State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 06 Oct 2025

Vocalist Chhannulal Mishra Passes Away at 89

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. 

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.

PM Pays Tribute to Shyamji Krishna Varma

Why in News? 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Shyamji Krishna Varma on his birth anniversary, highlighting his unwavering dedication to India’s freedom struggle and urging the youth to emulate his fearless spirit and commitment to justice. 

Key Points 

• He was an Indian revolutionary, patriot, lawyer, and journalist, born on 4^th October 1857, in Mandvi, Gujarat.   
• In London, he established the Indian Home Rule Society in 1905, which aimed to inspire young Indians to engage in revolutionary activities against British rule.  
• He founded 'India House' as a hostel and meeting place for Indian students in London. 
• He also launched 'The Indian Sociologist,' a journal which aimed to inspire young Indians to engage in revolutionary activities against British rule. 
• He was the first President of the Bombay Arya Samaj and influenced Veer Savarkar.  
• In response to British criticism, Varma transitioned from England to Paris and subsequently settled in Geneva during World War I, where he remained until his death on 30^th March 1930. 
• He had wished for his ashes to be brought back to a free India,  a wish realised in August 2003 by then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. 
  • A memorial called Kranti Teerth dedicated to him was built and inaugurated in 2010 near Mandvi.