Krishnarao Shankar Pandit Biography 
Padma Bhushan Krishnarao Shankar Pandit was a legendary musician and vocalist who performed in Gwalior school of music. He has authored many books on music. He belonged to a family with strong musical background and centuries-old tradition in music. He belongs to the 4th generation of musicians from the family, with an unbroken tradition. Now the family is into 6th generation of professional singers with his granddaughter and disciple Meeta Pandit being the most recent added member. She is also the first female from her family to take music as profession, breaking all stereotypes, and she had to do so, as her brother who was groomed to carry forward the legacy died in an accident.
He was the founder of Shankar Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, where he taught many students. He also authored several articles and 8 books on music. For his overall contributions towards the field of music, he has been honoured with civilian honour Padma Bhushan by government of India in 1973 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1959. He has also been honoured with Tansen Award by Government of Madhya Pradesh in 1980. He was a recipient of many other awards and honorary titles such as Gaan Maharishi, Swar Vilas etc.
Krishnarao Shankar Pandit was born on 26 July 1894 in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. His father Shankarrao Pandit was a musician who gave him the early lessons of music. He also learnt music from father-son duo of Nathu Khan and Nissar Hussain Khan and learnt Khyal, Tappa, Tarana and Layakari genres of vocal renditions. He started his solo career at the age of 14, after giving his first public performance aged 11. After establishing the dance school, Shankar Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, he taught many students including his son and grandson. He lived during the period, 1894–1989.
Published: January 05, 2020
Updated: January 05, 2020
