The history of Indian classical music has its root to the Vedic period. This form of music is believed to have originated from ancient times and related to the religious texts and practices of our Indian culture. During the medieval period of India’s history, Gharana tradition emerged as a major part of the musical scenario and soon developed into an integral part of North Indian classical music culture. The literal meaning of ‘Gharana’ is a school of music that carries a wide range of styles and influences.
There have been several notable Gharanas in both Instrumental and Vocal forms of music and Benaras Gharana has a rich history to its credit.
Being considered as the holy land of worship and related to the existence of Lord Shiva as per Hindu mythology, Benaras city has witnessed a number of notable contributions in the field of performing arts. This tradition of music has become one of the most popular music and dance legacies with a wide range of genres that includes Instrumentalists, Vocalists, and Dancers.
We, the Prasanna family of music takes pride to have brought ‘Flute’ as another instrument to the legacy of Benares gharana. It was our legendary artist and eminent Flutist and Shehnai stalwart, recipient of Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Pt. Raghunath Prasanna, who was the first artist from Benares to learn and play flute at international level.
Before him, his ancestors were exponents of Shehnai and the family tradition was very popular along with other exponents of Benares legacy in different genres of music.
Our Prasanna tradition of Flute has given some of the finest Flutists to the world which include names like legendary Padma Vibhushan Pt. Hariparasad Chaurasia and Sangeet Natak Academy awardee Pt. Rajendra Prasanna.
The family is consistently contributing to the serves of Indian music and giving many talented artists such as Mr. Rajesh Prasanna, Mr. Rishab Prasanna, Mr. Ritesh Prasanna and many talented students who have come from different parts of the world and making a name for themselves in the field of music.
This gharana has carried forward the illustrious legacy of their music and trying to preserve the rich tradition of Guru Shishya Parampara style where aspiring students are being trained with non-commercial spirit and they are nurtured equally well along with family offshoots with a lot of compassion and encouragement.
The gharana also thrive to the point of being able to provide platform for these students and hone their skills in their best interest.
The Benares Gharana of flute has marked a great achievement in promoting and prolific production of quality music through their practice and incomparable training.
