Banaras (Varanasi) is not just a city—it is the soul of Indian classical and folk music. For centuries, its musicians, traditions, and innovations have shaped India’s artistic heritage. From the Benaras Gharana to the immortal compositions of saints like Kabir and Tulsidas, Banaras has been the cradle of musical genius. This article explores how Banaras music has enriched India’s cultural legacy.
A. The Banaras Gharana – A School of Emotion & Mastery
Founded in the 18th century, the Banaras Gharana is one of India’s most influential classical music traditions.
Key Features:
Emphasis on Thumri, Dadra, and Chaiti (semi-classical forms)
Layakari (rhythmic play) in tabla and pakhawaj
Devotional depth blended with technical brilliance
Legends of the Gharana:
Pandit Kishan Maharaj (Tabla maestro)
Girija Devi (Queen of Thumri)
Pandit Rajan-Sajan Mishra (Vocal legends)
B. The Bhakti & Sufi Connection
Kabir, Tulsidas, and Surdas composed in Banaras, creating bhajans and dohas still sung today.
Sufi Qawwali at dargahs like Lal Khan’s shrine showcases Hindu-Muslim unity in music.
A. The Shehnai Revolution – Bismillah Khan’s Legacy
Ustad Bismillah Khan elevated the shehnai from folk to classical stages.
India’s Independence Day Tradition: His shehnai at Red Fort (1947) became iconic.
B. Tabla & Pakhawaj – The Rhythmic Backbone
Banaras tabla players introduced unique bol patterns (e.g., "Banaras Baj").
Pandit Ram Sahay (19th century) refined solo tabla performances.
C. Folk Music That Shaped Bollywood
Chaiti, Kajri, and Birha influenced Hindi film music (e.g., "Rang Barse" from Holi songs).
Composers like Naushad and R.D. Burman drew from Banarsi folk tunes.
A. Guru-Shishya Parampara (Teacher-Disciple Tradition)
Oral transmission kept ragas alive for centuries.
Bhatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya (1926) formalized classical training.
B. Festivals That Celebrate Tradition
Dhrupad Mela – Reviving ancient Dhrupad singing.
Ganga Mahotsav – Showcasing Banaras’ music to the world.
C. Global Influence
Ravi Shankar introduced sitar to The Beatles, making Indian music global.
Yoga & Meditation Retreats worldwide use Banaras ragas for healing.
✔ Cultural Identity – It keeps India’s classical and folk roots alive.
✔ Spiritual Anchor – Music remains a bridge to devotion in a fast-changing world.
✔ Tourism & Economy – Foreign visitors flock to Banaras for its living musical heritage.
From the ghats to global stages, Banaras has given India its voice. Whether through the shehnai’s sacred notes, the tabla’s heartbeat, or the bhajans of Kabir, this city’s music is India’s timeless gift to the world.
"In Banaras, every note carries a prayer, every rhythm tells a story."
🎵 Attend: Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh (April)
🎵 Visit: Ram Sitaram’s shop for handmade instruments
🎶 Listen: Pandit Chhannulal Mishra’s live kirtans