The deep-rooted cultural heritage and diverse audience foster a thriving classical music concert in Bangalore. Indian classical music is a pure tradition that dates back thousands of years. It translates into the culture, spirituality, and arts of the Indian heritage. Its complexity, improvisation, and prominent use of melody and rhythm are its hallmarks. 

Characteristics of Indian Classical Music 

• Hindustani Music: This genre originates in North India and influences Persian and Mughal. 

• Carnatic Music: Native to South India with a structured approach emphasizing Krithis. 

Raga (Melody) 

A raga is a set of notes and their corresponding rules, words used to evoke a particular emotion or mood, and a delicately constructed framework for a melody. Each raga is associated with a time of day or season. 

Tala (Rhythm) 

Tala is the Indian rhythmic patterns. It can be found in both Hindustani music (Eg: Teentaal, 16 beats) and Carnatic music (Eg: Adi Tala, 8 beats) systems. 

Improvisation 

Improvisation plays a big role in Indian classical music, with the musician improvising within the framework of the raga and tala. 

Instruments 

• Hindustani Music: Sitar, Tabla, Sarod, Harmonium, Shehnai etc. 

• Instrumentation: Veena, Mridangam, Violin, Flute, Ghatam etc. 

Vocal Styles 

• Hindustani vocal forms: Dhrupad, Khayal, Thumri, Tarana, etc. 

• Development of Carnatic Vocal Style: Lyrics-centric, Kriti varnas, and devout music. 

Venues 

Indian classical music is a spiritual art form often offered to uplift an internal space that connects to the divine. Top draws include Indian classical music, staged at high-profile events such as the Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Festival (Pune) and the Chennai Music Season. It is in honor of the Hindustani and the Carnatic traditions. It is on display in heritage venues—Shanmukhananda Hall (Mumbai) and Kalakshetra (Chennai), which maintain the art form. Other than gharanas, institutions like ITC Sangeet Research Academy (Kolkata) also nurture and stage classical music performances. 

Famous Exponents 

Hindustani Music: 

• Ravi Shankar (Sitar) 

• Hindustani Classical Music – Ustad Bismillah Khan (Shehnai) 

• Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (Vocal) 

• Zakir Hussain (Tabla) 

Carnatic Music 

• M.S. Subbulakshmi (Vocal) 

• Lalgudi Jayaraman (Violin) 

• Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri (Trinity of Carnatic composers) 

Role in Modern Culture 

Modern genres including Bollywood, fusion, and world music continue to draw from Indian classical music. It is recognized worldwide for its depth and artistry. 

Shujaat Husain Khan 

He is one of the most renowned sitar players in Indian classical music. Additionally, he is a prominent practitioner of the Imdadkhani Gharana (also referred to as the Etawah Gharana). He is an internationally acclaimed Indian classical musician known for his unique style. 

Musical Style & Contributions: 

Gayaki Ang: 

Shujaat Khan’s sitar playing is in the gayaki ang (vocal style), a trademark of his Gharana. This approach mimics the human voice and incorporates flirtations with emotions and lyrical flows in his music. His improvisations possess an expressive depth and melodic beauty. 

Versatility: 

Despite his roots in Hindustani classical traditions, Shujaat Khan has performed with artists in varying genres, including fusion, world music, and film soundtracks. 

Vocals: 

In addition to being a sitarist, Shujaat Khan is also an accomplished vocalist. He also likes to throw in some singing, for good measure. 

He has performed in the fusion band Ghazal, alongside the Iranian musician Kayhan Kalhor. In 2004 they were nominated for a Grammy Award for their album The Rain. 

Achievements: 

• Shujaat Khan has played at major venues and festivals around the globe, including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Smithsonian. 

• His contribution to Indian classical music has earned him numerous accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. 

• His recordings have earned widespread critical acclaim for innovation and traditional authenticity, with titles like Sitar Ecstasy and Lajo Lajo. 

Notable Albums: 

• The Rain (with Kayhan Kalhor) 

• Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi 

• Lajo Lajo 

• Raga Shahana Kanada 

Legacy and Influence: 

Shujaat Husain Khan is revered not only for upholding the traditions of the Imdadkhani Gharana but also for re-drawing the boundaries of sitar music with his creativity. His ability to ramify with any stretch of the imagination audiences across the globe has made him a cultural envoy for Indian classical music. 

Live concert in Bangalore 

One unforgettable night! 

One legendary artist! 

One extraordinary performance! 

Dharohar – Legacy 

Presenting Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan. 

Immerse yourself in the brilliance of a maestro. A legacy spanning seven generations. 

Experience the timeless magic of an icon, on 9th March 2025 at Chowdiah Memorial Hall. 

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