Benaras Gharana

Tabla players of this gharana play both Khulla baaj (influence of pakhawaj) and Bandh baaj (a closed style that focuses on the repertoire of tabla styles). It was established by Pandit Ram Sahay ji of Benaras, who learned the art of tabla playing under the guidance of Ustad Modu Khan of Lucknow Gharana. Tabla players of this gharana play the Qaidas and Relas of Delhi and Ajrada Gharanas with the influence of Lucknow style of playing. Compositions of this gharana have a hint of Pakhawaj in them. While playing solo, they usually start with the Uthan (a short rhythmic phrase). Instead of Peshkar, the followers of this gharana play Theka Vistaar and Baant.  

This gharana focuses on:

• Baant

• Laggi Ladi

Playing Teen-taal in a very fast tempo with crisp and clear sound is the hallmark of this gharana. Some of the bols or phrases of this gharana are Takatita, Dhumkita, and Ghedan-Kedan. Eminent tabla players of this gharana are Pandit Bhairav Sahay Ji, Pandit Baldev Sahay ji, Pandit Anokhelal Mishra, Pandit Sarada Sahay, Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Pandit Samta Prasad, Pandit Kanthe Maharaj, Pandit Kumar Bose, and Pandit Sukhwinder Singh Namdhari.