ABOUT GHARANA
Banaras Tabla Gharana
Introduction
The Banaras Tabla Gharana, also called the Purab Gharana, is one of the oldest and most influential tabla traditions in Indian classical music. Originating in the holy city of Varanasi (Banaras) during the 18th century, it was established by Pandit Ram Sahai, a visionary who transformed tabla playing into a highly sophisticated art form. This gharana is renowned for its majestic sound, clarity of bols (syllables), and unique rhythmic patterns that emphasize both power and grace.
Historical Origins
The roots of the Banaras Gharana trace back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries in the holy city of Varanasi (formerly Benares). It evolved alongside the rich musical traditions of the region, absorbing influences from dhrupad, dhamar, and kathak. Over generations, Banaras artists developed a distinctive approach to both the dayan (right drum) and bayan (left drum), focusing on powerful bayan strokes and clear, resonant dayan bols.
Pandit Arvind Kumar 'Azad'
Pandit Arvind Kumar ‘Azad’ is a distinguished tabla virtuoso and a prominent representative of the Banaras Gharana. A devoted disciple of the legendary Pandit Kishan Maharaj, he has absorbed the nuances, depth, and grandeur of the gharana through years of rigorous training and practice.
Sarang Bhandare
Sarang Bhandare is a talented and emerging tabla artist carrying forward the glorious heritage of the Banaras Tabla Gharana under the able guidance of Pandit Arvind Kumar Azad.
He has developed a strong foundation in tala structure, clarity of bols, and compositional aesthetics of the gharana.
Sarang is known for his expressive playing, blending technical brilliance with artistic sensitivity.
He regularly performs in solo recitals and accompaniments, showcasing versatility across classical, semi-classical, and fusion genres.
His style reflects grace, precision, and powerful rhythmic control, true to the ethos of Banaras Gharana.
Apart from stage performances, he actively engages in training aspiring musicians, nurturing the next generation of tabla players.
Sarang’s approach emphasizes practice (riyaz), discipline, and creativity, encouraging students to respect tradition while exploring individuality.
He has performed in various music festivals and cultural events, earning appreciation from audiences and fellow musicians.
His vision is to popularize Indian classical percussion globally, making it accessible to younger audiences.
Sarang also experiments with collaborative projects, integrating tabla into modern music without losing its classical essence.
Dedicated and passionate, Sarang Bhandare stands as a promising ambassador of Banaras Gharana, continuing a rich lineage of rhythmic excellence.
