Percussionists

Hindustani percussionists

• Kishan Maharaj (1923–2008): tabla maestro of the Banaras gharana. He was admired for his mastery of layakari, his powerful style, and his accompaniment of vocalists, instrumentalists and Kathak dancers. He received the Padma Vibhushan.
• Zakir Hussain (1951–2024): tabla virtuoso, son and disciple of Ustad Alla Rakha of the Punjab gharana. He took the tabla to world audiences, played in the fusion group Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin, and won several Grammy Awards.
• Raja Chhatrapati Singh: a renowned pakhawaj player who came from a princely family and was respected as a master of the dhrupad style of drumming.
• Purushottam Das: a leading pakhawaj artist of the Nathdwara tradition, linked with the temple music of Shrinathji at Nathdwara in Rajasthan.

Karnatak percussionists

• Palani Subramania Pillai (1908–1962): celebrated mridangam player of the Pudukkottai tradition, admired for his solo playing and accompaniment.
• Palghat Mani Iyer (1912–1981): one of the greatest mridangam artists of the 20th century, famous for accompanying leading vocalists with deep understanding of the song.

Remember the pairings

• Banaras gharana: Kishan Maharaj.
• Punjab gharana: Alla Rakha and Zakir Hussain.
• Pakhawaj: Raja Chhatrapati Singh, Purushottam Das.
• Mridangam: Palani Subramania Pillai, Palghat Mani Iyer.

Key points

• Kishan Maharaj = Banaras tabla.
• Zakir Hussain = Punjab gharana, Shakti, global fame.
• Purushottam Das = Nathdwara pakhawaj.
• Palani Subramania Pillai and Palghat Mani Iyer = mridangam.

Exam tips

• Most questions match a musician with an instrument or gharana; learn the instrument first.
• Avoid relying on award years you are unsure of.