Shambhu Maharaj was a renowned guru of which gharana of Kathak?

Explanation

Shambhu Maharaj (1910-1970) was one of the greatest gurus of the Lucknow gharana of Kathak. He belonged to the famous family of Kathak dancers descended from Ishwari Prasad, which also includes his father Kalka Prasad, his uncle Bindadin Maharaj, his brothers Achhan Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, and his nephew Pandit Birju Maharaj.

Shambhu Maharaj was especially famous for his abhinaya (expression) and for his interpretation of thumris, the semi-classical songs of love and devotion that are central to the expressive part of Kathak. He could interpret a single line of a thumri in many different ways through his facial expressions and gestures, and he was also a fine singer of thumri. He taught at the Bharatiya Kala Kendra in New Delhi, which later developed into the Kathak Kendra, and trained many famous dancers, including Kumudini Lakhia and others. He received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1967) and the Padma Shri (1958).

The Lucknow gharana developed in the 19th century at the court of Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh. It is known for its grace, elegance, subtle expressions and delicate movements, and for the importance it gives to abhinaya. Its founder is usually given as Ishwari Prasad, and its most famous modern exponent was Pandit Birju Maharaj.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Jaipur gharana is known for its powerful footwork and rhythm, and is linked with Bhanu Ji.
• ✗Banaras gharana is linked with Janaki Prasad.
• ✗Raigarh gharana developed under Raja Chakradhar Singh of Raigarh.