Vocalist Chhannulal Mishra Passes Away at 89 | 06 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, a towering figure in Hindustani classical music, passed away in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, at the age of 89, after battling a prolonged illness. 

Chhannulal Mishra

Key Points 

  • About: He was born on 3rd August 1936 in Hariharpur village, Azamgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, and passed away on 5th October 2025. 
  • Musical Journey: He was one of the foremost exponents of Hindustani classical music, particularly the Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, Chaiti, Kajri, and Bhajan forms. 
    • He received initial music training from his father, Badri Prasad Mishra. 
    • His classical music education was further enriched under the guidance of Ustad Abdul Ghani Khan of the Kirana gharana and Thakur Jaidev Singh. 
    • He earned national and international acclaim for elevating the Khayal, Thumri, and Purab Ang styles of the Banaras Gharana to global prominence. 
  • Achievements: 
    • Sangeet Natak Akademi Award: 2000 
    • Padma Bhushan: 2010 
    • Padma Vibhushan: 2020

Hindustani Classical Music 

  • About: Hindustani music, practised 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.   

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 centre moved to Banaras, gaining a spiritual and devotional tone (Radha-Krishna theme). 
  • Distinct Feature: Emphasises 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.