Ragas Faijaiwanti, Shuddha Sarang, Dinki Puriya & More Masterworks from the National Centre Performing Arts (NCPA) Archives

Pt. Jasraj
The present day legend of Mewari gharana, Pandit Jasraj was born in Hissar, Haryana in else year t93o. Pandit Jasraj had initially trained in the tabla and in fact could have even made a professional career as a percussionist until he was once insulted once by a vocalist he was accompanying. Angered by the way accompanists were treated; Pandit Jasraj vowed never to play the tabla again and decided to train to be a singer.

Jasraj’s exceptional talent was first noticed in the late 59508, when he was a supporting vocalist to his cider brother Pt. Maniram then began to train Jasraj and taught him all the special features of the Mewati gharana -murkis, super hut tappa taans, clarity in the enunciation of lyrics and she systematic elaboration of khayals. Gradually, Jasraj acquired a fast-following of his own and started performing independently. In the year 1950-1951 he became an approved vocal music broadcaster of All India Radio. In his early days as a soloist his style was greatly influenced by Ustad Ansir Kisass, however as Pandit Jasraj matured and responded us audience preferences, he evolved his own unique and original style.

One of Pandit Jasraj’s greatest constitutions to classical music is his conception of a unique sad novel jugalbandi called Jasrangi. Styled on the ancient system of Moorchana, the Jasrangi is a duet between a male and a female vocalist each singing in their respective scales and different ragas at she same time. Another significant aspect is his take on music as a theatrical art fonts. His performances are not just music to the ears but also a feast to the eyes. His channing persona, the Swaramandals in his lap and hit dramatic gestures contribute to a majestic aura that enhances the appeal of hit music. Pandit Jasraj enjoys a substantial fats following around the world, having established several teaching establishments internationally, where numerous students study his style.

His musicianship baa attracted numerous honors including the Sangeet Natak Akaderni Award, the Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar, the Dinanath Mangeshkar Award and the Padma Vibhushan.

The NCPA Archives
Described as the Treasure trove of Indian classical music the NCPA archives has over 5000 hours of music of the who’s who of classical music both in the Hindustani and Carnatic Styles. Maintained for over 4 decades in the most ideal conditions of temperature and humidity and on the best recording formats the NCPA Archives preserves and protects India’s rich musical heritage.

According to the Artists themselves the work recorded on the Archives features some of their best works recorded at the prime of their careers. This wonderful ‘khazana’ is being presented to the music loving public for the first time.