বিষ্ণুপুর ঘরানার উদ্ভব, ক্রমবিকাশ ও সাংস্কৃতিক তাৎপর্য : একটি পর্যালোচনা/ The Origin, Evolution, and Cultural Significance of the Bishnupur Gharana : A Review

Abstract

The Bishnupur Gharana occupies a distinctive and significant position in the history of North Indian classical music in Bengal. This paper examines the origin, historical development, distinctive characteristics, and wider cultural significance of the Bishnupur Gharana from a historical perspective. Particular attention is given to the role of the Malla rulers of Bishnupur, whose sustained royal patronage provided an important institutional and cultural context for the development of this musical tradition. The influence of the North Indian Dhrupad tradition was particularly significant in shaping the musical practices of Bishnupur. The arrival of Ustad Bahadur Khan, traditionally regarded as a descendant of the celebrated musician Tansen, in the court of Raja Raghunath Singha II during the eighteenth century is generally regarded as an important phase in the historical development of the tradition. Through musical instruction and sustained royal patronage, a distinctive form of Dhrupad gradually developed within the socio-cultural milieu of Bishnupur.

           The Bishnupur Gharana was further enriched and expanded by artists like Ramshankar Bhattacharya, Jadhunath Bhattacharya or Jaduvatta, Radhika Prasad Goswami, Gopeshwar Bandopadhyay and Gyanendra Prasad Goswami. The major characteristics of Bishnupur Gharana include a restrained alap, clear articulation of lyrics, distinctive style of ragas, major emphasis on devotional expression and a relatively simple and melodious style of performance in singing. It has a comparatively liberal approach to teaching and remains more open, along with the Guru-shishya parampara or tradition.

            The tradition of Bishnupur Gharana went beyond its regional style and extended its influence in the broader cultural sphere. It has a significant connection with Kabi Guru Rabindranath Tagore through his music teacher Jadubhatta. The musical development of Rabindra Sangeet rooted in Bishnupur Gharana. A number of Rabindra Sangeet was influenced by the Dhrupad tradition of Bishnupur. Therefor the Bishnupur Gharana remains an enduring historical legacy in the development of musical Heritage cultural identity and classical music tradition.