Musician from Pauri creates classical banjo, receives recognition from Government of India

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

Pandit Mohan Singh Rawat, a resident of Pauri and a music teacher at Bhatkhande Sangeet Mahavidyalaya has introduced a new instrument to Hindustani classical music. This instrument is his own invention and is called the classical banjo. Rawat’s creation has also received recognition from the Government of India. The design of the instrument he developed has been registered by the Government of India’s National Innovation Foundation, and he has also received a patent for the instrument.

Talking to The Pioneer, Rawat said that the banjo is played often with light music but lacked some features needed to use it in Hindustani classical music. “I worked on the instrument for about 27 years. I improvised, modified and introduced features of various other instruments including the Sarod, Sitar and others along with creating a structure along with changes in strings and reeds. Both hands are used in playing this instrument and I have received considerable feedback from musicians including Padma Shri recipients from across the country about the classical banjo,” he said.

Before receiving recognition from the Government of India, Rawat had to go through a long process regarding this invention. There were several rounds of demonstrations and question-answer sessions, along with detailed documentation before the creation was granted recognition. Rawat said that the manner in which Ustad Bismillah Khan elevated the Shehnai and Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma turned the Santoor into an instrument of Hindustani classical music through innovative experimentation, he wants to do the same with the banjo through his creation.

Rawat’s musical journey began with the Tabla and he learnt several instruments of Hindustani classical music while living in Pauri. He currently teaches Hindustani vocals at Bhatkhande Sangeet Mahavidyalaya.