Pandit Kishan Maharaj Biography: Age, Early Life, Career, Awards, Death, Facts

Pandit Kishan Maharaj Biography: Pt. Kishan Maharaj can be considered the “grandmaster” of tabla in the modern era. Born into a household of trained musicians of the Benares Gharana, his father Hari Maharaj introduced him to Hindustani Classical music when Kishanji was very young. His uncle, Kanthe Maharaj, provided him with additional training, which helped him become one of the greatest and most accomplished tabla performers of the era. His performances so captivated the audience that his ‘bols’ and ‘taals’ reverberated in their spirits, leaving them transfixed.

Pandit Kishan Maharaj Biography

Early Life

Kishan Maharaj ji was born into a family of professional musicians in Kabir Chaura, Benaras.[1] His classical music training began with his father, Hari Maharaj. After his father’s demise, his uncle Kanthe Maharaj took over his training.

Career

At age eleven, Kishan Maharaj started performing in concerts. Within a few years, Kishan Maharaj was performing alongside legends such as Faiyaz Khan, Omkarnath Thakur, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Bhimsen Joshi, Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, Vasant Rai, Vilayat Khan, Girija Devi, Sitara Devi, and numerous others.

Maharaj was able to perform cross-rhythms and complex calculations, especially in tihai patterns. Maharaj was renowned as an exceptional accompanist and was capable of playing with any accompaniment, be it the Sitar, Sarod, Dhrupad, Dhamar, or even dance.

Throughout his career, Maharaj performed a number of solo recitals and gave ‘Sangat’ to renowned dancers such as Sri Shambhu Maharaj, Sitara Devi, Natraj Gopi Krishna, and Birju Maharaj.

His “Tala Vadya Kacheri” and “Palghat Raghu” with the Mridangam Vidwan stood out among his other compositions. In 1965, Maharaj toured the globe extensively and participated in a number of prestigious events, including the Edinburgh festival and the Commonwealth Arts festival in the United Kingdom.

The Padma Shri was granted to Maharaj in 1973, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2002.He was married to Beena devi, niece of Pt. Anokhe lal mishra, tabla maestro of Benaras.

Honours and Commendations

The Indian President presented him with the Padma Shri award in 1973 and the Padma Vibhushan award in 2002. In 1969, he was again awarded the Sangeet Samrat title by the Prayag Sangit Samiti. UP Sangeet Natak Akademi delighted him in 1972. He received Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 1984 and Hafiz Ali Khan Award in 1986. In 2002, he also received the Ustad Inayat Khan Memorial Award.

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Death

Pt. Kishan Maharaj died on May 4, 2008, at the age of 84, in Khajuri, close to Varanasi.

Facts

• Under the direction of his uncle Kanthe Maharaj, he began performing at the age of 10
• In the majority of his performances, he wore the Benares Gharana’s signature crimson ‘Tika’ in the centre of his forehead.
• Instead of the standard tabla player’s sitting posture, he would sit on his knees in a unique position.
• He was a very attractive, good-looking man who received compliments from both audiences and maestros.
• Kishanji was a versatile musician who could perform the pakhawaj, mridangam, dhol, and other percussion instruments. He could also play the sitar and sarod, as well as croon and dance.
• His composition ‘Taal Vadya Kacheri’ with another Mridangam is among his most renowned works. Vidwan Palghat R. Raju Maharaj has performed in numerous countries and prestigious
• events, including the Edinburgh Festival and the Commonwealth Arts Festival in the United Kingdom in 1965.
• He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1973 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2002 by the Indian government.
• Pt. Ravi Shankar characterises himself as a very talented painter, sculptor, and poet with a cheerful disposition.