Bhatkande's Sonic Blueprint For Indian Classical Music
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Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, a luminary in Indian classical music, played a pivotal role in its standardization during the early 20th century.
Bhatkhande was responsible for the development of a notation system and the canonization of musical practices in the Indian subcontinent, which were traditionally passed down orally.
His ‘thaat’ system, comprising ten musical scales, aimed to organize the melodic structure of Hindustani ragas and vocal repertoire in Carnatic traditions.
Encountering opposition from influential gurus resistant to his innovative ideas, Bhatkhande faced challenges while developing his notation system.
One notable instance involved his pursuit of the oldest collection of original songs attributed to the legendary Mian Tansen, guarded by the veena musician Wazir Khan.
Overcoming rejection, Bhatkhande strategically became a disciple of Nawab Hamid Ali Khan, gaining collaboration from Wazir Khan and paving the way for the popularization of the Senia Gharana repertoire.
Bhatkhande also founded the All India Music Conference, providing a common platform for classical musicians from both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions.
His theoretical works not only preserved the treasures of Indian music but also anticipated the emergence of cross-cultural projects blending Indian and Western cultures.
The passion for quality art is timeless, as evidenced by Bhatkhande's life. From a practicing lawyer with a zeal for classical music to a dedicated music researcher, he embarked on a mission to bring Indian music to the world.
His extensive tours and interactions with musicians across the country laid the foundation for the Hindustani Sangeet Paddhathi, a standardized text on music.
Despite his contributions, Bhatkhande remains a complex figure, as discussed in Professor Janaki Bakhle's book ‘Two Men and Music: Nationalism and the Making of an Indian Classical Tradition’.
She portrays him as contentious, arrogant, and sometimes prejudiced; raising questions about the transformation of Bhatkhande's vision into a revered figure adorned with garlands and incense.
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