Draft:Dr. Varsha Agrawal
Dr Varsha Agrawal is a distinguished Indian classical musician, celebrated for her work on the santoor and heralded as a pioneering female exponent of the instrument in India. Often described as the “First Lady of Santoor”, she has garnered international recognition for her solo performances and her contributions to Hindustani classical music. Her deep grounding in rhythm and melody has made her one of the few prominent female soloists representing the Sufiyana Gharana and Sopori Baaj traditions. Acclaimed by media outlets such as Hindustan Times and ThePrint, she continues to inspire audiences and students across the world.
Early Life and Background
Varsha Agrawal was born on 29 January 1967 in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, into a family with a strong musical and professional lineage. Her grandfather, Dr Kalyanmal Agrawal, was a physician and music enthusiast who encouraged her early exposure to music. She began training at the age of six in vocal music and tabla under Shri Elahi Baksh (Jhalawar) and Shri Girdhari Lalji Dangi (Ajmer). With a strong foundation in traditional Hindustani disciplines, she eventually gravitated toward the santoor, a signature instrument of the Kashmiri Sufiyana Gharana.
Career
Agrawal formally entered santoor training under Pandit Lalit Mahant of Ujjain, a renowned tabla artist of the Banaras Gharana who played a defining role in shaping her rhythmic command.She later became a “gandabandh” disciple of the legendary maestro Pandit Bhajan Sopori, the “king of strings” associated with the Sopori Baaj tradition. Her rigorous practice and musical dedication positioned her among the very few female santoor soloists trained in this lineage.
She holds an A-grade accreditation from All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan, becoming one of the earliest women santoor players featured in National Programme broadcasts. Her international career includes performances in over 60 countries, showcasing solo recitals and collaborations, including santoor–sitar jugalbandi presentations.
Academically, she earned a PhD for her research “Hadoti Ki Lok Gathavo Ki Gayan Parampara”. She has served as a professor at the Government Girls’ P.G. College of Excellence, Ujjain, where she also contributes as a research guide for doctoral candidates.
Achievements and Recognition
Dr Agrawal received the prestigious “First Lady of Santoor” award from the President of India in 2018.[1] Other accolades include:
- Hari Om Trust Prize (1998)
- Kala Vidushi Award (2007)
- Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam National Award (2016)
- Antar-Rashtriya Sangeet Shiromani Samman (2019, Brampton, Canada)
Her artistic output spans albums such as *Morning Melody*, *Love the Nature*, and *Call of the Hills*, along with research contributions in journals like Sangeet Masik and Shodh-Samvet. She has appeared in national interviews including on Rajya Sabha TV.
Personal Life
Dr Agrawal comes from a culturally rich family in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, influenced significantly by her grandfather Dr Kalyanmal Agrawal. Her determination is highlighted by her perseverance in convincing her guru Pandit Lalit Mahant to mentor her despite initial reluctance.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Dr Agrawal occupies a pioneering role in broadening female representation in santoor performance. Her involvement in pedagogy, international performances, and cross-cultural collaborations continues to expand global appreciation of Hindustani classical music. She remains engaged in teaching, research supervision, and international outreach, including online instruction and global artistic partnerships.
Social Links
External Links
- ↑ santoortabla.com