Bhaiyya Ganpatrao

Bhaiyya Ganpatrao, alias "Sughar-piya", (1852–1920) was a member of the Gwalior royal family and known for pioneering the harmonium as an accompanying instrument. He was a member of the Gwalior gharana school of classical music.

Background

Bhaiyya Ganpatrao was born to Jayajirao Scindia of the Gwalior princely family. He was the brother of Jiwajirao Scindia.

Music Training

He studied with Sadiq Ali Khan of Kirana Gharana and later with Bande Ali Khan and Inayat Hussain Khan, both students of Haddu Khan of Gwalior Gharana.

Legacy

In the late-19th Century and early-20th Century, Ganpatrao was the "greatest name" associated with the harmonium. He popularized the instrument and developed its Thumri-ang.

Like Govindrao Tembe, Ganpatrao is credited with establishing harmonium as an instrument for Hindustani Classical music. Consequently, he had an enormous impact on many musicians whom he taught.

Compositions

Ganpatrao was a prolific composer and used the mudra "Sughar-piya."

Influence

Faiyaz Khan began singing thumris publicly because of Ganptrao's influence. Bismillah Khan adopted some of Ganpatrao's techniques to his Shehnai-playing.

Students

The sarod maestro Hafiz Ali Khan, father of Amjad Ali Khan, learned dhrupad and thumri from Ganpatrao. He also taught Bashir Khan of Indore and Girija Shankar Chakrabarty.

He also taught Jaddanbai, the mother of Bollywood actress Nargis.