Pandit Shri Krishan Rao Shankar

Pt Krishnarao Shankar was born on 21 July 1894 in Gwalior in a South Brahmin family. His father Shri Shankar Rao who was a very good musician. He had started music education to Mr. Krishan rao in his childhood. After some time, his father taught him to Haddu Khan and Nathu Khan.

After learning and working hard from the masters, he became very popular in the world of music. He used to do very well the work of Laykari in singing, due to which the listeners and other musicians also praised him with open heart.

His nature was very simple and gentle. Along with singing, he wrote many books in which Sangeet Pravesh, Sangeet Sargam Saar, Sangeet Aalap Sanchar became very famous. In 1913, Raja Satara of Gwalior appointed him as a teacher. After this, he taught music to the modern Gwalior king and his sister Kamla. After some time, leaving the court, he went on a journey to the country. Accordingly, you established an educational institution named after your father named 'Shankar Gandharva Vidyalaya'. Even today this organization is doing good work. In 1926, he was again appointed court singer in the court of Gwalior on behalf of Aliya Counsil.

He used to pay special attention to the purity of the raga in his singing. His singing style holds its own special place in the world of music. His command over raga and rhythm is clearly visible. Open and weighty voice has been the specialty of Gwalior Gharana. He used to sing difficult movements and taunts (Taans) in all three octaves with great ease. The specialty of your singing has been to maintain the rhythm from the very beginning and perform with the permanent. The use of gamak, zamzama, taunts (Taans) and khatkas used to add charm to your singing.

He was honored with the title of 'Sangeet Alankar' by the Maharaja of Gwalior in 1947. In 1962, Khairagarh University honored you with the degree of Doctorate (Ph.D.). In 1973, he was honored with 'Padma Vibhushan' by the Government of India. He got the 'Tansen' award in 1980. Among your disciples, the names of your son Pt. Laxman Ravi Shankar, Prof. Sarachandra, Bala Saheb Poonch Wale and your granddaughter Mita Pandit ji are special.

Finally serving the music, Pt Krishnarao Shankar breathed his last on 22 August 1989 in Gwalior. His name will always be bright in the history of music.