Remembering the Multifaceted Genius Pandit Jnan Prakash Ghosh on His 117th Birth Anniversary

Kolkata, May 8, 2026 – The world of Hindustani classical music today pays glowing tributes to Pandit Jnan Prakash Ghosh – the legendary harmonium and tabla maestro, composer, musicologist, and teacher – on his 117th birth anniversary. Born on May 8, 1909, in Kolkata, he passed away on February 18, 1997, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy.

A Prodigy with Many Passions

Hailing from a musically rich Hindu family, Pandit Ghosh was the grandson of Dwarkanath Ghosh (1847–1928) , the founder of Dwarkin and inventor of the iconic “Dwarkin Harmonium,” which became immensely popular across West Bengal and beyond.

He graduated from Scottish Church College, University of Calcutta. Interestingly, music was not his first calling – he excelled in sports, playing soccer, hockey, polo, and billiards, and also practised painting. However, an eye injury sustained during a soccer match led him to turn his full attention to music.

Training Under Great Masters

Pandit Ghosh trained in vocals under Girija Shankar, Mohammed Sagir Khan, and Mohammed Dabir Khan. He took tabla lessons from Ustad Masit Khan of the Farukhabad gharana, becoming his senior disciple, and later from Ustad Feroze Khan of the Punjab gharana.

A Career of Remarkable Versatility

He served for 15 years at All India Radio as a music producer, composing pieces across classical, light, orchestral, choral, and percussion styles. He founded the Sourav Academy of Music and was closely associated with the Sangeet Research Academy.

Notable film scores include:

• Jadubhatta
• Andhare Alo
• Rajlakshmi o Srikanta (1958)

His percussion work “The Drums of India” and a famous jugalbandi with Pandit V. G. Jog (harmonium and violin) earned him widespread acclaim. He also composed Chaturang – a unique piece combining tabla, pakhawaj, kathak, and tarana.

Globally, he provided music for the Academy Award-nominated animated short Bead Game, directed by Ishu Patel for the National Film Board of Canada.

A Legendary Guru to Three Generations

Pandit Ghosh trained and nurtured three generations of tabla players, vocalists, and instrumentalists, producing maestros in every field. His students include:

Tabla:

• Pt. Nikhil Ghosh
• Pt. Kanai Datta
• Pt. Shankar Ghosh
• Shyamal Bose
• Pt. Abhijit Banerjee
• Pt. Anindo Chatterjee
• Sanjay Mukherjee

Vocals:

• Pt. Prasun Banerjee
• Smt. Meera Banerjee
• Pt. Ajoy Chakrabarty
• Pt. Gobinda Basu
• Pt. Suman Ghosh
• Vidushi Malvika Kanan
• Vidushi Tanima Thakur
• Pt. Mallar Ghosh
• Pt. Arun Bhaduri

Instrumental:

• Paul Grant

A Home That Breathed Music

His residence at Dixon Lane in Bowbazar, Kolkata, was a legendary hub for musicians, both local and visiting. It frequently hosted recitals, most notably a historic Raga Chhayan performance by Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan in 1954.

Centenary and Lasting Legacy

His birth centenary was celebrated on May 7, 2012, in Kolkata, featuring a documentary screening and performances by noted singers.

“On his birth anniversary, Hindustani Classical Music And Everything (HCMAE) pays rich tributes to the legend and expresses deep gratitude for his monumental contributions to Indian classical music,” read the official statement. 🙏🌼