The Champion of the art of Tabla: Ahmed Jan Thirakwa

Ahmed Jan was brought to Bombay at the tender age of 12 by his father Hussain Baksh and elder brother Mia Jan, both noted Sarangi players, under the tutelage of the tabla stalwart Ustad Munir Khan.

The association lasted 25 years, with Munir Khansaheb’s guidance, Ahmed Jan acquired a massive repertoire and expertise in the Farukhabad, Ajrada and Delhi styles. While Ahmed Jan had command over various styles, he was distinguished by the way in which he brought together these diverse compositions, his reinterpretation of traditional methods of improvisation, and his own compositions.

Due to his technical virtuosity, formidable stage presence and soulful musicality playing tabla solo became an art in its own right in the popular mind. In addition, he earned a nickname from his guru’s father who saw him practising once and it seemed to him that Ahmed Jan’s fingers were ‘shimmering’ on the tabla hence the name stuck, Thirakwa(shimmering). It is also rumoured that his tone was similar to the thunderous cracking sound of lightning. A bolt of great lightning is sometimes described as ‘Thirakwa’. 

For all his prowess, Ustad Thirakwa was also a gifted vocalist. In this respect, he belongs to the glittering galaxy of Hindustani classical music along with other supernovae such as Fayyaz Khan, Allabande Khan, Alladiya Khan, Allauddin Khan, & most importantly his journey remains similar to greats such as Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Amir Khan, both of whom initially trained as Sarangiyas, just as Thirakwa did.

Also read: The Mystical Qawwali