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Pandit Chhannulal Mishra: Thumri Maestro Passes Away
- 06 Oct 2025
- 2 min read
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, the legendary Hindustani classical vocalist and doyen of the Banaras Gharana, has died, leaving behind a rich legacy in semi-classical forms like Thumri, Dadra, Chaiti, and Kajria.
- Renowned for his mastery of the Purab Ang style of Thumri, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2010 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2020.
Thumri
- About: Thumri, a semi-classical music form of North India, emerged in the 19th century under Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s patronage and is celebrated for its emotional depth, melodic beauty, and expressive storytelling.
- After Awadh’s fall in 1856, its center moved to Banaras, gaining a spiritual and devotional tone (Radha-Krishna theme).
- Distinct Feature: Emphasizes bhava (emotion) and allows freedom in improvisation, rather than strict adherence to raga rules.
- Influences: Incorporates elements from Hori, Kajri, Dadra, Jhoola, Chaiti, and other folk or semi-classical forms.
- Forms of Thumri:
- Purbi Thumri (Eastern/Slow tempo): Lyrical and deeply emotional, primarily linked with the Banaras Gharana.
- Punjabi Thumri (Fast tempo): Energetic and lively, associated with the Patiala Gharana.
- Major Gharanas: Banaras Gharana, Lucknow Gharana, and Patiala Gharana.
Hindustani Classical Music
- About: Hindustani music, practiced mainly in North India, is one of the two main schools of Indian classical music, the other being Carnatic music from South India.
- Core Features & Styles: It is largely vocal-centric, with Dhrupad and Khayal representing Classical Hindustani, while Thumri, Dhamar, Tarana, Tappa, Qawwali, and Ghazal are Semiclassical Hindustani styles.
| Read More: Hindustani Music |
