Balakrishnabuwa Ichalkaranjikar

Balakrishnabuwa Ichalkaranjikar (1849-1926) was a pioneer vocalist of khayal singing. He hailed from Maharashtra where the genre of music had not yet formed any roots. He travelled to Gwalior, then Mecca of Khayal style in Indian Classical Music, and learned under Vasudeorao Joshi. He then returned to Maharashtra, and settled near Miraj because its climate suited him. Soon Miraj and the area near it became a major hub of Hindustani classical music and has remained so for more than 100 years. It is a combination o conducive cultural climate, the aptitude shown for classical music by people in the area, and tireless efforts of teachers among whom Balakrishnabuwa, being the first to bring the gayaki to western India, deserves to be put on a special pedestal.

Disciples

Buwa's slow, majestic singing was marked by gravitas. His chief disciples include Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, his own son Annabuwa, Anant Manohar Joshi (Antu-buwa), Mirashi buwa and Vamanbuwa Chafekar. Annabuwa predeceased him. His son's death caused him great sadness in his final years.

Legacy

While he had some reservations about his disciple Paluskar's efforts towards popularising music, Paluskar played a major role in expanding appeal of classical music to common folks. Most other styles of singing have had their origins in Gwalior Gharana because it was among the earliest styles to take root and enjoy wider popularity.

References

* [http://members.tripod.com/ulhaskashalkar/balkrish.htm Balkrishnabua Ichalkaranjikar]

External links

* [http://www.pathcom.com/~ericp/Rare%20Pictures/pages/ichalkaranjikar.html Rare Pictures / ichalkaranjikar] (A rare picture)