Nana Panse Gharana · Varanasi
Dr. Ankit
Parikh
An Exponent of "PAKHAWAJ"
A distinguished custodian of ancient Pakhawaj tradition — blending scholarly depth with soulful artistry across India's most revered stages.
An Exponent of "PAKHAWAJ"
A distinguished custodian of ancient Pakhawaj tradition — blending scholarly depth with soulful artistry across India's most revered stages.
The Pakhawaj is India’s venerable barrel-shaped wooden drum, an ancient percussion instrument often hailed as the "ancestor of the Tabla". Known historically as the Mridanga, Mardala, or Muraj, it holds a sacred place in Indian mythology—believed to have been created by LORD BRAMHA and first played by LORD GANESH.
A master of contrast, the Pakhawaj is played with both hands: the right side produces sharp, resonating treble tones, while the left creates a deep, soulful bass after the traditional application of fresh wheat dough.
For centuries, it has served as the heartbeat of India’s oldest musical traditions, from the meditative depths of Dhrupad to the devotional echoes of Haveli Sangeet (Pushtimargiya Kirtan). Whether providing a rhythmic foundation for the Veena, Surbahar, and Santoor, or driving the intricate footwork of Kathak dance, the Pakhawaj remains a living bridge to India's spiritual and classical past.
Dr. Ankit Parikh is one of India's most distinguished Pakhawaj artists — a percussionist of rare depth, rooted in the ancient Nana Panse Gharana. Born in Varanasi and currently based in Mathura, he carries forward a tradition that stretches back centuries.
Ankit embodies a generation that carries scholarly rigor with living artistic practice. His Ph.D. from Banaras Hindu University and his empanelment with ICCR speak to an intellectual commitment that enriches every performance.
Ankit is celebrated for meditative solo recitals and sensitive accompaniment with Vocal and instrumental. He is rooted with PUSHTIMARG and has deep experience of accompaniment in Haveli sangeet. He is also very much influenced with the musical thought process of Music Maestros like SNA awardee Pt. Dal Chand Sharma, Padmashri Talyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar and Banaras Baaj of TABLA.
At present numbers of students around the world are learning Pakhawaj in virtual and physical mode under GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA.
In the world of Indian Classical Music, a Gharana is far more than a school; it is a sacred lineage (Parampara). It represents a distinct musical household where specific techniques, aesthetic philosophies, and rhythmic grammars are preserved and passed from Guru to Shishya across centuries.
Born within the sanctum of the Shrinathji Temple in Rajasthan, the Nathdwara Gharana is the rhythmic heartbeat of Haveli Sangeet.
Founding MastersFounded by Pt. Roopram ji and Pt. Ghanshyam ji, who dedicated their art as Seva (service) to the deity.
AestheticKnown for its "Komal Bol" (soft syllables), this style is characterized by its deep spiritual resonance. It is perfectly designed to accompany the meditative Dhrupad and Dhamar of the Pushtimargiya Kirtan.
Technical ExcellenceRenowned for complex Layakaris, beautiful Stuti Parans (devotional compositions), and the intricate Prastar of Ghid-nak, Dhin-nak.
LegendsPadmashri Pt. Purshottam Das (Chief Khalifa), Pt. Totaram ji, Pt. Dal Chand Sharma, and Pt. Mohan Shyam Sharma.
The Kudau Singh Gharana is a testament to grandeur and heroic resonance. Named after the legendary "Mridang Kesari," this style reflects the majesty of the royal courts.
Founding MasterPt. Kudau Singh ji Maharaj, a titan of the Datia Darbar and a disciple of Bhawani Din ji.
AestheticOften called a "Lion-like" style, it utilizes powerful, open-handed sounds (Taddan, Dhaddan, Thunga) that demand immense physical and mental precision.
Technical ExcellenceFamous for descriptive "Chamatkari" Parans, including the Gaj Paran (Elephant), Top Paran (Cannon), and Bijali Paran (Lightning). It also features a unique method of improvisation in Vilambit Laya (slow tempo).
LegendsPt. Ayodhya Prasad, Pt. Madan Mohan Upadhyay, Pt. Mannu ji Mridangacharya, Pt. Ramakant Pathak, and Pt. Ramashish Pathak.
The Nana Panse Gharana is a sophisticated blend of Maharashtrian rhythmic roots and the scholarly depth of Varanasi.
Founding MasterNana Panse ji initially learned Pakhawaj from Chaunde Bua and Martand Bua of Maharashtra. He refined his art through 12 years of rigorous sadhana in Kashi (Varanasi) under Babu Jodh Singh, later serving in the Indore Darbar. He also received profound musical wisdom from a Saint in Prayagraj.
AestheticDefined by incredible speed (Drut), clarity, and a crisp, "dry" sound that highlights intricate fingerwork.
