Musical Heritage of Varanasi or Banarasi Sangeet Gharana

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Musical Heritage of Varanasi is a short history of the growth of traditional and classical music in the city of Varanasi. It covers a period from the seventeenth century almost up to the present day and lists the various Musicians and Gharanas that led to the development of the traditional music as presented in Varanasi to this day.

In this book you can read about the various musicians who graced this holy city with their presence. You can also come to know about certain incidents that took place in their lives.

Dr. Priya Kumar Chaube is a prominent citizen of Varanasi and has spent his lifetime not only practicing medicine, he was medical officer of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth from 1962-1994. but also in many social activities in the city. He has written many books on medicine as well as on Varanasi.

‘To the Hindus, the realiwatoin God has been considered the high- est goal of life and amongst various paths leading to this goal, MUSIC has occupied a high position. In Hindu scripture, the special status of music is expressed in a saying where then Lord declares "I live neither in Heaven (Vaikuntha) nor in the heart of Yoginees, but I dwell where my devotees sing in praise of me." Music not only entertains the musicians and their listeners, but what is more significant is that it carries them to a higher plane of consciousness. It is with this idea that music has been learned, taught, played and listened to by Hindus.

Lord Shiva performed 'Tandava Nritya'as Natraj and Kashi is his city. It is only natural that the city (Varanasi) is considered as the birthplace of Nat (Dance) and Natya (Drama). Kashi is also the birthplace of Music too, as there can be no Nritya or Natya without music. The chanting of "Vedas" the singing of "Bhajans" and "Kirtans" were indeed musical in nature.

Kashi has always been the home of Musicians where tradi- tional music was known as Varanasi or Banarasi Gharana where Kathak added considerably to its growth. They gave a classical touch which is also known as their heritage in various fields of Music such as Dance, Vocal and Instrumental music. Experimenting within the tradition has been taking place since early times.

**Sample Pages**