Pt Mohan Shyam Sharma Pakhawaj Dhamar Taal

#ptmohanshyamshrama #pakhawajsolo #dhamartaal Pandit Mohan Shyam Sharma Pandit Mohan Shyam Sharma is one of India's foremost Pakhawaj maestros and a distinguished exponent of the Hindustani classical music tradition. Widely admired for his powerful yet refined playing style, he has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the ancient art of Pakhawaj, the principal percussion instrument of the Dhrupad tradition. He is recognized as an 'A' Grade Artist of All India Radio (AIR) and has earned international acclaim through his performances, teaching, and collaborations with leading classical musicians. Born in April 1966 into a musically inclined family, Pandit Mohan Shyam Sharma developed an interest in music from an early age. He initially trained in Tabla before devoting himself to the Pakhawaj under the guidance of Pandit Totaram Sharma, while also drawing inspiration from Baba Gopal Das Ji Maharaj. He later completed a Master's degree in Music, further strengthening his theoretical and practical understanding of Indian classical music. His professional career began as an accompanist to the legendary Dagar Brothers, with whom he toured extensively in India and abroad. Over the years, he has accompanied many of the greatest exponents of Indian classical music, including Ravi Shankar, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Birju Maharaj, Kishori Amonkar, Asad Ali Khan, and numerous distinguished Dhrupad vocalists and instrumentalists. His accompaniment is appreciated for its deep tonal quality, rhythmic precision, and aesthetic sensitivity. Pandit Mohan Shyam Sharma has performed at prestigious music festivals and cultural events across India, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Russia, Japan, Singapore, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and several other countries. Through these international performances, he has played a significant role in introducing global audiences to the rich heritage of Indian classical percussion. Apart from being a celebrated performer, he is also a respected guru who actively trains young musicians, helping preserve the traditional Guru–Shishya Parampara. His dedication to education and cultural preservation has inspired a new generation of Pakhawaj players. Today, Pandit Mohan Shyam Sharma is regarded as one of the finest living ambassadors of the Pakhawaj. His artistry combines technical brilliance, rhythmic imagination, and profound musical sensitivity, making him a highly respected figure in the world of Hindustani classical music. His lifelong commitment has greatly contributed to the revival and continued popularity of the Pakhawaj on both national and international stages. The Pakhawaj is one of the oldest and most revered percussion instruments of Indian classical music. It is a barrel-shaped, double-headed drum traditionally associated with the ancient Dhrupad style of Hindustani classical music. Known for its deep, majestic, and resonant sound, the Pakhawaj has been an integral part of India's musical heritage for centuries. The body of the Pakhawaj is usually carved from a single block of hardwood such as sheesham, teak, jackwood, or neem. Both ends are covered with stretched animal skin. The larger left head (bayan) produces rich, low-pitched bass tones, while the smaller right head (dayan) produces clear, resonant high-pitched sounds. The drumheads are tensioned with leather straps and wooden tuning blocks. Before performances, a temporary paste made from wheat flour is often applied to the left drumhead to deepen the bass resonance. The Pakhawaj is played horizontally, resting across the musician's lap or on a cushion. The player uses the fingers, palms, and the entire hand to produce a wide variety of rhythmic patterns. Its traditional bols (mnemonic syllables) include: Ta Dha Dhin Na Ti Ka Ge Thun These bols form the basis of intricate rhythmic compositions and improvisations. The instrument is primarily used to accompany Dhrupad vocal music but is also heard with Dhamar, devotional music, temple traditions, and classical dance forms. It is occasionally used with instruments such as the Rudra Veena, Surbahar, Surbahar, Santoor, and Bansuri when a traditional rhythmic texture is desired. Compared with the Tabla, the Pakhawaj produces a more powerful, fuller, and more meditative sound. While the Tabla dominates Khayal, Thumri, and lighter classical genres, the Pakhawaj remains the principal percussion instrument for Dhrupad because of its grandeur and solemnity. Throughout history, many great masters have preserved and advanced the art of Pakhawaj playing. Among the most respected are Pandit Purushottam Das, Pandit Mohan Shyam Sharma, Pandit Dalchand Sharma, Pandit Ram Kumar Mallick, and Pandit Bhawani Shankar, whose performances and teaching have helped preserve this ancient tradition.    / @siddhantnahar