Context: Gwalior, in Madhya Pradesh, earned a place in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network for ‘Music’, in recognition of its steadfast dedication to nurturing culture and creativity. The state's profound cultural legacy is evident in UNESCO-listed landmarks such as the prehistoric rock art caves of Bhimbetka, the temples of Khajuraho, and the heritage sites of Sanchi.
Evolution of Gwalior, as a ‘City of Music’:
- The Gwalior Gharana is distinguished by its simplicity, favouring well-known ragas and emphasizing ‘sapaat taans’.
- ‘Bandish’ holds the key, providing the melody, while ‘bol-baant’ and ‘behlava’ showcase the unique nuances of the Gwalior style.
- The Gwalior gharana, predating the categorization of various gharanas, emerged as the first proper musical ideology under Mughal rule.
- Ustads like Naththan Khan and Naththan Pir Baksh played pivotal roles in shaping the gharana's identity.
- Khayal singing, a prominent feature today, evolved from dhrupad under the Gwalior gharana, blending elements of qawwali.
- The Bangash gharana continued Gwalior's musical legacy, with Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan being a prominent figure. His influence extended to Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Pt. Bhimsen Joshi.
- Krishnarao Shankar Pandit, a pivotal figure, established the Shankar Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Gwalior. His contributions, spanning Khayal, Tappa, and Tarana singing, earned him accolades and recognition, including the Padma Bhushan.
About Tansen
- Tansen is considered to be one of the most influential personalities of the North Indian Hindustani School of Music.
- Mian Tansen, born in Gwalior, trained under Swami Haridas and later became a court musician for King Ram Chandra Singh of Rewa. His original name was Ramtanu.
- He later became the court poet of Raja Man Singh of Gwalior. Raja Man Singh renamed Ramtanu as Tansen.
- His musical brilliance caught the attention of Akbar, leading to his invitation to the Mughal court. Akbar conferred the title of ‘Mian’ to Tansen. Tansen was one of the nine Navratnas of court of Akbar.
- Tansen is remembered for his mastery in Dhrupad style of musical composition and creating several new ragas.
- Books authored by Tansen: Sri Ganesh Stotra and Sangita Sara.
Contributions of Raja Man Singh Tomar in the field of Music
- During the 15th century, under Raja Man Singh Tomar's patronage, the Gwalior gharana, flourished.
- Man Singh, inheriting his great grandfather Dungarendra Singh Tomar's musical legacy, not only revived Indian classical music but also invented the classical genre of dhrupad.
- Raja Man Singh authored a book named as Mankautuhal. This was translated into Persian in 1673 by Faquirullah by the name, ‘Raga Darpan’.
- Man Singh popularised Dhrupad style of singing.
- Sufi saints, consulted by the king, further enriched his musical endeavours.
- To make Indian music more accessible, Man Singh replaced Sanskrit songs with those in simple Hindi, fostering a broader understanding of high art.
- Raja Man Singh composed some new Ragas like Gurjari Todi, Mal Gujari and Gurjari.
About city of Gwalior:
- The earliest historical record of Gwalior is from Hun ruler Mihirakula's inscription, highlighting his father Toramana as a ruler.
- The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, in the 9th century, constructed the Teli ka Mandir temple. The Kachchhapaghata dynasty, from the 10th to the 12th century, left architectural marvels like the Sasbahu Temple.
- Under Muslim rule in the 13th century, Gwalior faced attacks but stood resilient.
- Raja Veer Singh established Tomar rule in 1375, marking a golden period.
- The city came under the Mughal Empire, followed by the Marathas in 1754.
- In the 18th century, the Scindia dynasty of the Maratha empire assumed control. Gwalior remained a princely state under British Raj until India gained independence in 1947, with the Scindia family as the local rulers.
- Gwalior's unique role in the 1857 rebellion is notable:
- While the city initially did not join the rebellion, Rani Lakshmibai sought refuge at Gwalior fort after the fall of Jhansi.
- The Maharaja of Gwalior, Jayajirao Scindia, initially reluctant to yield, eventually surrendered, leading to a brief possession by rebel forces.
- The British swiftly retook Gwalior in a battle fought by Lakshmibai, leaving a lasting legacy of resistance.
- Princely state of Gwalior
- Gwalior emerged as a significant regional power, featuring prominently in the Anglo-Maratha Wars.
- Despite a brief period of rebel control during the Indian rebellion of 1857, the Scindia family continued to rule until India gained independence in 1947.
- Maharaja Jivajirao Scindia's accession to the Government of India led to Gwalior's merger with other princely states, forming the new Indian state of Madhya Bharat.