The question asks about the founder of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak dance. Kathak is a major classical dance form of North India, and like other classical arts, it developed different styles or schools known as Gharanas. Each Gharana has distinct characteristics in terms of footwork, movements, and expressiveness.

Understanding Kathak Gharanas

A 'Gharana' in Indian classical music and dance refers to a lineage of musicians or dancers sharing a particular musical or dance style. These styles were often developed and nurtured over generations within families or specific geographical regions.

The main Gharanas of Kathak are:

• Lucknow Gharana
• Jaipur Gharana
• Benares (Varanasi) Gharana
• Raigarh Gharana (more recent, synthesizing elements)

Focus on the Lucknow Gharana

The Lucknow Gharana is particularly known for its emphasis on grace, elegance, and refined expression (abhinaya). It gives importance to rhythmic variations as well but is often celebrated for its lyrical beauty and detailed storytelling through facial expressions and body language. It is considered one of the most influential Gharanas.

Founder of Lucknow Gharana

Historically, the origins of the Lucknow Gharana are traced back to a person named Ishwari Prasad Mishra (often referred to simply as Ishwari Prasad). He was a devotee of Lord Krishna from a village near Handia in Uttar Pradesh. His descendants are credited with developing and propagating the style that became known as the Lucknow Gharana.

The development of this Gharana flourished in the court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh, who was a great patron of arts and literature. Kalka Prasad and Binda Din Maharaj, grandsons of Ishwari Prasad's descendant, were prominent figures in the Nawab's court and significantly contributed to shaping the Lucknow style.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the provided options:

• Sitara Devi: A legendary Kathak dancer, primarily associated with the Banaras Gharana, though she trained in multiple styles. She was a renowned performer, not the founder of the Lucknow Gharana.
• Ishwari Prasad: Considered the progenitor or founder of the lineage that developed into the Lucknow Gharana. His descendants carried forward and shaped the style.
• Birju Maharaj: A towering figure and leading exponent of the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin Gharana. He was a master and popularizer, but not the original founder. He belonged to the lineage that originated from Ishwari Prasad.
• Rukmini Devi: A prominent figure in Indian classical dance, but she is primarily associated with the revival and popularization of Bharatnatyam, not Kathak.

Based on historical accounts, Ishwari Prasad is credited with founding the lineage that led to the development of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak.

Conclusion: Who Founded Lucknow Kathak Gharana?

The founder of the lineage from which the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak developed is considered to be Ishwari Prasad. While later generations, particularly his descendants in the court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, refined and popularized the style, the origin is attributed to Ishwari Prasad.

Revision Table: Kathak Gharanas and Founders

Additional Information: Evolution of Lucknow Gharana

The style attributed to Ishwari Prasad was further developed by his grandsons Kalka Prasad and Binda Din Maharaj, who were court dancers in Lucknow. They systematized the curriculum, emphasizing natya (dramatics) and nritya (pure dance) with a focus on aesthetics and storytelling. This patronage and refinement in Lucknow solidified the 'Lucknow Gharana' style as we know it today.