Bhendi Bazar Gharana (vocal)

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Profile

A lesser-known but influential gharana, the Bhendi Bazar school was founded by Ustad Chhajju Khan, Ustad Nazir Khan and Ustad Khadim Hussain Khan in the late nineteenth century and is a branch of the Gwalior gharana. They trained under their father Dilawar Hussain Khan, and Inayat Hussain Khan of the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana.

If the aspect of the compositions and presentation of the rag does not really differ from the Gwalior school, the singing techniques used in their development are very original. The akar sung in an open voice, the prevalence of merkhand (intricate singing of the sargam), and a clear articulation and intonation are the characteristic features of this gharana. Stringent practice of breath control permits the singer to sing a long stretch of the raga without pausing.

The concert is generally divided in two parts : the khyal features a presentation of the poem, without accompaniment, then one, two or three poems developed on improvised phrases.

Renowned singers of this gharana include Ustad Aman Ali Khan (who specialized in complex sargams without sidelining swara and laya, and taught Lata Mangeshwar). An exceptional musician, Aman Ali Khan was one of the most celebrated musicians in the 1940's Bombay.

The last student of Aman Ali Khan still alive : Pandit TD Janorikar, and the great lady singer, student of Pandit TD Janorikar, Suhasini Koratkar. Another important artist was Anjanibai Malpekar (who taught Kishori Amonkar).

Artists

Major artists in alphabetical order

• Ustad Aman Ali Khan
• Anjanibai Malpekar
• Suhasini Koratkar
• Pt TD Janorikar