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Thank you for opening this Padlet.. Hope you find it useful!!

Today we'll be talking about the History of Music in Varanasi..

Music is supposed to be the soul of life. By virtue of being the oldest living city, Benaras has its own rich history and treasure of music. Music in Varanasi is a tradition linked to the ancient times of the Pauranic legends. Lord Shiva, who is reported to have established this city, was credited with developing music and dance forms. Legend also attributes that Reni, son of sage Vishvamitra and Mahagobind, was the precursors of music tradition in Kashi when nymphs, Gandharvans and Kinnars were the traditional practitioners of this art form.

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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The music culture of devotional music permeated in Varanasi during the neo-Vaishnava movement when holy men singing devotional songs attracted people to the fold of the Bhakthi movement.

During the monarchic rule of Govind Chandra in the 16th century, the Dhrupad style of singing received royal patronage and led to other related forms of music such as Dhamar, Hori and Chaturanga. Under Muslim rulers, the Nawab of Awadh, the Nirgun singers of Kashi not only popularized the Assarwari, "Ghunghat ke pat Khol" song but also popularized the singing concerts such as festivals on the boats floating on the Ganges River. Some of the popular festivals were Jhoola, Jhoomar, Kajri, Birha, Dangal and Gulab Bari, a tradition which is continued even today.

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In recent times, the tutelary head, the Maharajas of Kashi of Varanasi, particularly Maharaj Prabhu Narayan Singh, have patronized music. During the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II's reign, the noted musicians were Waris Ali, Akbar Ali, Nisar Khan, Sadiq Ali and Ashiq Ali Khan. Ali Mohammad and Ali Bux, the sons of Basat Khan, who were hailed as the "jewels" of the Royal court of Kashi. During this time, the local music styles which developed were the Banarasi Thumri, Dadra, Chaiti, Hori, Bhairavi, Kajri, Tarana, Ghato and many more. Two hundred years ago, Pandit Ram Sahai developed the Beneras Gharana of the tabla.

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Girija Devi of Varanasi, the famous classical singer of Thumris.

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Girija Devi of Varanasi, the famous classical singer of Thumris.

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Several of India's most talented musicians hailed/hail from Varanasi. Pandit Ravi Shankar, the famous sitar player and musicologist who was given Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country was a native of Varanasi. Ustad Bismillah Khan, an iconic Shehnai maestro who was also honoured with the Bharat Ratna also came from Varanasi. Jotin Bhatacharya, Pandit Vikash Maharaj, an iconic Sarod maestros and the disciple of Baba Allauddin Khan also come from Varanasi. Mian Tensen , musician of Mughal emperor Akbar's court, may have been born in Varanasi.

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Dhrupad Festival, a music festival of Hindustani classical music, is held for 3 days at Tulsi Ghat in March/April every year, while Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh is held in April and May. Other music festivals are held during the time of religious festivals, such as Kartik Purnima (November), Buddha Purnima (May), and Shivratri (March). There is an International Music Centre Ashram in Varanasi where classical music by budding artists is held regularly.

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The most famous musical instruments of Varanasi are the sitar and the shehnai. Not only tabla but also sitar are good to buy in Varanasi. In case of sitar, the wood they are made from is important to verify and consult a local artist.

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Now I want you to research about some facts or info which you think should be present here... Use the comments box of this post to do so!!

Thank You and Jai Hind
~
Tanishka Kashyap VI B