “Kishan.” Inspired by Dr. P.D. Aashirwadam Sir, I had the privilege of conducting Ph.D. research on Pt. Birju Maharaj’s father, the late Pt. Achhan Maharaj Ji. This research opportunity strengthened my bond with Maharaj Ji and his family, filling my life with their love and affection.
On Sundays and holidays, Maharaj Ji would often call me to his place to discuss Kathak’s legacy and share stories about his ancestors—his father Achhan Maharaj, middle uncle Lachhu Maharaj, and youngest uncle Shambhu Maharaj. Their unique styles and training methodologies were always a topic of discussion.
At that time, Pt. Birju Maharaj was the chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi. He would frequently take me to Lucknow, which helped me immensely with my Ph.D. research. Maharaj Ji, along with Shambhu Maharaj Ji’s wife Phool Kunwari Devi Ji, Guru Mata Annapurna Devi Ji, Krishna Mohan Bhaiya, Shashwati Didi, Munni Didi, and Bhashwati Didi, knew that I came from a financially weaker background. They supported me not only morally but also financially.
Maharaj Ji was a true connoisseur, a master jeweler in recognizing talent. He knew exactly how to train each disciple and what contribution they could make to society through this art form.
Pt. Birju Maharaj: A Social Engineer of Kathak
Maharaj Ji was a social engineer in the modern Kathak world. He was an exceptional skill developer, training thousands of Kathak students across India and abroad. He was a sculptor of Kathak in contemporary theater. He inherited the rich tradition of the Lucknow Gharana, embodying the distinctive dance styles of the three Maharajs—his father Achhan Maharaj’s precision and rhythm, Lachhu Maharaj’s grace, and Shambhu Maharaj’s tandava (vigorous) and emotive expressions.
By integrating these three elements, Pt. Birju Maharaj brought innovation and creative dynamism to Kathak, developing new choreographic styles and enhancing the skills of his disciples, making Kathak even more profound and impactful.
Maharaj Ji’s Bond with Rajnandgaon
Maharaj Ji fondly called Rajnandgaon “Nandgaon.” He visited the Chakradhar Kathak Kalyan Kendra, Rajnandgaon, five times at my invitation. He conducted four five-day-long All India Kathak Dance Workshops, where he trained thousands of aspiring dancers, elevating their skills.
On the special request of the people of Rajnandgaon, Pt. Birju Maharaj was honored with the status of State Guest by the Government of Chhattisgarh, awarded by Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh. This was the first time an artist had received such an honor after the formation of Chhattisgarh state.
Maharaj Ji was honored by the citizens of Rajnandgaon four times, including being weighed against laddoos twice. On his 75th birthday celebration, he was honored with a Tuladaan (weighing ceremony) using 75 kilograms of ghungroos and another time with 500 Parijat saplings.
This deep affection from the people of Rajnandgaon made Maharaj Ji feel a strong emotional connection with the place. He often mentioned “Nandgaon” (Rajnandgaon) in his performances and events across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Prayagraj.
When Maharaj Ji visited Rajnandgaon and witnessed the immense love and admiration of the people, he was overwhelmed with joy.
Dr. Krishna Kumar Sinha (Disciple)
Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji, Chakradhar Kathak Kalyan Kendra, Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh)
