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The Pathak Gharana (See also 'Gharana Tree')
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The ancestry of the 'Pathak gharana' can be traced back to Pandit Gopal Nayak, who lived during the 12th century.
The Pathaks were earlier known as Mullicks, the title 'Mullick' was awarded to them during the Moghul period, and have a rare tradition of extraordinary talented musicians. They represent a musical lineage through generations of dhrupadists, sitar- and veena players.
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Ashok Pathak's Grandfather Pandit Ramgovind Pathak, was a master of sitar and surbahar, honoured as the court musician of Murshidabad (West Bengal).
Pandit Ramgovind Pathak's brother, Pandit Rameshwar Pathak, was an extraordinary sitar player honoured as the court musician of Darbhanga (North Bihar). His music influenced many musicians. (In fact Pt. Ravi Shankar has acknowledged Pandit Rameshwar Pathak as one of his own strong influences).
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 Pt. Ramgovind Pathak
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  Pt. Rameshwar Pathak
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The late Pt. Balram Pathak, was acknowledged as one of the greatest sitar players of his time. He utilized the finer aspects and subtleties of the dhrupad and khayal gayaki vocal style in his own expressive playing on sitar. This was no doubt aided by his expertise and knowledge as an excellent vocalist. At a very young age he became the court musician for the Maharaja of Cossim-Bazar, Murshidabad, West Bengal.
The unique feature of the Pathak style; the 'alaap', 'meends', 'murkis', 'gamaks', 'zamzamas' and 'ulta-zhala' all create an atmosphere which is introspective and moving.
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The gharana's superb style of playing, especially the expression of the alaap in the dhrupad-dhamar method, gradually shapes the raga into a fantasy of sculptured sound thus conveys the audience to an inspiring, ethereal world.
This exceptional musical tradition of the Pathak family continued into the modern era. Today, the tradition of this invaluable 'gharana' is being ably carried on by Late Pandit Balaram Pathak's son, Pandit Ashok Pathak.
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* More detailed information about the members of the Pathak Gharana can be found following this link to the 'Gharana Tree'
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