Life Story of Pandit Jasraj

Life Story Of Pandit Jasraj

(28 January 1930 -17 August 2020)

 

Pandit Jasraj was an Indian Classical Vocalist, belonging to the Mewati gharana(a musical 

apprenticeship lineage).His musical career spanned 75 years resulting in national and international 

fame, respect and numerous major awards and accolades. His legacy includes memorable 

performances of classical and semi-classical vocal music, classical and devotional music, albums 

and film soundtracks, innovations in various genres including Haveli Sangeeth and popularizing the

Mewati Gharana - a school of thought in Hindustani classical music. Pandit Jasraj taught music to 

amateur and professional students in India, Europe, Canada and the United States. Some of his 

disciples, such as violinist Kala Ramnath and vocalist Sanjeev Abhyankar, are highly successful 

accomplished musicians in their own right. 

Jasraj was initiated into vocal music by his father, and later trained as a tabla accompanist under his 

elder brother, Pandit Pratap Narayan.He would frequently accompany Maniram in his solo vocal 

performances.He credits the vocalist,Begum Akhtar, as inspiring him to take up classical music.

Jasraj began training as a vocalist at the age of 14, after renouncing tabla in reaction to how 

accompanists were treated at the time.In 1952 when he was 22 he performed his first stage concert 

as a vocalist in the court of King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah of Nepal in Kathmandu.Before 

becoming a stage performer, Jasraj worked as a performing artist on radio for several years.

He initially trained as a classical vocalist with Pandit Maniram, and later with Jaiwant Singh 

Waghela, a vocalist and beenkar,and Gulam Qadir Khan of Mewati gharana. In addition, he trained 

under Swami Vallabhdas Damulji of the Agra gharana.

India honoured him by awarding Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and other  numerous awards.

 

Courtesy:Wikipedia

 

 

        -Mohammed Salih.M