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Thumri of the Banaras Gharana: Tradition, Experimentation, and Transformation


Thumri is one of the most intimate and expressive forms of Hindustani music, a style where melody and emotion are so deeply intertwined that the listener feels transported into the inner world of the singer. Although it has often been described as a semi-classical or “light” genre, this description does not do justice to the depth and subtlety of its expression. Thumri has always been more than a form of entertainment; it is an art that conveys the complexities of love, longing, devotion, joy, and sorrow in a way that bridges the personal and the universal. Within the wider world of Thumri, the Banaras Gharana known also as the Purab Ang or eastern style — has held a distinctive place, preserving folk roots while embracing classical ornamentation, and creating a style that remains at once accessible and profound.

The Banaras tradition grew in the sacred and cultural environment of Varanasi, a city where music, ritual, and everyday life exist in close harmony. In contrast to the Lucknowi style, which flourished under Nawab Wajid Ali Shah as a companion to Kathak dance, Banaras musicians carved out a more independent and introspective approach. Thumri in Banaras stepped outside the courts and reached into temples, festivals, and local gatherings. It became part of the shared voice of the people, even while retaining its classical base. The Purab Ang is characterised by its preference for bol-banav, where words are repeated, stretched, and coloured with ornamentation to draw out emotional meaning. Through this method, even a simple phrase could be expanded into a long, meditative journey, reflecting the depth of human feeling.

The poetry of Banaras Thumri has always been central to its charm. Sung in dialects like Awadhi, Braj Bhasha, and Bhojpuri, the language connects directly to everyday speech. Unlike the ornate and courtly style of some other genres, the lyrics of Thumri are conversational, simple, and often intimate, describing the pangs of separation, the sweetness of union, or the playful quarrels of lovers. Many compositions use imagery from the tales of Radha and Krishna, but the emotional resonance goes beyond religious symbolism and touches universal human experience. The flexibility of the words allows singers to reinvent them each time, giving the impression of a personal conversation with the listener.

Musically, Banaras Thumri thrives on freedom. The ragas commonly chosen:  Khamaj, Pilu, Kafi, Bhairavi, Jhijhoti; are light enough to allow improvisation but rich enough to carry deep expression. The talas most often used, such as Dadra, Deepchandi, Keharwa, and Punjabi, create structures that support both playful and serious moods. Singers of Banaras also excel in bol-bant, breaking words rhythmically in dialogue with the tabla, producing a dynamic and dramatic effect. The relationship with Kathak dance remains, not as direct accompaniment but as a shared aesthetic: the gestures and phrasing in music often mirror the grace of dance movements, reminding us of the interwoven cultural fabric from which Thumri emerged.

At the centre of the Banaras style is the belief that music succeeds only when it touches the heart. Thumri does not aim to dazzle through speed or display; it aims to create an atmosphere where listeners feel emotions unfolding within themselves. The emphasis on bhava, or emotional essence, gave Banaras Thumri its enduring appeal. In a performance, a single phrase such as “kaise jaaun” could be repeated and elaborated in countless ways hesitant at first, playful later, mournful in another turn each time bringing new colours to the same words. This attention to subtlety is what makes Banaras Thumri both deeply personal and universally moving.

The tradition also shows remarkable adaptability. While early Thumris were dominated by romantic and erotic sentiment, Banaras artists broadened the scope to include devotion, spiritual longing, and even philosophical reflection. The repertoire drew generously from folk songs of Bhojpuri and Awadhi, making the music instantly relatable to rural and urban audiences alike. At the same time, classical ragas were used with flexibility, allowing improvisations that blurred the lines between strict shastriya tradition and folk spontaneity. In the twentieth century, with the advent of radio, recordings, and stage performance, Banaras Thumri reached wider audiences. It was not confined to small gatherings but found a place in public concerts and festivals, adapting smoothly to changing times without losing its intimacy.

Much of the recognition of Banaras Thumri is owed to its great exponents. Badi Motibai, with her deep, resonant style, gave the genre both weight and grace, while Chhoti Motibai brought her own delicacy and subtlety to the form. Rasoolan Bai became a household name with her earthy and emotionally charged renditions that carried the flavour of Bhojpuri folk into the classical sphere. Siddheshwari Devi added depth and refinement, shaping Banaras Thumri into a sophisticated art that could stand alongside khayal and dhrupad in seriousness. Gauhar Jaan, one of the first recording artists of India, also lent her voice to Thumri, ensuring that its charm reached beyond live mehfils into recorded history. Male singers like Moinuddin Khan, Mahadev Prasad Mishra, Bhawani Sewak Mishra, Gopal Mishra, Surendra Mohan Mishra 'Mohan Ji' and Rajeshwar Mishra carried the tradition with equal passion, proving that Thumri was not limited to female voices but was an art that belonged to all. Together, these artists created a legacy that allowed Banaras Thumri to flourish as a living tradition rather than a relic of the past.

