Bishnupur Gharana

The Bishnupur gharana (alternatively spelt Vishnupur gharana) (pronounced as /biʃ.nu.pur gʱɔ.ra.na/) is a form of singing that follows the Dhrupad tradition of Hindustani music, one of the two forms of Indian classical music. It originated in Bishnupur, West Bengal, India in late 18th-century. The name of the town means "city of Vishnu" in Bengali. In the ancient past, this area, known as Mallabhum was the abode of Malla Kings who were vassals to the Mughal Empire who were devotees of Lord Vishnu and patrons of music. Bishnupur Gharana was established in 1370 A. D. by the court musicians of Malla Kings. Historians suggest that 'Mallabhum' had once been the cultural centre of Eastern India. It also has the distinction of being the only Gharana in West Bengal.

The gharana is reputed to have been established in the 13th century, even though there is no historic evidence to support this. In the 17th century, during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb, Islamic fanaticism was at its peak in the Mughal empire, and thus many musicians moved to the court of the Maharaja of Bishnupur who was a known patron of the arts. The famous Dhrupad Singer Bahadur Khan of the Senia Gharana, descendant of Tansen, fled to Bishnupur and made his Gharana popular and sought refuge in the court. Bahadur Khan was not only a vocalist but could also efficiently play on such instruments as the Veena, the Rabaab, the surashringaar. The king, Raghunath Singh Deo II, made all arrangements to honour him as his court singer. The Maharaja also announced that anyone having a sweet voice and interested in music could learn from Bahadur Khan without any fees. He also bore the financial liability for the poor students. In time, a good number of students became the disciples of Bahadur Khan.

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