Technical ExcellenceMastery over complex Chakradhars starting from unexpected matras and lightning-fast phrases like Dhir-Dihr Kit-Tak Gadi-gan Nage-Tete, Tirkit Takta Tete-Kata Gadi-Gana.
LegendsPt. Amba Das, Pt. Govind Rao Burhanpurkar, Pt. Arjun Sejwal, Pt. Krishna Das Bannatwale and Pt. Devkinandan ji Maharaj.
As a practitioner deeply rooted in the Nana Panse and Nathdwara traditions, my presentation is a synthesis of these great schools. Under the guidance of my Guru, Goswami Shri Kalyan Rai ji Maharaj, I strive to preserve the technical brilliance of the Panse style while maintaining the devotional soul of the Nathdwara parampara.
H.H.Goswami Shri Kalyan Rai ji Maharaj is the direct descendant of SRI VALLABHACHARYA (founder of PUSHTI BHAKTI MARG). He is an Acharya of Vallabh Sampradaya and youngest son of Saptam Pithadhish H.H. Goswami Shri Ghanshyam lalji Maharaj (Kamvan). Maharajshri was very much attracted with sound of Pakhawaj since his childhood. He was so keen that he learned so many strokes of Pakhawaj alphabets by watching other Pakhawaji's playing in front of Thakurji(THE GOD). He gave his first public performance at the age of 11 and took guidance from his elders like Dwitiya Pithadhish H.H. Goswami shri Kalyanrai ji Maharaj ( Nathdwara), H.H. Goswami Shri Brijraman ji Maharaj (Mathura). He has deep knowledge of Kirtan, Pakhawaj in traditional approach with Nana Panse Gharana & Nathdwara Gharana. Although he always loves to play for the SUPREME DIVINE only, but he has also given his solo recital and accompaniment in Dhrupad mela. Haridas sangeet sammellan vrindavan etc. Later He moved permanently in Varanasi where he shared his knowledge of Pakhawaj with Pushtimargiya vaishnavas. He has trained number of students like H.H. Goswami Shri Aniruddha ji(son), H.H. Goswami Shri Upendra ji(son), Murli Gujrati, Dr.Ankit Parikh, Navneet Gujrati, Shubham Gujrati and many more.
Mridangacharya Dr. Raj Khushiram (1954 – 2025) Dr. Raj Khushiram was a legendary Pakhawaj maestro and a central figure in the Avadhi (Ayodhya) Gharana. A senior disciple of the iconic Pakhawaj wizard Swami Pagal Das ji, he was revered for his technical mastery and soulful preservation of ancient rhythmic traditions. He was famous for several Stuti Parans like Ganesh Paran, Bhadrakali Paran, Hanuman Paran etc. Training and Lineage: Born into a musical family in Lucknow, he received initial training from maestros of the Nana Panse Gharana, including Pt. Sakharam, Pt. Vinayak Rao, and Pt. Ramakant Pathak. He later achieved peak mastery under the mentorship of Swami Pagal Das, becoming a primary custodian of the Avadhi style. Academic & Professional Excellence: He was a Top Grade Artist for Prasar Bharati (All India Radio and Doordarshan) and served as a dedicated teacher at Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya. He was awarded a Doctorate (Ph.D.) for his research on the history and contributions of the Avadhi Gharana. Awards & Legacy: A recipient of the prestigious Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, he was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 50th Dhrupad Mela in Varanasi. Influence: Known as a bridge between the past and present, Dr. Raj Khushiram was a visionary who spent his life ensuring the magical grandeur of the Pakhawaj reached new heights, notably teaching and inspiring current maestros like Dr. Ankit Parikh.
From the G20 Summit to temple courtyards, Dr. Ankit Parikh has carried the sound of the Pakhawaj to every corner of India's classical music landscape.
Performance alongside Pt. Abhay Rustom Sopori in the presence of India's highest dignitaries.
In collaboration with Vimal Institute, Ahmedabad — a digital solution for practitioners of Dhrupad, Veena, and Haveli Sangeet worldwide.
🌐 Visit pakhawaj.co.in
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A landmark published notation book on Kudau Singh Gharana compositions, making rare traditional knowledge accessible to students.
Core member of Soul of Benaras, bringing Banaras's musical tradition to international audiences through ICCR.
Intensive HAVELI SANGEET training camps in Surat, Ahmedabad and online masterclasses for serious practitioners.
Learning Pakhawaj under Dr. Ankit Parikh has been a spiritual journey. His patience and depth of knowledge in the Nana Panse Gharana are truly inspiring for any serious seeker of music.
Even in online classes, Ankit Sir ensures that every stroke is perfect. His focus on 'Nikaas' (tonal quality) has completely transformed my understanding of the instrument.
The way Dr. Parikh explains complex 'Parans' and 'Chakkardars' makes them so accessible. He doesn't just teach rhythm; he teaches the soul of the Pakhawaj.
For performances, workshops & collaborations