BHENDI BAZAR GHARANA

The founders of this Gharana (School of Hindustani Classical Music) were the three brothers viz. Ustad Chhaju Khan, Najir Khan and Khadim Hussain Khan, all of whom were trained by their father, Ustad Dilawar Khan. All three brothers settled in Mumbai in the area known as Bhendi Bazar and hence the name of this Gharana. The three stalwarts of this school of music were Gana - tapasvini Smt. Anjanibai Malpekar, Shri Pandurang Amberkar Amanali Khan (son of Ustad Chhaju Khan) and Amir Khan. Shri Pandurang Amberkar was a disciple of Ustad Aman Ali Khan Saheb.

The Bhendi Bazar Gharana is known for its special compositions called Bandish. Ustad Chhaju Khan Saheb composed many exquisite 'Bandish' under the pseudo-name 'Amar'. Following the footsteps of his father, Aman Ali Khan Saheb also composed a number of 'Bandish' under the same pseudo-name. The name 'Amar' therefore, has become the hallmark of the 'Gharana'. One finds a delightful mixture of 'Shabda', 'Sur' and 'Laya' (Words, Notes & Tempo) in these compositions.

The prominent characteristics of this school is 'Alapi' enriched with Ghamak, Soot, and Meend. This requires a tremendous breath control, a systematic presentation of the 'Bandish' and its embellished improvisation according to structure of of the 'Raga'. The entire rendering of the 'Raga' is based on the system called 'Merukhanda'. 'Merakhanda Gayaki' is a system of various permutation and combinations of a given set of notes. This style brings out brings out the beauty and melody of the 'Raga' in an elaborate and aesthetically rich manner.

Another feature of this school is the blending of the Karnataka Music with the Hindustani Music. Amanali Khan Saheb had made a special study of the Karnataki Music and introduced some of the Karnataka 'Ragas' like Hansdhwani and 'Pratap Warali' in the Hindustani Music. He also made a very clever use of beautiful 'Sargama' of the Karnataka Music.

Source : Sangeet Kendra