Daily News Analysis » UNESCO Recognition of Gwalior as ‘City of Music’

UNESCO Recognition of Gwalior as ‘City of Music’

Gwalior Gharana: The Oldest Musical Tradition

  • The Gwalior Gharana, established in the 15th century under Raja Man Singh Tomar, is the oldest in Hindustani classical music.
  • Dungarendra Singh Tomar revived Indian classical music academically and composed Vishnupadas, influencing the Gharana’s style.
  • Man Singh popularized Dhrupad and wrote ‘Manakutuhala’, making high art more accessible. He also integrated music into the royal court’s daily life.

Evolution of Gwalior Gharana:

  • Development Under Mughal Rule: The Gharana evolved significantly during this period, with notable contributions from musicians like Naththan Khan and Naththan Pir Baksh.
  • Khayal Singing: Originated from Dhrupad within the Gwalior Gharana, incorporating elements of Qawwali.
  • Influential Musicians: The Gharana has produced many renowned artists, including Pt Kumar Gandharv, Malini Rajurkar, and Pt Venkatesh Kumar, who have contributed significantly to Hindustani classical music.

 

UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

  • 2004: Established the network of cities
  • Purpose: Supports sustainable urban development through creativity.
  • Fields of Creativity: Includes literature, music, crafts, design, film, gastronomy, and media arts.
  • Indian Cities in the UCCN: Kozhikode for literature, Gwalior for music, along with Varanasi, Srinagar, and Chennai also recognized for music and crafts.

 

Why in News:

  • The city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh was added to UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) recently for its “strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity”.