Gharanas
Indian Classical Music has evolved in Guru-Shishya Parampara (Teacher-Student Tradition) and the art form and the knowledge was passed down for generations in a tradition where the students would live-in at the teacher’s abode for tutelage. As such, some geographical areas evolved as center-points of their own style and rendition of music and came to be known as “Gharanas”. The word “Gharana” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Griha” which means “home". Today, Indian Classical Music artists learn and perform typically adhering to the Gharanas of their teacher. However, it is worth noting that lately, artists are following their main Gharana, but, exploring blurring the lines and borrowing from other Gharanas while rendering. With this, it is quite likely for new Gharanas to emerge, something that is already noticed in Tabla Gharanas.
Appreciating the differences in the styles of each Gharana can enrich both, learning as well as listening experiences.
Tabla Gharanas
Contributing Authors: Dhaivat Mehta and Pandit Abhijit Banerjee
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Ajrada Gharana
This gharana is commonly believed to be an offshoot of the Delhi Gharana because its founding brothers, Ustad Kallu Khan and Miru Khan were disciples of Sitaab Khan (disciple of one of the sons of Ustad Siddhar Khan, the father of Delhi Gharana). They were basically from Uttar Pradesh but settled in Ajrara village near present-day Meerut.
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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. Tabla players of this gharana play the Qaidas and Relas of Delhi and Ajrada Gharanas with the influence of Lucknow style of playing.
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Delhi Gharana
It is the oldest and the first gharana of tabla. Credit for establishing it goes to Ustad Siddhar Khan Dhadi. Dhadi is a sect that was mainly known for entertainers. Delhi Gharana is also referred to as Kinaar baaj or Do ungaliyon ka baaj (use of two fingers for their playing style).
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Farrukhabad Gharana
This gharana was established by Ustad Haji Vilayat Ali Khan around 1700 to 1750 A.D. who migrated from Lucknow to Farrukhabad after years of training from Ustad Bakshu Khan of the Lucknow Gharana. It has a mixture of bols from other instruments like Nakkara, Dhol, etc.
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![Lucknow Gharana (Tabla)]()
Lucknow Gharana
This gharana is also known as Poorab or Khulla baaj gharana. The Nawab of Lucknow had an immense interest in the Arts, particularly Music and Dance. The gharana was established by Ustad Bakshu Khan and Modu Khan.
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![Punjab Gharana]()
Punjab Gharana
This gharana originated with Lala Bhavani Das, who himself was a Pakhawaj player. Though it is a controversial story of how and exactly when this gharana was formed, people say that this is the youngest gharana of all. A portion of this Gharana is also said to have the influence of Jodi, which is tabla played with the influence of Pakhawaj sound.
