Riyaz Banaras is not just a music school or performance space — it’s a living, breathing cultural experience rooted in the timeless traditions of the Banaras Gharana.
"Swaranjali" C-23/83 Kabir Chaura- Varanasi - 221001
The Banaras Gharana is a nearly 300-year-old tradition, sustained through generations of devoted families and disciples. It is renowned for its rich contributions across vocal music, tabla, sarangi, and Kathak dance & various other instruments forms.The Banaras style of tabla, established by Pandit Ram Sahai, stands as a hallmark of rhythmic complexity and expressive accompaniment within the Hindustani classical tradition. This unique style shaped the wider ethos of the gharana, where emotional depth and technical mastery walk hand in hand.
One of the earliest and most respected figures of Sarangi gharana was Pandit Shia ji Maharaj Pt Shambhu Nath mishraPandit Sarju Prasad Mishra, an eminent guru and vocal mentor to the legendary Girija Devi, who later became the face of the Banaras gayaki and was lovingly called the "Queen of Thumri." The tradition was further elevated by revered sarangi maestro Pandit Baijnath Prasad Mishra Pt Hanuman Prasad Mishra & Pandit Gopal Mishra whose mastery and legacy continue to inspire generations. Among other distinguished vocalists who carried forward the tradition are Siddheshwari Devi, Bageshwari Devi, and the iconic duo Pandit Rajan and Sajan Mishra, all of whom upheld the gharana’s excellence in classical forms like Khayal, Dhrupad, and Dhamar, as well as semi-classical forms including Thumri, Dadra, Tappa, Chaiti, Kajri, Holi, and Bhajan.
In the field of tabla, greats like Pandit Samta Prasad, Pandit Kishan Maharaj , Pandit Sharda Sahai & Pandit Anokhelal Mishra shaped the identity of Banaras percussion with their powerful solos and refined rhythmic intellect. The lineage continues with maestros such as Pandit Kumar Bose, Pt. Pooran Maharaj, and Sanju Sahai. The Banaras tradition in Kathak also saw legendary representation through Sitara Devi, hailed as the "Empress of Kathak," and Gopi Krishna, who elevated the dance form through classical stages and Hindi cinema alike.
Today, the legacy lives on through young and dedicated artists like Rahul Mishra and Rohit Mishra, who belong to this esteemed lineage. They are grandsons of Pandit Baijnath Prasad Mishra, the sarangi maestro, and Pandit Sharda Sahai Ji, the world-renowned tabla virtuoso and a proud student of Smt. Girija devi. With their deep-rooted training and evolving artistry, they continue to carry the torch of the Banaras Gharana, introducing its timeless beauty to contemporary audiences while staying true to its spiritual and musical essence.
Pandit Kishan Maharaj was a legendary tabla maestro of the Banaras Gharana, renowned for his extraordinary command over rhythm, lightning-fast finger work, and deep knowledge of layakari (rhythmic improvisation). He was one of the most sought-after accompanists of his time, having performed with iconic musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. His solo performances were celebrated for their complexity, creativity, and mastery of rare taals (rhythmic cycles). In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian classical music, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2002. Beyond performance, Pandit Kishan Maharaj was also a revered guru who mentored many disciples and played a pivotal role in carrying forward the legacy of the Banaras Gharana on the global stage.
Pandit Sharda Sahai Ji was one of the most prominent tabla maestros of the Banaras Gharana, celebrated globally for his deep-rooted knowledge, powerful technique, and soulful artistry. A direct descendant of Pandit Ram Sahai Ji, the founder of the Banaras style of tabla playing, he upheld and expanded this rich legacy with unmatched dedication. Known for his clarity of sound, complex peshkar, and spontaneous layakari, he earned international acclaim through solo performances and collaborations with top Indian classical musicians. Pandit Sharda Sahai was also instrumental in bringing the Banaras tabla tradition to the West, especially through his long-standing teaching associations in the United Kingdom and the United States, where he taught at institutions like Wesleyan University. As a revered guru, he trained a generation of tabla players worldwide, ensuring the continuity of the traditional Banaras style. His contributions not only preserved but also elevated the global appreciation for the Banaras Gharana of tabla.
Girija Devi, affectionately known as the "Queen of Thumri," was one of the greatest vocalists of the Banaras Gharana and a towering figure in Hindustani classical music. Her unmatched mastery over semi-classical forms like Thumri, Dadra, Chaiti, Kajri, Hori, and Bhajan elevated these genres to concert stages across India and abroad. With a career spanning over six decades, she was not only a performer par excellence but also a dedicated guru who taught at institutions like the ITC Sangeet Research Academy and BHU (Banaras Hindu University). Through her emotive expression and impeccable technique, she played a vital role in preserving and popularizing the rich cultural traditions of Banaras. In recognition of her immense contribution to Indian music, Girija Devi was honored with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri (1972), Padma Bhushan (1989), and the Padma Vibhushan (2016) — India’s second-highest civilian award.
Rahul and Rohit are empanelled Artist of “Festival of India abroad” by ministry of culture and Graded artist from All India Radio and Doordarshan They also holds a Praveen Degree from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabaad. Moreover, they are an Awardee for excellence in Vocal Music from Rotary club (Kolkata) and Sur mani from Sur Singar Samsad-Mumbai. The performing Artists are also a National Scholarship holder from Ministry of Culture and Visiting Vocal Classical Faculty in PRSSF Varanasi, India. In 2014, Rahul and Rohit has also collaborated on a fusion album showcasing their style of Vocal Classical music with a U.S. Based singer/songwriter ITIDA titled, 'Des-Pardes' released by Hungama music, in which Rahul-Rohit Mishra has also been involved as a Music Composer