Today, Banaras Thumri continues to inspire. Contemporary vocalists keep the form alive in their repertoires, treating it not as a secondary piece after khayal but as a vital and central expression. Its melodic patterns and emotional content have influenced cinema and popular music, where traces of Thumri can still be heard in film songs and ghazals. Institutions and cultural programs in Varanasi and across India regularly celebrate this tradition, while younger musicians are trained not only in its technical details but also in its cultural background. This training ensures that Thumri remains vibrant, connected to its roots, and open to reinvention.

What makes Banaras Thumri significant is its ability to balance continuity with change. It has absorbed elements from folk, classical, devotional, and even popular culture, yet its essence intimacy, emotion, and connection has never been lost. Its journey from the courts of Lucknow to the temples and streets of Banaras, from intimate gatherings to the modern stage, illustrates the resilience and adaptability of Indian music. It is timeless in its themes of love and devotion, and contemporary in its openness to innovation.

In the end, Thumri of the Banaras Gharana is more than a genre; it is a cultural reflection of Indian life. It carries within it the laughter of festivals, the sorrow of separation, the devotion of temples, and the intimacy of personal expression. By preserving its folk foundations while enriching itself with classical artistry, Banaras Thumri has remained one of the most humanistic forms of Hindustani music. It is a reminder that music’s greatest power lies not in perfection but in feeling. As long as people seek to express love, longing, and devotion, the Thumri of Banaras will continue to resonate  bridging past and present, tradition and innovation, singer and listener.

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The Banaras Gharana: A Complete Tradition and Lineage of Chaumukhi Gayaki

 

 Tradition and Lineage of Chaumukhi Gayaki 

The Banaras Gharana is one of the most soulful and spiritually rich traditions in Hindustani classical music. Rooted in the ancient city of Varanasi, it reflects a deep connection between music, poetry, and devotion. This tradition has flourished for over five centuries, shaped by legendary musicians, thoughtful composers, and devoted disciples. The earliest known figure in the Banaras Gharana is Pandit Chintamani Mishra, who lived around 1450. He was not only a skilled vocalist but also a spiritual thinker. His approach to music placed equal emphasis on melody, feeling, and inner discipline. He laid the foundational ideas that would shape Banaras Gayaki for generations to come. In the following centuries, the tradition was nurtured by respected names such as Pandit Gadadhar Mishra and Pandit Harihar Mishra. They passed on a legacy built on poetic richness and raga purity. This early phase centered around dhrupad and devotional music, closely linked to temple traditions.

With the emergence of Pandit Laxmidhar Mishra and Pandit Dilaram Mishra, the gharana entered a more structured phase. They were responsible for forming the first organized lineage of teaching and performance in Varanasi. Their disciples included Pandit Jagman Mishra, Pandit Devidayal Mishra, and Pandit Thakur Dayal Mishra. These musicians helped to establish khayal as a central form within the Banaras tradition.Later generations featured powerful artists like Pandit Prasaddhu Mishra, Pandit Shiv Sahay Mishra, and Pandit Ram Sevak Mishra. They carried the legacy with strength and grace, developing a vocal style that was rich in bhava, precise in layakari, and rooted in devotional expression. This tradition was continued with depth by Pandit Pashupati Sevak Mishra, Pandit Shiv Sevak Mishra, and Pandit Bhavani Sevak Mishra. Their contributions gave Banaras Gayaki its signature identity—emotional, lyrical, and deeply spiritual.

A parallel but closely linked stream in the gharana comes from Pandit Shiv Daya Mishra, whose disciple Pandit Jaikaran Mishra trained Pandit Baijanath Mishra. This line further continued through Pandit Jalpa Prasad Mishra, Pandit Rajeshwar Mishra, and Pandit Harishankar Mishra. These musicians were known for their subtlety, their clear understanding of raga aesthetics, and their connection to both classical and semi-classical forms.One of the most revered musicians of the twentieth century, Gayanacharya Pandit Bade Ramdas Mishra, emerged from this very tradition. A master of khayal, thumri, and bhajan, he was widely respected for his original compositions and spiritual presentation. His music reflected deep raga knowledge and poetic elegance. His legacy still inspires performers and scholars alike.

