Dr. Hanuman Sahay
(Classical Musician, Composer , Sahityakar)
Pt. Hanuman Sahay, whose name is often preceded by the title Pandit (Master), is an Indian musician and composer of Hindustani classical music. He is one of the best-known exponents of the classical compositions of the Jaipur Gharana in Rajasthan. Panditji developed a distinct style, different from his contemporaries, incorporating influences from the rhythmic practices of Jaipur Gharana music, especially the use of ‘Tihai.’ His performances begin with a solo alap, influenced by the slow and serious dhrupad genre, followed by a section with tabla accompaniment featuring compositions associated with the prevalent Khayal style. Panditji often closes his performances with light classical Thumri or bhajan pieces.
Currently, he imparts free music training to students fully devoted to music under the ‘Guru-Shishya Parampara’ (Maestro-Disciple tradition) in Jaipur. He is also the director of ‘Sur Sahitya Kala Sansthan’ (N.G.O.) since 2005 and organizes various events annually.
Pandit Hanuman Sahay Ji was born on 25th November 1960 into a musical family in Rajasthan, India. He spent his youth touring India with his group. His father, Pandit Kalyan Sahay, and his mother, the late Shrimati Prabhati Devi, were his first gurus. His uncles, Pandit Radha Sharan Ji and Pandit Narsingh Das Ji Marwadi, were also renowned musicians in Rajasthan, known for their specialty in Bhakti Paraksangeet.
In 1972, Pandit Ji began his formal music education under the guidance of Guru Pt. Chiranji Lal Tanwar, Pt. Govind Prasad Jaipurwale, and Pt. Ramesh Chand Natkarni. After completing his studies in 1980, he worked as a Nagma Vadak at Banasthali Vidyapeeth for 20 years.
Personal Life and Family
Pandit Ji married Geeta Devi in 1981, and they have a daughter, Ashawari Sahay. He is a simple man who prefers wearing khadi cotton Kurta Pajamas in light colors and is known for always wearing black Jutti from the brand Charmica. Pandit Ji’s entire family is a disciple of Jagadguru Nimbarkacharyaji, living a life in “sattvikta” (purity and simplicity). He always wears a Tulsi necklace around his neck.
- M.A. in Music (Vocal) from Indira Kala Sangeet University, Khairagarh (Chhattisgarh) in 2000.
- Ph.D. in Fine Arts (Music) from Mohan Lal Sukhadia University, Udaipur in 2009. The topic of his dissertation was “Analytic Study of Music Devotion of Poetic Singers of the Dhundhar Region.
- “Sangeet Rishi Samman” awarded by Bal Gandharv Sangeet Sodha Sansthan in 2009.
- National Award from AAVARTAN in Banaras for his outstanding achievements in 2011.
- “Dr. Jaichand Sharma Award” presented by Sangeet Bharti, Bikaner in 2012.
- “Senior Fellowship Award” in the field of Classical Music, awarded by the Ministry of Culture, Delhi in 2014.
Mentors
Late Shri Radha Sharan Ji
Late Pandit Radha Sharan Ji Sahay was a Hindustani classical music singer and the first mentor of Pandit Hanuman Sahay.
Late Shri Kalyan Sahay Ji
Late Shree Kalyan Sahay was an Indian classical music singer and the mentor of Pandit Hanuman Sahay.
Late Pt. Ramesh Chandra Nadkarni
Late Pandit Ramesh Nadkarni was a Hindustani classical music singer from Jogeshwari. A disciple of Aman Ali Khan, he composed over 250 melodies and ragas. Nadkarni was honored for his lifelong dedication to classical music and was awarded a fellowship by Sursingar Sansad, Mumbai. He was associated with the Bhendi Bazar Gharana.
Late Pt. Govind Prasad Jaipur Wale
Late Pt. Govind Prasad Jaipur Wale was a Hindustani classical music singer and composer. He was a disciple of his father, Gunigandharv Pt. Laxman Prasad Jaipur Wale. Born in Mumbai, Govind composed many classical compositions for the ‘Kunwar Shyam Gharana.’ It is no exaggeration to say that the names of Govind and his father are worthy of being written in golden letters among the great musicians of Rajasthan. He was associated with the Jaipur Gharana.
Late Pt. Chiranji Lal Tanwar
Late Pt. Chiranji Lal Tanwar was a classical music singer, specializing in Thumri and Dadra. He was a disciple of Pt. Mohan Lal Kathak and Pt. Madan Prakash from the Jaipur Gharana. Chiranji Lal was honored for his lifelong dedication to the ‘Rajasthan Ki Shely Maad’ and was awarded by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. He was associated with the Jaipur Gharana.
Achivements
Dr. Pandit Hanuman Sahay has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the genre of Raga Maad. He is one of India’s most honored classical singers and music artists.
52+
Years in Classical Music
100+
Awards & Recognition
500+
National Performance
4000+
Live Event & Programs
Discography
Classical Folk Music
“Rajasthan Ki Shelly MAAD (Udgam Avam Vikas)”: A publication by Rajasthan Hindi Granth Academy, Jaipur, aimed at music masters, performing arts artists, and music lovers.
