---
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id: "69be77ff1b1028d43d8449d6"
title: "Personalities"
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 7"
subject: "Arts"
book: "Kriti"
chapter: "Personalities"
chapter_slug: "personalities"
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source: "Edzy"
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last_updated: "2026-06-20"
---

# Personalities
This chapter discusses prominent figures in the realm of dance, focusing on their contributions and significance within their respective traditions and styles, particularly Kathak and Seraikella Chhau.

---

## Knowledge Snapshot

| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti |
| Chapter | Personalities |
| Pages | 140-142 |

---

## Chapter Summary

### Short Summary
The chapter highlights key personalities in the dance forms of Kathak and Seraikella Chhau, detailing their backgrounds, training, significant achievements, and influence on future generations of dancers.

### Detailed Summary
Shambhu Maharaj, a notable figure from the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak, emerged from a family of traditional dancers, with significant contributions made to the dance form by his father Kalka Prasad and uncle Binda Deen. After debuting at the All India Music Conference in 1926, he established a dance repertoire and later taught in Delhi, impacting many students, including Birju Maharaj. He received multiple accolades, including the Padma Shri. Kedar Nath Sahu is recognized for his expertise in Seraikella Chhau, having been trained in a traditional family and later forming his own troupe. Sahu, awarded the Padma Shri in 2005, significantly influenced the Chhau dance scene and mentored several distinguished dancers.

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## Topic-Wise Explanation

### Shambhu Maharaj
Shambhu Maharaj was a pivotal figure in Kathak, known for his abhinaya and bhav batana. He taught many renowned dancers and was awarded the Padma Shri.

### Birju Maharaj
Birju Maharaj, a prominent disciple of Shambhu Maharaj, is well-known for his contributions to the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak.

### Kedar Nath Sahu
Kedar Nath Sahu was an exponent of Seraikella Chhau, contributing to the dance form through teaching and performing globally.

### Dance Forms Overview
The chapter summarizes the significance of Kathak and Seraikella Chhau in Indian classical dancing, highlighting the lineage and training associated with each form.

### Impact of Personalities on Dance
The influence of distinguished personalities like Shambhu Maharaj and Kedar Nath Sahu on the dance community demonstrates the importance of mentorship and tradition in preserving art forms.

### Research Project Guidelines
Students are encouraged to research and present on dance personalities, enhancing their knowledge and appreciation of classical dance.

---

## Core Ideas

| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Influence of Tradition | The transmission of dance knowledge through generations shapes the art form's evolution and sustenance. |

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## Key Concepts

| Concept | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Abhinaya | Expressive art of conveying emotions in dance. |
| Guru-Sishya Parampara | Teacher-student tradition of learning and passing down knowledge. |

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## Important Points for Revision

* Shambhu Maharaj's contributions to Kathak and teaching methodologies.
* Kedar Nath Sahu's background in Seraikella Chhau and his disciples' success.
* The significance of awards like Padma Shri in recognizing dancers’ contributions.
* The historical context of dance in royal courts, particularly during the Nawabi era.
* The role of families in preserving and nurturing specific dance traditions.
* Innovations introduced by key personalities in their respective dance forms.
* The necessity of maintaining a strong mentor relationship in classical dance training.
* The impact of personality on the growth and popularity of dance forms.

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## Practice Questions

### Short Answer Questions
1. Who was Shambhu Maharaj?
2. What are the notable achievements of Kedar Nath Sahu?
3. Describe the Guru-Sishya Parampara.
4. What awards did Shambhu Maharaj receive?
5. How did traditional family backgrounds influence these dance personalities?

### Long Answer Questions
1. Discuss the significance of Shambhu Maharaj in the context of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak.
2. Analyze the impact of Kedar Nath Sahu on the Seraikella Chhau dance form and his contribution to international dance circles.
3. Explain the importance of research and project work in understanding classical dance personalities and their legacies.

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## Related Concepts
* Kathak
* Seraikella Chhau
* Padma Shri Award

---

## Source Attribution

| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 69be77ff1b1028d43d8449d6 |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-7-arts-kriti-personalities |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-7-arts-kriti-personalities.md |