Indian Classical Music and Senia Garana’s Contibution

Senia Gharana, takes its origin from the great exponent of Indian Classical music Mian Tansen. The great Mugal emperor Akbar proclaimed Tansen to be greatest musician of India after the age of Bharata and history bears witness that such a musician was not born since. Tansen’s inexhuastable ability to innovate, invent, systematise music has enriched Hindustani music. The Gharana system is perhaps Tansen’s greatest contribution to Indian classical music. The successors to Tansen, Ustads in vocal and instrumental Music who are responsible for perpetuation of his legacy are directly or indirectly linked to Tansen’s Gharana i.e. Senia Gharana. This book gives the historical background of creative contribution to classical music, both in vocal and instrumental music made by musicians of Senia Gharana from Tansen to present day. The credit goes to Senia Gharana for raising the Dhrupada form to its pinnacles in 16th and 17th century. Development of Khyal style, invention of Sitar, Surbahar and Sursringar, has also been contribution of Senia Ghararna alongwith transforming of Been and Rabab from accompanying to solo instruments. The book provides interesting reading on the vocal and instrumental music from 15th century to date. There is necessity for more such studies to bring home to people the glorious achievements of Indian musicians. Sustained work will revive Drupada, Been, Rabab, sur Sringar and Surbahar.