HYDERABAD : Hyderabad is renowned not only for its diamonds, emeralds, and pearls but also for its glorious history of offering shelter to many great musicians, artistes, and poets in India during the Nizam’s rule.
“All the great musicians turned towards Hyderabad when the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar and other kings in India were gone,” said Ustad Basheer Ahmed Khan, the senior-most sitarist of Hyderabad, during a presentation on the ‘Lineage of Hindustani classical music in Hyderabad Deccan’. Organised by Tatvaa Arts, in collaboration with Badruka School of Music and Dance, the session featured classical vocalist and music historian Anjali Malkar, and Ustad Basheer Ahmed Khan, sitarist, offering a journey through the rich tapestry of Hindustani Classical music’s lineage in Hyderabad Deccan.
Many musicians and artistes present in the audience immersed themselves in a rare raag, Raag Gauri, as the session kicked off with a concert by Anjali Malkar. She further enchanted the audience with Raag Rageshri. This rare musical experience was brought to life by accompanying artistes Prashant Serdeshmukh on tabla and Rahul Deshpande on harmonium.
Emphasising the evolution of Hindustani classical music in Hyderabad, Anjali Malkar said, “The Nizams brought many musicians from Delhi, Lucknow, and other cities to Hyderabad because of its rich culture and patronage. The Nizams were avid patrons of music, and the artistes recognised that very well. Consequently, they flocked to Hyderabad, where they were generously supported by the Nizams.”
She explained the musical development from Qutub Shahs until the Nizams of Hyderabad.She noted that the Khayal Gayaki, a form of Hindustani classical music, was first propagated in Maharashtra by the Gokhale Gharana, which had its origins in Hyderabad.
Renowned Sitarist Ustad Basheer Ahmed Khan reminisced about many musical memories of past Hyderabad. Discussing the current Hindustani classical music scene in the city, he remarked, “Gradually the number of concerts started decreasing. However, I believe it’s back on track now, since most organisations are conducting events regularly. Additionally, there are three government music colleges in Hyderabad contributing to the classical music scene.”