Music
The Agra gharana is a tradition of Hindustani classical vocal music descended from the Nauhar Bani. So far, Nauhar Bani has been traGharana was “Dhrupad-Dhamar The Agra Gharana has been at the forefront of the evolution and growth of Hindustani music and has had great musicians and stalwarts like Ustad Faiyaz Khan, Ustad Vilayat Hussain Khan, and Ustad Latafat Hussain Khan, Ustad Sharafat Hussain Khan, Ustad Khadimstad Faiyaz Khan, Ustad Vilayat Hussain Khan, and Ustad Latafat Hussain Khan, Ustad Sharafat Hussain Khan, Ustad Khadim Hussain Khan, Pt. Srikrishna Ratanjankar, Pt. SCR Bhat, Pt. Ramrao Nayak, Pt. GS Hegde, Pt. Kamalakar Bhat and with some of the current legendary singers Ustad Raja Miya, Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan among many others
Ustad Faiyaz Khan ‘Prem Piya’ (1881–1950), also known as “Aftaab-e-Mousiqi” or “the Sun of Music,” was a towering figure in the world of Hindustani classical music. His life and legacy offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich traditions of the Gharana system, where musical mastery was passed down through generations and shaped by the brilliance of individual maestros.
Born in 1881 to Abbasi Begum, the posthumous child of Ghulam Abbas Khan, Faiyaz Khan was raised by his grandfather after his mother’s unfortunate displacement from the Rangila Gharana. Despite these early challenges, Faiyaz Khan’s musical journey was nothing short of extraordinary. His grandfather’s mentorship played a key role in his development, shaping him into an exceptional vocalist.
Faiyaz Khan’s association with the Baroda darbar is significant. He became deeply embedded in the classical music circles, performing across undivided India and leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape. His compositions, characterized by the intricate interplay of bol and laya, are still celebrated for their aesthetic beauty and depth. His contributions to the Gharana, particularly in terms of style and technique, were profound, making him an undisputed authority in classical music.
His influence extended far beyond his immediate circle. Numerous distinguished musicians from all walks of life sought his guidance. Some, like Dilip Chandra Vedi, Srikrishna Ratanjankar, and Pt Shyam Joshi (Pt. GS Hegde Bellekeri), benefitted from his tutelage, absorbing his unique vocal style. Faiyaz Khan’s work continues to resonate through his disciples and his musical recordings.
It’s particularly noteworthy that, despite his prominence, Faiyaz Khan remained deeply connected to the cultural and musical heritage of his gharana, ensuring that his legacy was preserved and passed on. His title “Aftaab-e-Mousiqi” is more than just an honor—it signifies his radiant contribution to the world of music, likening him to the sun that illuminates and nourishes all those around it.
Ustad Khadim Husain Khan ‘SajanPiya’ (1905–1993) ‘SajanPiya’ was a highly revered figure in the world of classical Hindustani music. His life and legacy, deeply rooted in both the Agra and Atrauli traditions, highlight his exceptional musical knowledge and contribution to the art form. Trained under the legendary Kallan Khan of Agra, Khan absorbed the nuances of these traditions and refined his own unique style.
His role as a teacher and mentor was instrumental in shaping the next generation of musicians. As part of the esteemed Agra-Atrauli ustad trio, alongside his uncle Vilayat Hussain Khan and younger brother Anwar Hussain Khan, he passed on the rich legacy of their gayaki (singing style) to countless disciples. The impact of their teaching was so profound that it was said that their students could be found in every corner of Bombay (now Mumbai).
Khadim Husain Khan’s dedication to build next generation, or the imparting of musical knowledge, spanned over seven decades, during which he taught in Bombay and nurtured a vast network of students. His disciples went on to make significant contributions to Indian classical music, with several rising to national and international acclaim.
Prominent among his students were Latafat Hussain Khan (his younger brother), Vatsala Kumthekar, Krishna Udyavarkar, Jyotsna Bhole, Saguna Kalyanpur, Baban Haldankar, Shyam Joshi ( Pt. G S Hegde Bellekeri) and Lalith J. Rao. In addition to these classical musicians, figures from the world of cinema such as Durga Khote, Surendra, Suraiya, and Madhubala also studied under him, which further illustrates his wide-reaching influence.
Pt. G.S Hegde Bellekeri (1916 – 2013)
Pt. Ganapati Hegde’s journey is truly inspiring, highlighting his deep passion for Indian classical music and his dedication to preserving and sharing the rich tradition of the Agra Gharana. Born into a family of agriculturists, his early life took a dramatic turn when he moved to Mumbai, seeking to escape detection by his family while pursuing his musical ambitions under the new name of Shyam Joshi.
His time spent with the masters of Agra Gharana, Ustad Fiyaz Khan and Ustad Khadim Hussain Khan, played a pivotal role in shaping his skills and knowledge. His further formal training under Mohan Rao Chikkaramane added depth to his musical expertise. Despite coming from a small town with little exposure to classical music, Pt. Hegde’s determination led him to open the Shastreeya Sangeeta Vidyalya in Sirsi, where he successfully began passing on the traditions of Agra Gharana.
His efforts helped create a thriving classical music scene in the area, with his first student, Kamalakar Bhat, laying a solid foundation for Agra Gharana in the North Canara district. Through his teaching, Pt. Hegde preserved the intricacies of the Agra Gharana, ensuring the legacy of this distinguished tradition continued to grow. His story reflects the unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and the vital role of passing knowledge through generations.
