Chakradhar Singh

Chakradhar Singh Biography

Chakradhar Singh was the Raja of Raigarh and Chief of Bargarh. He ruled the kingdom of Raigarh from 1924 till his death in 1947. He was son of Raja Bhup Deo Singh of Raigarh. He was a great patron of Indian arts, classical dance and music who invited artists across the country to perform in his court. He widely promoted Indian traditional art and dance forms. He played a significant role in the development of the classical form of Kathak. His courts included many music experts belonging to different gharana of Hindustani music. Chakaradhar Singh died on 7 October 1947 just after Indian independence and he was only short lived of 42 years. He was also a great exponent of tabla and pakhawaj.

Maharaja Chakradhar Singh was born on 19 August 1905 at Raigarh. His father Maharaja Bhupdev Singh, had deep interest in music and he used to arrange music festivals, particularly during Ganesha festivals. After his death his elder son succeeded the throne. However after his death, Chakradhar Singh became the ruler of Raigarh State. Chakradhar’s education was completed at Rajkumar College Raipur, where he learnt literature, English, Sanskrit and Music.

After ascending the throne, he searched artists across the kingdom and invited them to perform at his court. Pt. jagannaath prasad from jaipur gharana was the first guru of his kingdom, who taught Kathak for 3 years, followed by Pt. Jailal in 1930. He also invited many more Kathak exponents to his court and widely promoted it. He founded Raigarh Gharana, the youngest of all gharanas which included newly formed  thumris, ghazals, todas and bols with new compositions.

Published: N/A

Updated: September 24, 2017