Kirana Gharana Ki Khayal Gayaki: Ek Adhyayan by Dr. Srishti Nirwan is a significant contribution to the field of Indian classical music literature, especially for students and enthusiasts of Hindustani vocal music. While much has been written on music theory and performance, there remains a notable gap in analytical studies dedicated to the specific singing traditions of India’s music gharanas. Recognizing this need, Dr. Nirwan presents a scholarly exploration of the Kirana Gharana, one of the most celebrated and influential gharanas in the Hindustani classical tradition.
This book offers a detailed and thoughtful examination of the Khayal Gayaki style unique to the Kirana Gharana. It studies the artistic approach, stylistic nuances, and evolving interpretation of this vocal tradition through the lens of both historical and contemporary exponents. The author delves into the aesthetic values and musical philosophies that have shaped the Kirana Gharana’s identity, offering readers an insightful view of its ongoing legacy in the modern musical landscape.
The book is written with clarity and depth, making it accessible to a wide audience, from academic researchers and music students to practitioners and connoisseurs of classical music. Through focused analysis, it highlights the distinctive features of this gharana—such as its emphasis on swara (note) purity, slow-tempo development, and emotive expression—while also acknowledging the individuality of prominent contemporary artists who have carried forward its torch with dedication and innovation.
Dr. Srishti Nirwan, the author of this work, brings not only academic rigor but also a deep personal connection to music. Born into a musically enriched family, her passion for vocal music began early, nurtured under the guidance of her father and first guru, Shri Om Prakash Nirwan ji. Her academic journey in music saw her earning her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in vocal music from Delhi University, culminating in a Ph.D. in Music (Vocal) from Kurukshetra University. Her scholarly insights are enriched by years of practice, research, and immersion in the art form.
Kirana Gharana Ki Khayal Gayaki: Ek Adhyayan is more than just a book—it is a valuable resource that preserves, analyzes, and celebrates one of Indian classical music’s most poetic and profound traditions. It invites readers to not only study but also experience the timeless resonance of the Kirana Gharana.