This heritage also includes contributions from Pandit Sharda Sahay and Pandit Gopal Prasad Mishra to Pt. Rajan-Sajan Mishra, who trained many committed disciples and strengthened the academic and practical branches of the gharana. A prominent representative of the current generation is Pandit Surendra Mohan Mishra, also known as Mohan ji. A direct descendant of Dilaram Mishra, he is recognized for his spiritual depth, rich voice, and command over traditional bandishes. From Pandit Chintamani Mishra to the present, the Banaras Gharana has remained a powerful tradition of emotion, structure, and spiritual beauty. It continues to thrive because of the devotion of its artists, the wisdom of its gurus, and the timeless power of its music.

: Note : If discrepancy kindly mail for deletion /updating in the blog. The information are gathered from various research paper. As  I also belongs to the same Gharana, oral transfer of the history and legacy from my Worthy Guruji Padmashree Pt. Surendra Mohan Mishra'Mohan Ji"and his family.

 : kukusa221@gmail.com

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Vocal Impurities and Remedies in Indian Classical Music- Part II


In Indian classical music, the voice is the primary instrument of expression, demanding precise control and a healthy vocal mechanism. However, vocal impurities—ranging from tonal inconsistencies to physical fatigue—can hinder a singer’s ability to perform optimally. Understanding these vocal disorders and their causes is essential for any vocalist seeking mastery. While some voice problems arise from physiological conditions requiring medical attention, many functional disorders can be corrected through dedicated vocal training and remedial exercises. This article explores common vocal impurities such as throatiness, unsteadiness, breathiness, breaks in voice registers, voice fatigue, and thinness of tone, along with their causes and effective remedies rooted in the tradition and science of vocal pedagogy Breathiness

Cause:
Breathiness, or a weak airy tone, results from the incomplete closure of the arytenoid cartilages. This allows unmodulated air to leak through the larynx, creating a frictional noise alongside the tone. It may also stem from excessive airflow through the vocal cords or be linked to either functional misuse or organic conditions.

Cure:
If not caused by a structural issue in the larynx, certain exercises can help:

  • Humming exercises make the soft palate supple and encourage resonance through the nasopharynx, preventing hissing airflow.
  • Soft staccato exercises on the vowel “Ah” train the singer to regulate exhalation. Singing short, light notes helps control breath flow and reduce air wastage.

Break in Voice-Registers

Cause:
A ‘break’ or discontinuity in voice quality during transitions between vocal registers typically arises from incorrect breathing and improper use of resonance. Singers often force their voice while attempting high notes, leading to this disruption.

Cure:
The adoption of diaphragmatic breathing is essential. Inhalation should involve wide expansion of the lower ribs and a full descent of the diaphragm, increasing breath capacity. During exhalation, the diaphragm gradually ascends as the abdominal muscles contract, while the ribs slowly contract due to intra-abdominal pressure. This process strengthens muscular control, allowing the singer to manage breath efficiently.

Moreover, the resonators used for lower tones should not be forced during higher notes and vice versa. Occasionally, adopting a lighter vocal mechanism slightly below the highest required pitch can help achieve smooth register transitions and consistent voice quality.

Voice Fatigue

Cause:
Voice fatigue, also known as ‘Phonasthenia,’ may result from physical or functional issues. Overworking the laryngeal muscles causes them to tire, resulting in a thin, unstable voice that often slips to a lower pitch. Additional causes include poor breath control, tongue interference, and singing at an unsuitable pitch level.

Cure:
Breath control exercises are key:

 Exercise I: Inhale and exhale slowly and steadily through the nose.

 Exercise II: Inhale quickly, then exhale slowly through both mouth and nose for eight seconds, gradually increasing to sixteen seconds.

 Exercise III: Deeply inhale, place hands on the diaphragm, exhale slowly while gently pressing to expel air fully. Repeat several times. 

   Exercise IV: Vocalize the vowel “Ah” on an easy pitch, sustaining the note until discomfort, then switch to humming on the same pitch. Increase vocalization duration gradually.

 Exercise V: Using a tape measure around the 6th and 7th ribs or near the breastbone arch, take a deep breath expanding the chest by one and a half inches beyond normal, then sustain notes on “Ah” without shaking until breath capacity is exhausted.

Unsuitable pitch levels force the laryngeal muscles to strain. Every individual has a natural pitch level, or sadja, where the voice can be produced effortlessly and with best quality. To find this key-note, descend the scale to your lowest audible note, then sing the madhyama (middle note) from there; this note is your ideal pitch.
Relaxing the mylohyoid muscle and flattening the tongue base can remove tongue interference. If fatigue stems from muscle overwork, complete vocal rest for 24 hours is crucial.

