Dates 18th century, 1670-1748 Genre Hindustani - Khayal Language Hindi Profile Compositions Discography   Related Composers   Links

Profile

Niyamat Khan (pen name - Sadarang) and Firoz Khan (pen name - Adarang) are considered the pioneers of Khayal form of Hindustani music. They not only composed hundreds of khayal bandish-es still in use today, they are also credited with formulating the structure of khayal and getting royal patronage for it, establishing it firmly as a form of Hindustani music. They are probably the most famous names in the history of Hindustani music, after Amir Khusro and Tansen.

Niyamat Khan (1670-1748) and his nephew Firoz Khan, were originally from Gwalior. They were Dhrupad Beenkars (i.e. played Veena) and vocalists. Their fame took them to the court of music loving Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah Rangile (ruled 1719-1748). When serving in his court they developed leasurely form of Dhrupad that was named Khayal for its leisely, wishful mood. Many of the compositions are in praise of the emperor, Mohammed Shah (like Tu Hai Muhammad Shah - Raag Suha).

Sadarang and Adarang, with their disciples and followers established the kawal gharana specializing in khayal form of singing. With the fall of Muhammad Shah Rangile and disintegration of Mughal empire, disciples and discendants of Sadarang and Adarang spread out to royal courts in various parts of India - Agra, Jaiput, Gwalior, Lucknow, Benaras, Rampur etc and evolved the various gharanas of Khayal that we recognize today.

Musicologists warn that not all compositions with pen names Sadarang or Adarang can be definitely attributed to these composers. It is possible that many a later composer, used the same pen name to enhance the standing of the composition.

Compositions

• Mera Man Bandhi - Raag Yaman - Vilambith EkTaal
  
  Sthaayi - mera man bandh lino re hare in jogiyaa ke saath
  Antara - 'sadarang' karam karoon kyoon naa in pran naath ke
  
• Ja Re Ja Pathikava - Todi
• Kaahe Ho Hama Son - Gaud Malhar
• Kareema Nama Tero - Mian Malhar (Adarang)
• Bola Re Papaiyara - Mian Malhar
• Tu Hai Muhammad - Suha
• More Aye Hai Kunwar Kanha'i - Sahana Kanada
• Daiyya Ri Main Kase Jaya Pukarun - Hem Kalyan
• Avana kahi - Poorvi

Related Composers

Teachers & Influences
Disciples & Followers	Miya Manrang
Similar Composers
Worked With

Links

• Gwalior and Hindustani Music