“VICHAR RAGA SAGAR”: A publication by Rajasthan Hindi Granth Academy, Jaipur, designed for Music M.A., Sangeet Praveen, Sangeet Alankar, and other music enthusiasts.
“MARUDHARA KE BHAKT KAVI GAYAK”: Published by Raj Publication, Jaipur, this book supports the growth of culture and creativity among music devotees and lovers.
- “विषम ताल छंदावली”: Published by Rajasthan Hindi Granth Academy, Jaipur, this book is intended for scholars and enthusiasts of rhythm and music. It explores complex rhythmic patterns and their historical development, providing insight into the intricacies of Indian classical music. The publication highlights the evolution of rhythm and offers a detailed analysis of various rhythmic structures, aiming to enrich the understanding of both practitioners and aficionados of the art form.
- Performed at Sur Sansad, Bombay – 1991
- Ganesh Chaturthi Mahotsav, Amarawati, Maharashtra – 1993
- Bhajan Gayan at Meera Panch Shati Mahotsav, Chittorgarh (Raj.) – 2002
- An Evening of Classical Raga by Bal Gandharv Sangeet Shodh Sansthan, Jaipur – 2009
- AAWARTAN Society, Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi – 2009
- Classical Vocal at Pt. Gama Maharaj Memorial National Music Festival, Delhi – 2010
- Classical Concert with Shruti Mandal – 2014 and 2016
- Various Individual Performances on multiple occasions
- Thumri, Dadra, & Maad at Bharitya Naratya Kala Kendra, Jamnagar, Saurashtra – 2000
- National Seminar by Society for Action Through Music on “Sangeet Shiksha Ke Kshetra Mein Pustakon Ka Yogdan” in Delhi – 2009
- National Seminar by Society for Action Through Music on “Manav Jeevan Mein Sangeet Ka Mahatva” in Delhi – 2010
(The seminar was chaired by Padma Shri Pt. Bhajan Sopori) - Thumri, Dadra, & Maad at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi University, Varanasi – 2014
- Raga Maad at University of Rajasthan, Jaipur – 2015
Vocalists:
- Pt. L.K. Pandit
- Pt. Jagdish Prasad
- Us. Gulam Mustafa Khan
- Pt. Ajay Pohankar
- Vidushi Prabha Atre
- Vidushi Savita Devi
Instrumentalists:
- Pt. Samta Prasad Mishra (Gudai Maharaj)
- Us. Hidayat Khan
- Nayanghosh
- Pt. Ramkumar Mishra
Dancers:
- Pt. Gouri Shankar
- Pt. Durgalal Kathak
- Pt. Krishan Kumar Ji
- Pt. Sundarlal Gangani
- Prerna Shrimali
Discography
Publications
राजस्थान की शैली माड (उद्गम एवं विकास)- Rajasthan Ki Shailee Maad (Udgam And Vikas)
For Music Masters of performing arts and Artists & Music lovers. Published by “Rajasthan Hindi Granth Academy” Jaipur.
विचार राग सागर - Vichar Raga Sagar
MARUDHARA KE BHAKT KAVI GAYAK
विषम ताल छंदावली - Visham Taal Chhandvaali
Sur Sahitya Kala Sansthan
Indian Classical Music Organization
Kala Mandal, established by Pandit Hanuman Sahay Vanasthali Wale on Janmashtami 2004, initially served as a platform for promoting Indian classical and regional music. Due to its growing activities both domestically and internationally, the organization was officially registered under the Rajasthan Institutions Registration Act, 1958, in 2013 and was renamed Sur Sahitya Kala Sansthan.
The institution aims to expand its efforts in various societal interests, alongside practicing and preserving the ancient traditions of Indian and regional music. The main functions of the organization are visible in two key areas:
Sur Sahitya Kala Sansthan undertakes a variety of activities aimed at promoting and preserving Indian classical and folk music. The organization’s key functions include:
Organizing Celebrations: Hosting events featuring rare and distinguished artists of classical and folk music genres.
Training Camps: Conducting free training camps for the Thaat method of classical music and various folk music techniques.
Lectures and Performances: Arranging lectures and performances by inviting senior singers, instrumentalists, and virtuoso artists periodically.
Research Initiatives: Engaging in research related to classical music through conferences with domestic and international scholars and students.
Resource Collection: Assembling important audio, video, and textual resources related to classical and folk music.
Scholarships: Providing financial assistance and scholarships to underprivileged yet promising students in the field of music.
Advocacy: Raising awareness and advocating against exploitation and disadvantages faced by artists.
Scholarship and Fellowship Support: Assisting students in applying for scholarships and fellowships advertised by various institutions.
Public Outreach: Visiting public spaces, temples, and educational institutions to promote awareness of Indian classical and regional music.
Publications: Publishing articles related to music in national newspapers and magazines.
Performance Opportunities: Facilitating presentations by singers, instrumentalists, and dancers of classical music.
Festival Events: Organizing special events on major festivals such as Guru Purnima, Fagotsav, Nandotsav, Ram Navami, Holi, Deepotsav, Sharadotsav, and others.