Thin or Feeble Voice

Cause:
This disorder may be organic or functional. Congestion in the throat and mouth cavities from respiratory infections reduces resonance. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can block the throat passage, lowering voice volume. Functionally, incorrect resonance, improper breathing, and unsuitable pitch selection contribute to a weak voice.

Cure:
Resonating cavities must not be compressed. Jaw muscles should remain relaxed, and air must flow freely through the resonators. The tongue should move easily within the mouth while the jaw stays relaxed. The mylohyoid muscle at the tongue base should be completely relaxed, and the larynx should avoid pressing against the hyoid bone. True resonance is achieved through, not with, the throat.
Good breathing habits must be cultivated, and the choice of shadja (key-note) greatly influences voice quality. Richness in voice results from harmonics aligning with vocal formants.
In recent decades, many Indian classical singers have lowered their shadja (key-note), often to accommodate microphone use, resulting in thinner voices. Historically, singers preferred higher key-notes such as D or above, producing richer, more powerful tones. Singers are therefore encouraged to find and use their correct Adharashadja to best showcase their vocal qualities.

Note : The article is based on the book by Prof. SAK Durga " Voice Culture - The Art of Voice Cultivation" 

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Vocal Impurities and Remedies in Indian Classical Music- Part I

 

In the domain of Indian classical music, voice disorders significantly affect a singer's tonal quality and performance. These disorders are broadly classified into two categories: Organic and Functional. Organic disorders involve physiological abnormalities in the vocal apparatus and necessitate medical attention. Functional disorders, however, pertain to how the vocal mechanism is used and should be addressed by a trained vocal pedagogue.

Common functional voice disorders include:
(a) Throatiness
(b) Unsteadiness
(c) Breathiness
(d) Breaks in voice registers
(e) Voice fatigue
(f) Thin or feeble voice
(g) White tone
(h) Nasality
(i) Huskiness
(j) Hoarseness
(k) Register weakness
(l) Uneven voice

These defects can be corrected through accurate diagnosis and appropriate remedial training. As noted by M.M. Babcock:
"Vocal culture is an individual matter, and the methods of treatment of the voice must be as carefully differentiated according to the needs of the individual as the methods of treatment of any other bodily ailment."

A. Throatiness

Cause:
Throatiness occurs due to excessive tension in the jaw, neck, and chest muscles, which interferes with the optimal functioning of the laryngeal muscles. In this condition, singers often forcefully squeeze the larynx between the jaw and neck muscles to approximate the vocal cords, resulting in a constricted and muffled tone.
Improper tongue posture and tension in its muscles also contribute, as does the raising of the larynx against the hyoid bone or the contraction of swallowing muscles during phonation.

Cure:
To alleviate this tension, begin by relaxing the jaw muscles. Lower the head slightly with the chin tucked inward. Gently move the head side-to-side and let the jaw drop down and back. This relieves tension in the jaw and neck. Yawning with a closed mouth helps lift the soft palate and open the throat passage, further relaxing the laryngeal region.

The tongue should rest flat with its tip touching the lower gum ridge; the base of the tongue must be pulled forward to avoid constriction. Correct breathing—especially avoiding the use of swallowing muscles to close the glottis—is essential. The larynx must stay freely lowered, while the hyoid bone remains elevated, maintaining adequate space between the two.

B. Unsteadiness

Cause:
An unsteady or wobbling voice arises from poor breathing habits and psychological factors such as nervousness or self-consciousness. Using swallowing muscles to close the glottis, having a jumpy jaw, or a trembling tongue also contributes to vocal instability. As V.E. Negus notes in The Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of the Larynx, effective air control relies on a combined lower thoracic and diaphragmatic mechanism.

Cure:
Adopt diaphragmatic breathing to control airflow evenly. This approach prevents tension in the chest and throat and avoids the downward pull of abdominal muscles. Ensure the jaw is tension-free, and relax the mylohyoid muscle at the tongue’s base to prevent quivering. Singing softly within a comfortable pitch range also aids in developing steadiness. Lastly, overcoming mental blocks such as fear or self-consciousness requires dedicated focus on the music itself, shifting attention away from the singer and onto the performance.

Note : The article is based on the book by Prof. SAK Durga " Voice Culture - The Art of Voice Cultivation" 

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Sarangang and its associated Ragas

 I apologise for being late in update the blog ... i was not well to focus mind to write new things because of few emergency. and busy office schedule. 

I appreciate your patience and thank you all for support . now i will update regularly 

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