List Of Iconic Indian Classical Musicians Of All Time

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Indian classical music is not just an artform, but a cultural legacy flowing through centuries like a sacred river. Its stream has flown from royal courts and temples to stages and global concert halls with its enchanted ragas.

At the core of its timeliness are the legendary Indian classical musicians whose artistry have shaped the soundscape of carnatic and hindustani classical music. All these artists did not just perform but inspired, taught and transformed the soundscape and its traditions.

Let us dive into the journeys of some of the most famous musicians in India whose names are etched in history.

M.S. Subbulakshmi (Carnatic Vocal)

Born in 1916 in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, M.S. Subbulakshmi, one of the revered musicians of India, immersed herself in music from a very young age. Her mother was a veena player who strongly influenced MS’s musical environment.

Her style of singing was marked by clarity, devotion and emotional depth. She had an impeccable sense of pitch and expression. Some of her divine renditions of the composers like Thiyagaraja, Dikshithat or Sastri were rooted in traditionalism.

Among the top 10 famous musicians of India, MS earned her global position with her performances of songs like “Kurai Ondrum Illai”, “Bhaja Govindam”, “Maitreem Bhajata”. These timeless classics crossed linguistic barriers and cultural boundaries.

Pandit Ravi Shankar (Sitar)

There is not a match for Ravi Shankar, music maestros of India, imaginative expression and classical purity yet. He developed a unique sound that resonates lyrical, meditative and virtuosic. One can feel the notes in the sitar, its melodic developments in intricate rhythmic play just flooding the sense.

Did You Know?

George Harrison, guitarist of ‘The Beatles’ brought Shankar’s Indian classical music to global spotlight.

His deep understanding of ragas let him paint vivid paintings of his thoughts expressively. He is one of the 5 great musicians of India, who bridges the gap between western and Indian classical music. It’s safe to say that he left a legacy to the next generation classical musicians, India who dedicate their lives to music.

Ustad Zakir Hussain (Tabla)

Tabla Virtuosa, a popular Indian classical musician, inherited a rich music legacy from his father, just another legendary tabla player. He was born in 1951, Mumbai and started performing from the age of 7.

Hussain’s performances are accompanied by his infectious energy, creative improvisations and profound respect for art. He followed Punjab gharana, famous for its powerful compositions and complex rhythmic patterns. He still remains to be one among the 5 famous musicians in india

Did You Know?

Hussain is a recipient of many awards including Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri and Grammy Award.

This Indian instrument player brought worldwide recognition to tabla as not just an accompanying instrument but a solo powerhouse.

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia (Flute)

A living legend and one of the famous instrument players in India is Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. He is credited with bringing the Bansuri into the spotlight as an instrument used not only for accompaniment but for solo performances too.

The critics always mention that Chaurasia’ melodic purity along with technical brilliance resembles that of a human voice. Take my word and listen to his renditions of Raag Yaman, Rageshree, Pahadi etc that leaves the listener enchanted.

His exceptional dedication got him this famous Indian classical musician honors including Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi award.

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (Vocal)

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, with his unmatched artistry and devotion, immortalized the human voice as an instrument of divine expression. Born in 1922, he was drawn to music at a very young age.

One of the most popular Indian classical singers, belonged to Kirana gharana. His renditions emphasize melodic purity and slow but intricate development of ragas.

Being a recipient of the highest civilian honor Bharat Ratna along with Padma Vibhushan, still continues to inspire generations of musical aspirants.

Ustad Bismillah Khan (Shehnai)

The legendary Shehnai maestro, Ustas Bismillah Khan elevated Shehani to a classical solo instrument. One of the Indian classical music legends lived a humble life dedicated to music and devotion.

Did You Know?

Ustad Bismillah Khan brought shehnai out of wedding processions and temple rituals into the concert stages.

The deep knowledge of ragas and his strong grasp of rhythm made Shehnai sing like a sweet, meditative and soul stirring voice. Lush use of meends and gamakas especially during the slow aalaps bring listeners to tears.

His renditions usually stress on a strict laykari for precision and Bhava for emotional depth. The sound of this greatest Indian classical musician still echoes in the hearts of all who hear it.

Gangubai Hangal (Vocals)

Next up on the Indian classical musicians list, is Gangubhai Hangal, one of the most powerful female voices in hindustani classical music. Despite facing social barriers she pursued music with fierce determination.

Hangal specialized in Khayal form that presented ragas with emotional richness and clarity. She broke the stereotype that female singers must have a soft and delicate voice. Gangubhai had a commanding and sonorous timbre.

She is one of the very few famous Indian classical musicians who avoids excessive ornamentation. Her style is minimalistic yet intense.

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan (Sarod)

India’s greatest Sarod player and one of the top 10 Indian classical musicians, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was born in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He shaped and perfected the modern Sarod.

Ali Khan is best known for his gayaki ang that mimics the expressiveness of vocal music. He has made structural modifications to Sarod and developed fingering techniques. He inspired International Indian classical musicians to pick up Sarod and feel its sweetness coursing through their bodies.

Did You Know?

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan has brought classical tones of Sarod to prestigious concert halls in the world including Royal Alber hall, Carnegie hall, Kennedy centre

Here is a list of Indian musicians with their instruments.

Famous Indian Musicians and their Instruments

Musician Names	Instrument They Specialize In	Music Genre
Pandit Ravi Shankar	Sitar	Hindustani Classical
Ustad Zakir Hussain	Tabla	Hindustani Classical / Fusion
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia	Bansuri (Flute)	Hindustani Classical
Ustad Bismillah Khan	Shehnai	Hindustani Classical
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi	Vocal (Khayal)	Hindustani Classical
Gangubai Hangal	Vocal (Khayal)	Hindustani Classical
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan	Sarod	Hindustani Classical
Lalgudi Jayaraman	Violin	Carnatic Classical
M.S. Subbulakshmi	Vocals	Carnatic Classical
Dr. Balamuralikrishna	Vocal / Violin / Mridangam	Carnatic Classical
U. Srinivas	Mandolin	Carnatic Classical
T. N. Krishnan	Violin	Carnatic Classical
T. R. Mahalingam	Flute	Carnatic Classical
Palghat Mani Iyer	Mridangam	Carnatic Classical
Alla Rakha	Tabla	Hindustani Classical

Final thoughts

We have enlisted top Indian classical musicians, but there are many other musicians who contributed to Indian classical music. Do they inspire you to start your musical journey? If yes, then book a demo with Musicmaster to learn your voice or any instrument trained.