The art of classical singing has been practiced in India since time immemorial. Even the oldest Hindu scriptures have several indications of Indian classical music. In India, classical music is not considered as a source of entertainment but it is regarded as a source to connect with the divine being and realize their presence inside our own. Hence, classical music is more like a tool for meditating upon God. The distinct forms of melodies which are mainly known as 'ragas', are said to stimulate the 'chakras', the energy centers or moods which are present in our body. Indian classical singers have played a very crucial role in making the classical music popular around the world. They have enriched the world of music and have mesmerized audiences with their spellbound performances. With this section, check out the life history of some of the most famous classical singers of India. Read on.
Leading Indian Classical Singers
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was a great classical singer who hypnotized the audience with his interpretations of Indian classical music. He belonged to the 'Kirana Gharana' of Khansahib Abdul Karim Khan. This renowned vocalist has an interesting and a challenging life history. More…
Balamurali Krishna
Dr. M. Balamurali Krishna is one of the pioneers in the fields of both vocal and instrumental music. He is a multifaceted personality and has filled Carnatic music with his beautiful compositions. Dr. M. Balamurali Krishna is a singer, music director, poet, and an instrumentalist who can flawlessly sing in three octaves. More…
M. S. Subbulakshmi
M.S. Subbulakshmi, Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, was one of the most famous and admired vocalists in the field of Carnatic music. She was the first Indian musician to receive the 'Bharat Ratna' and also the first woman recipient of the title 'Sangeetha Kalanidhi'. She was popularly known as 'Nightingale of India'. More…
Muthuswami Dikshitar
Muthuswami Dikshitar was one of the trinity composers of Carnatic music. He was an excellent classical singer who made numerous contributions to the field of music. The biography given below throws light on the life history of Muthuswami Dikshithar. More…
Pandit Jasraj
He is one of the most renowned Indian classical singers. Born in 1930 in a family of musicians, Pandit Jasraj's rich compositions are heard with interest by music lovers all over the world. He even gave the unique concept of Jugalbandi. More…
Swami Haridas
Considered to be an incarnation of Lalita Sakhi, a dear friend of Radha, Swami Haridas was popularly called the saint musician of north India. He had a very strong influence on the style of music in north India. He is exclusively credited for composing a large number of devotional songs and the Dhrupad music. More…
Swathi Tirunal Rama Varma
Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma was the Rajah of the princely state of Travancore. He was popularly known as the 'Garbhashriman', since he ascended the throne at the time of birth itself. He was a great supporter of music and a musician himself. More…
Tansen
One of the greatest musicians of North India, Miyan Tansen was among the nine gems in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. He had made an incredible contribution in the development of North Indian music. More…
Tyagaraja
The most popular composer of Carnatic music, Thyagaraja forms the trinity of the composers of Carnatic music, the other two contemporaries being Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri. He made an immense contribution in the development of South Indian classical music. More…
Ustad Allauddin Khan
Ustad Allauddin Khan was one of the gems in the world of music. He is popularly known as Baba Allauddin Khan. A famous Sarod player as well as an instrumentalist, he formed the 'Maihar Gharana'. More…
Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan was one of the greatest classical vocalists of India. He is often referred to as the 'Tansen' of the 20th century. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan was, undeniably, one of the most talented vocalists of his times. The man of great noble was regarded as one of the best models of Hindustani music tradition. More….
