Bhendi Bazaar Gharana

Founder and Provenance

Founded by three brothers Chajju Khan, Ustad Nazir Khan and Ustad Khadim Hussain Khan, towards the last decade of the 19th century in the Bhendi Bazar area of Bombay.

Genealogy

Genre

A significant characteristic of this gharana is its presentation of Khayals using akaar. Quite interestingly, there is also an emphasis on breath control and the rendition of passages for a prolonged period of time.

Other distinctive stylistic elements include the presentation of sargam (solfa) taans in a varied number of permutations and combinations. This technique is used especially in the ‘Badhat’ (advanced) stage of raga presentation. The method of using sargam taans is also used to play with rhythm. Besides these, other principles within this school include a focus on clear intonation and word articulation of the lyrical content of the composition.

Tools such as Gamak taans, Sapaat taans and the Meendh are also employed to enhance the beauty of the raga in course of presentation.

The Peerless & Illustrious

Ustad Aman Ali Khan, Shrimati Anjanibai Malpekar

The Torchbearers

Anecdotes

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