India recently lost one of its most prominent Indian classical vocalists, Pandit Jasraj. Known for his unique contribution to the Mewati Gharana style of music, he was celebrated not only in India but also globally. This article aims to delve into the life and contributions of Pandit Jasraj, offering an insight into the musical world he was part of.
Pandit Jasraj: A Musical Journey
Pandit Jasraj’s musical journey was marked by innovative practices and distinguished performances. Most notably, he was renowned for his unconventional approach to blending Khayal, a musical form based on the elaboration of a Raga, with elements of Bhakti Rasa.
In his music, he employed harkats and murkis, stylistic tools typically used in light classical music. This exploration and blending of techniques added a distinctive vibrancy to his performances. Moreover, Pandit Jasraj was known for performing semi-classical old musical forms such as Haveli Sangeet, which are traditionally sung in praise of Lord Krishna in temples.
One of his most significant contributions to the world of Indian classical music was the creation of Jasrangi, a jugalbandi style. In this, a male and a female singer would sing different ragas in their respective scales, culminating in a unified performance.
Awards and Honours
Throughout his career, Pandit Jasraj received numerous awards and honours. Among these were the prestigious Padma Vibhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, recognising his immense contributions to the field of music.
In a unique honour, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) recently named an asteroid after him. The asteroid, initially known as 2006 VP32, has been formally renamed as Panditjasraj, marking him as the first Indian musician to receive this recognition.
The Concept of Gharana in Hindustani Music
Gharana, a crucial concept in the Hindustani music of India, is akin to a community of performers who maintain a distinctive musical style. This style could trace back to a particular teacher, geographical region, or ancestry.
A Gharana encompasses not just specific performance techniques and repertoire, but also a broader ideology around music, aesthetics, and pedagogy. It becomes a recognised Gharana only after it has been passed down through at least three generations.
The Gharana system gained prominence in the 19th century, when royal patronage for performers began to decline. As performers moved towards urban centres, they associated themselves with their regions of origin to maintain their unique identities. Well-known singing Gharanas include Agra, Gwalior, Mewati, Bhendibazar, Jaipur (for Khyal Singing); Mathura, Rampur, Darbhanga (for Dhrupad Singing); and Banaras, Lucknow, Patiala (for Thumri Singing).
Pandit Jasraj was closely associated with the Mewati Gharana, adding his own novel elements and contributing significantly to its growth and popularity.
Final Remembrances
The passing of Pandit Jasraj has left a void in the world of Indian classical music. However, through his innovative contributions and the rich legacy he leaves behind, his music will continue to inspire and influence generations to come. His name becoming a part of the cosmos as an asteroid serves as a fitting tribute to a musician whose art transcended borders and reached for the stars.