01 Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur - Raga Bhankar - 1 October 1986 - Naralkar Residence, Pune

Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur (31 December 1910 - 12 September 1992) hailed from Dharwad, Karnataka, and was an exponent of khayal gayaki, having been trained in the Gwalior and Atrauli gharana traditions. He learnt from Pandit Nilakanthbua Alurmath of Miraj, who had, in turn, received ta’lim from Pandit Balakrishnabua Ichalkaranjikar. Subsequently, Mansur ji became the gandabandh shagird of Ustad Badruddin ‘Manjhi’ Khan sahib, the son of Ustad Ghulam Ahmed 'Allahdiya' Khan sahib, one of the progenitors of the Atrauli gharana tradition. Following the untimely demise of Ustad Manjhi Khan sahib, Mansur ji subsequently learnt from Ustad Shamsuddin ‘Bhurji’ Khan sahib, the younger son of Ustad Allahdiya Khan sahib. Through his eclectic ta’lim and meticulous riyaz, Mansur ji was able to craft a gayaki which was instrumental in popularising the Atrauli gharana repertoire, along with several other representatives of the gharana tradition.

Among the numerous recitals that Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur gave in Pune, the mehfil at the residence of Shri Nanda Naralkar on 1 October 1986 stands out for several reasons. Regardless of the quality of the video recording in terms of contemporary tastes, it is incredible to be able to “see” an entire mehfil of Mansur ji in an intimate setting. For students of Indian classical music, this gives a rare insight into Mansur ji’s gestural movements, use of practically all parts of the mouth for voice production and projection, as well as the way in which he has interacted with his close friends present at the mehfil. The repertoire Mansur ji chose gives a deep insight into the best of the Atrauli gharana tradition, with the following ragas presented during the mehfil:

1. Raga Bhankar:    • 01 Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur - Raga B...  
2. Raga Gandhari:    • 02 Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur - Raga G...  
3. Raga Sarparda Bilawal:    • 03 Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur - Raga S...  
4. Raga Bilawali:    • 04 Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur - Raga B...  
5. Raga Khat:    • 05 Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur - Raga K...  
6. Raga Shuddha Sarang:    • 06 Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur - Raga S...  
7. Raga Jogiya Asawari:    • 07 Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur - Raga J...  
8. Raga Bhairavi:    • 08 Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur - Raga B...  

Here is a link to the complete playlist:    • 01 Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur - Raga B...  

Among those who were present at the mehfil are Mansur ji’s dear friend Shri Pu. La. Deshpande, Rasikagrani Dattopant Deshpande, Pandit S. G. Devasthali, Pandit Pramod Marathe, and several other admirers of Mansur ji from Pune and Mumbai. The impact of the mehfil was such that it is still remembered fondly by those who had been present, including Dr. Urmila Bhirdikar and Mrs. Anuradha Naralkar.

The accompanying musicians deserve special mention for the way in which they have elevated Mansur ji’s mood and created an opportunity for evermore improvisations, especially in taankari, which was an important cornerstone of his gayaki. Mansur ji’s interactions with Pandit Balkrishna Iyer and Vidushi (Smt.) Veena Sahasrabuddhe are noteworthy, and special attention needs to be paid to way in which the young Veena Tai is engaging, following, and absorbing Mansur ji’s gayaki, with rapt attention. The full credits are as follows:

Tabla: Pandit Balkrishna Iyer
Harmonium: Dr. Arawind Thatte
Tanpuras & Vocal Support: Vidushi (Smt.) Veena Sahasrabuddhe & Shri Suhas Datar

I believe it was Prof. Rajeev Patke who had digitised this important recording as a friend of the Naralkar family. In so doing, he has done us all connoisseurs, admirers, and fans of Mansur ji a huge favour and we are all indebted to him for his efforts.

Recording Courtesy: The Naralkar Family, Pune