Prof. Harbhajan Singh Dhariwal: The Last Torchbearer of Lahore’s Pakhawaj Legacy
In the hallowed halls of Indian classical music, where traditions are preserved through unwavering dedication, Prof. Harbhajan Singh Dhariwal stands as a monumental figure. Recognized as the leading exponent and only prominent Pakhawaji of the Lahore Baaj of the Punjab Gharana, his life’s mission is a solemn vow to the preservation, teaching, and performance of this rich and endangered percussive tradition. As a Senior Research Fellow under the Nad Music Institute, U.S.A., his work extends beyond performance into the academic safeguarding of a priceless cultural heritage.
His musical journey is a testament to decades of disciplined apprenticeship. He began his training with primary lessons in Tabla under Baba Roop Shah for five to six years. This foundation was then fortified with advanced training in Tabla for over two decades under the great maestro Ustaad Lachhman Singh Seen of the Punjab Gharana, a direct disciple of the legendary Mian Qadir Bakhash, the doyen of the Punjab Gharana. Inspired by his guru, he embarked on the specialized path of the Pakhawaj, dedicating another 12 to 13 years under Ustaad Seen’s tutelage to master this ancient and complex instrument.
His academic credentials are as robust as his practical training. He holds a Master of Arts in Music (Instrumental-Tabla), securing a top position from Punjab University, Chandigarh, and a Bachelor of Education from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. This scholarly approach has informed his professional career, which includes serving as an Artist in the Cultural Affairs Department of Punjab at Chandigarh and as a Professor of Tabla at BNG College and BVS Gurmat College in Amritsar, where he shaped the next generation of musicians.
As a performer, he has graced prestigious stages across India, including Delhi, Banaras, Chandigarh, and throughout Punjab. His artistry has also resonated on international platforms in the USA, Canada, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia, carrying the distinct sound of the Lahore Baaj to global audiences.
Beyond performance, he is a prolific scholar and writer. He has authored numerous articles and research papers on Tabla, Pakhawaj, and Gurbani Sangeet, which have been published in national and international magazines. His expertise is frequently sought for seminars and international conferences, where he has presented his research, and he is a respected guide for Ph.D. students seeking intensive knowledge of the Punjab Gharana. His contributions have been recognized through honors from numerous music institutions, and his work has been featured on Doordarshan Jalandhar, All India Radio Jalandhar, Bolte Ainey Delhi, and Instruments Lover New Zealand. Currently, he is authoring a comprehensive book on Pakhawaj and Tabla, a work anticipated to be a seminal text for future scholars and practitioners.
Prof. Harbhajan Singh Dhariwal is more than a master musician; he is a living archive and a dedicated educator. In a world where ancient artistic lineages are increasingly fragile, his unwavering commitment ensures that the profound and intricate language of the Lahore Baaj Pakhawaj will not be silenced but will continue to inspire for generations to come.
