Introduction
Often known as Kashi, the city is steeped in rich history and spirituality with immense cultural heritage. It has been a throbbing centre for classical music, dance, and art for several centuries, which attracts scholars, musicians, and artists from all of India and the world. It has sacred ghats, ancient temples, and deep spiritual atmosphere, while being the nurturing ground for many of India’s great classical artists.
However, in the last few decades, traditional art forms were challenged by modern and globalization trends and tastes that came with them. On the other hand, some new generation of talented young artists is trying to be the torchbearers that will keep this heritage well and alive. From Ragas to the intricate beat of Kathak dance and more, classical art is witnessing a revival as some young performers, educators, and patrons breathe new life into them.
In this blog, we will discover how classical music and art are back in Varanasi, the role of the new wave of talent, and how this cultural renaissance is shaping the city’s future.
Historical Significance of Classical Arts in Varanasi
Varanasi has always been a cradle for Indian classical music and art. It is famously known because the city is associated with some of the greatest maestros in Indian classical music, including the legendary sitar virtuoso Pandit Ravi Shankar, tabla legend Pandit Kishan Maharaj, and the reverenced vocalist Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur. The history of the classical art of Varanasi dates back centuries ago with temples and cultural institutions providing a fertile ground to germinate various art forms.
The Banaras Gharana is one of the most respected classical music traditions, and Varanasi is deeply connected with it. The gharana has produced legendary figures in Hindustani classical music, especially in the realms of khayal, thumri, and tappa. Music, dance, poetry, and visual art have long defined the city’s cultural landscape and have been integral to its spiritual and social life.
Despite the strong traditions, classical music and art in Varanasi, like most other places in India, have seen a decline in the face of modernization. The younger generation started drifting towards more contemporary forms of entertainment, which gradually weakened the traditional art forms. However, the tides are changing, and the revival of these ancient traditions is underway, ushering in a new era for classical music and art in Varanasi.
The New Wave of Talent: A Renaissance in Varanasi
Over the past few years, Varanasi has seen a new, dynamic young generation of musicians, dancers, and visual artists breathe new life into the art and music. They bring a new flavor of contemporary elements to classical traditions and make them more contemporary and accessible to the masses.
- Young Musicians Reinterpreting Classical Traditions
More and more young musicians are taking the baton of their gurus forward in Varanasi, with the sounds of modern days blended with their master’s traditional ways. Classical music schools in Varanasi have emerged as a cradle for budding talent; among these, the well-known Bhatkhande Music Institute is worth mentioning. The students learn to play traditional instruments such as the sitar, tabla, sarod, and flute in the time-honored way of classical music.
However, these artists are also finding ways to connect with the new generation. Many have joined forces with fusion musicians blending Indian classical with genres such as jazz, electronic music, and world music. This fusion has allowed the classical music to transcend traditional boundaries and reach a wider audience across the globe.
This trend finds its expression in a highly innovative sitarist composer, Ustad Shujaat Khan, who also collaborated with various international performers to bring the glory of classical music onto the international platform. Another instance includes the tabla virtuoso Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, whose concert performances are known for assimilating both the past and the present.
- Revival of Kathak Dance: A New Generation of Dancers
Kathak, one of the eight classical dance forms of India, has found a new lease of life in Varanasi. The city has long been a hub for Kathak, with legendary dancers like Pandit Birju Maharaj and his disciples shaping the dance form’s legacy. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Kathak, especially among the youth.
New age artists are dancing in Varanasi with new and different presentations that are more than the traditional Kathak forms. They are making their Kathak performances full of modern thoughts and stories that help bring the ancient closer to the modern. Multimedia presentations with music and dance blended into innovative forms are not a new phenomenon here.
One of the most significant representations of the trend is seen in renowned Kathak dancer Shubhi Sharma, whose efforts have brought to fore great performances blending the tradition and modernity, taking cues from contemporary music to sometimes even poetry in a style that would make performances stand the test of modern expectations yet still uphold the ancient foundations of the art of dance.
- Rediscovery of classical music within educational institutions
Educational institutions in Varanasi have had a significant role to play in the revitalization of classical music. Bhatkhande Music Institute, along with many others in the region, remains dedicated to serious education in the different genres of the classical arts. By holding these disciplines of arts on a pedestal for proper schooling, the upcoming generations will be well equipped to maintain the tradition of art in the future.
Furthermore, institutions are encouraging young artists to engage in collaborative performances, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility in preserving the classical arts. Many of these institutions are also opening their doors to international collaborations, inviting artists and students from around the world to experience Varanasi’s classical heritage firsthand.
The Role of Festivals and Cultural Events
Festivals and cultural activities in the city of Varanasi are also acting as effective agents in rejuvenating ancient music and arts. Few prominent music and dance fetes are Varanasi Gharana Sammelan, Sur Yatra, and BHU every year. All these shows are a big platform both for the recognized artists as well as fresh talents of the city.
Besides the large festivals, smaller community events are also helping to nurture young talent. These events give the young performers a chance to perform for an appreciative audience, which helps sharpen their skills and build a fan base.
In the light of the above, the royal family of Varanasi, Kashi Naresh, has also played an important role in patronizing cultural activities and keeping classical music and art alive in the city. The royal patronage helps keep up the age-old tradition of Varanasi as a center of classical learning and performance.
The Role of Technology in the Revival
The advent of technology has also been a boon in bringing back classical music and art to Varanasi. With the onslaught of social media, YouTube, and streaming platforms, there are now ways where artists of classical can touch people all over the globe. The digital platform opened young artists’ chances in expressing their music and dancing, as it gives ways in performing to audiences throughout the world, beyond limited boundaries such as geographic position and scarcity of performance sites.
Many young musicians and dancers in Varanasi have embraced these platforms to showcase their talent. Whether it’s posting short videos on Instagram or live-streaming performances on Facebook, these digital tools are helping connect Varanasi’s classical artists with new audiences, both in India and abroad.
With the onset of online music and dance classes, classical education now reaches people in far-off areas. This development aids in democratizing access to classical music and art while allowing more people to engage with these ancient traditions and appreciate them.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the revival of classical music and art in Varanasi is no doubt encouraging, it has its own set of problems. The main challenge lies in keeping the younger generation engaged with classical arts in the face of a fast-changing cultural landscape. The continued influence of Western pop culture, digital entertainment, and social media continues to be a threat to the survival of traditional art forms.
Still, the efforts of young artists, institutions, and cultural organizations are slowly creating ripples. They adapt the essence of classical music and art to modern tastes without losing their original essence and ensure that these traditions keep on evolving and remaining alive.
The future of this classical music and art within the walls of Varanasi will be bright provided the encouragement of educational centers, festivals, and more digital spaces. If things keep this way, city’s heritage of classical can thrive through generations.
Conclusion: Bright Future for Classic Arts in Varanasi
The revival of classical music and art in Varanasi is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of India’s cultural heritage. Thanks to the efforts of a new wave of talented musicians, dancers, and artists, these ancient traditions are finding a place in the hearts of contemporary audiences. The city, once known for its spiritual significance, is now reasserting its position as a cultural hub for classical arts.
A marriage of tradition and innovation marks the way for a new era in classical music and art. As we turn to the future, Varanasi’s classical heritage will continue to inspire, educate, and captivate audiences from all corners of the globe. For someone interested in experiencing the magic of India’s classical heritage, Varanasi would be the place to visit.
If you like your classical music and art, why not go visit the rich heritage of Varanasi? Be a connoisseur or simply just curious about what there might be. You’re definitely going to be impressed. Stay tuned for what else is on its way-there will be other great festivals and performances showcasing its artistic soul.
No responses yet