Mewati Gharana
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Mewati Gharana is a historic family tradition of Indian Classical Musicianship that startes in the 16th century. The modern patriarch of the Gharana is Ustad Ghagge Nazir Khan. The most well-known exponent of this Gharana is Pandit Jasraj.
[edit] Tradition
The fountainhead of the Mewati Gharana, Ustad Ghagge Nazir Khan belonged to the kingdom of Jodhpur in the Mewat region, a part of Rajasthan. For this geographical reason the musical tradition that evolved under his influence, is today called the Mewati Gharana. This very tradition was passed on to Pandit Natthulal and Pandit Chimanlal (who died young). Maharaja Jaiwant Singhji Waghela of Saanand Pandit Natthulal passed it on to Pandit Motiram, his nephew, in the secrecy of dark jungles after the sun had set. This unusual training lasted for seven years. Pandit Motiram in turn passed it on to his brother Pandit Jyotiramji, who later became a disciple of Ustad Rajjab Ali Khan; and to his sons, Pandit Maniram and Pandit Pratapnarayan.
Through rigorous training to Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Maniram ensured that this proud legacy would be carried forward through time. Pt. Jyotiram / Pt. Motiram. Today, the fact that it remains preserved through the ensuing trials is in itself a testimony to the sheer grit and determination that has gone into its preservation. And Pandit Jasraj, who has kept it alive to enthrall and exalt our spirits today, is its voice, making sure that the future generations will imbibe its qualities and take it to greater heights. The standards he has set put a heavy responsibility on his disciples. Pt. ManiramWhat will make it possible for them to make the Mewati tradition thrive in the times to come, is his own exemplary genius, his loving way of imparting knowledge, and more importantly his blessings.
[edit] Legacy
As he once said to Shri V. P. Naik, the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, " Sir, I can only claim that I could make four young girls and boys self-reliant. I assure you they will not be a liability to the state. This is my humble contribution to our great country."
Today that number has grown fourfold and Panditji's growing strength of disciples extends across the Indian shores.
