Topic 6 Gharana The Legacy of Tabla Maestros.pptx

A comprehensive overview of the contributions and legacies of three iconic tabla maestros — Ustad Munir Khan, Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa, and Pandit Kishen Maharaj. The presentation explores their biographies, stylistic innovations, and pedagogical principles, drawing from key sources such as Deshpande (2013), Shankar (2018), Subramaniam (2007), and Chakrabarti (2015). It highlights Munir Khan’s multi-gharana synthesis and establishment of the Laliana (Bombay) gharana, Thirakwa’s transformation of tabla into a solo art form, and Kishen Maharaj’s dynamic expansion of the Benares tradition. Their technical innovations, repertoire diversity, and systematic teaching approaches have deeply influenced contemporary tabla performance. The section also examines their national recognitions, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, underscoring how their contributions continue to shape modern Indian percussion.

1. Author: Mahanand (Vikram) Sohorye Created with Pi The Legacy of Tabla Maestros

2. CONTENTS 1. Biographical Sketches 3. Influence on Contemporary Tabla Playing 5. Academic Assessment 2. Contributions to Technique, Repertoire, and Pedagogy 4. Recognition and Awards

3. 01 Biographical Sketches

4. Ustad Munir Khan (1863–1937) Birthplace Laliana, Uttar Pradesh; trained under nearly 24 gurus from major gharanas (Delhi, Ajrada, Lucknow, Farrukhabad) (Deshpande, 2013). Contribution Synthesized a hybrid style, founding the Laliana (Bombay) gharana (Saxena, 2006). Influence Revered pedagogue; most famous disciple: Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa (Shankar, 2018).

5. Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa (1892–1976) Birthplace 1 Moradabad; trained under Munir Khan, mastered multiple gharanas (Subramaniam, 2007). 2 Innovation Revolutionized solo tabla performance; known for clarity, improvisation, and complex rhythmic structures (Deshpande, 2013). 3 Recognition Padma Bhushan awardee; influential in academic and performance circles (Subramaniam, 2007).

6. Pandit Kishen Maharaj (1923–2008) Birthplace Varanasi; trained in the Benares gharana by family members (Chakrabarti, 2015). Style Known for forceful, dynamic playing and compatibility with vocal, instrumental, and dance performances (Saxena, 2006). Awards Padma Vibhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recipient (Chakrabarti, 2015).

7. 02 Contributions to Technique, Repertoire, and Pedagogy

8. Technique Munir Khan Hybridized bandh (closed) and khula (open) baaj; multi-gharana synthesis (Deshpande, 2013). Thirakwa Refined clarity of bols, complex rhythmic patterns, microtiming, and tihai constructions (Subramaniam, 2007). Kishen Maharaj Innovative fingering, dynamic control, and tonal resonance (Chakrabarti, 2015).

9. Repertoire Munir Khan Integrated rare compositions from four gharanas; increased repertoire diversity (Shankar, 2018). Thirakwa 1 Vast, rare repertoire; new improvisations and canonical solo works (Subramaniam, 2007). 2 Kishen Maharaj Expanded parans, tukras, gats for dance and fusion genres (Chakrabarti, 2015). 3

10. Pedagogy Munir Khan Promoted cross-gharana proficiency and personalized development (Shankar, 2018). Thirakwa Combined rigorous training with creative freedom; introduced new educational methods (Deshpande, 2013). Kishen Maharaj Systematic and accessible teaching; nurtured global tabla artists (Chakrabarti, 2015).

11. 03 Influence on Contemporary Tabla Playing

12. Influence on Contemporary Tabla Playing Munir Khan His hybrid style and multi-gharana approach have influenced modern tabla versatility (Deshpande, 2013). Thirakwa Elevated tabla to solo concert status; inspired generations of tabla players (Subramaniam, 2007). Kishen Maharaj Expanded tabla’s role in dance and fusion; helped globalize the Benares gharana (Chakrabarti, 2015).

13. 04 Recognition and Awards

14. Recognition and Awards Munir Khan Legacy preserved through disciples and gharana propagation; received scholarly recognition (Shankar, 2018; Deshpande, 2013). Thirakwa Recipient of Padma Bhushan; featured in AIR and academic syllabi (Subramaniam, 2007). Kishen Maharaj Honored with Padma Vibhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award; acknowledged internationally (Chakrabarti, 2015).

15. 05 Academic Assessment

16. Academic Assessment Recognition Awards and institutional honors have codified and propagated the legacies of these maestros (Chakrabarti, 2015; Deshpande, 2013; Shankar, 2018). Relevance Their techniques and repertoires remain central to contemporary tabla practice and pedagogy.

17. Thank You