Two brothers, Pt Prashant Mallick and Pt Nishant Mallick, are carrying forward the 13-generation-old legacy of Dhrupad music. At the 149th Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan in Jalandhar, they showcased the rich Darbhanga-Senia traditions rooted in Bihar. Their performance celebrated the intricate, soulful art passed down from medieval saints and poets.
The duo holds a deep connection to their ancestors, who were once court musicians in Mithilanchal. They carry a diary of folk verses, legendary poetry, and compositions from saints like Meera and Surdas. Their goal is to preserve the traditional essence of Dhrupad, even in a world dominated by streaming platforms like YouTube and Spotify.
Dhrupad’s strength lies in its structure, consisting of four parts: sthayi, antara, sanchari, and abhog. The brothers emphasize that this discipline cannot be diluted. While some try to simplify the genre, they argue that Dhrupad’s beauty is best captured in its purest form. With institutions and festivals across India promoting it, the legacy continues to find its way to new audiences.
The Mallick brothers are also innovating within tradition. They’ve incorporated Sikh Gurbani verses into rare ragas like Jaitsree and Jaijaiwanti and plan to showcase their work at a Gurdwara in Agra. They’ve drawn inspiration from the Ashtchaap poets of the Braj region and Vidyapati from Mithilanchal, cementing a bridge between past and present traditions.
While Dhrupad is seen as strict, the brothers view it as an infinite ocean. They’ve mixed it with Carnatic music but resist using modern instruments like guitars and drums. For them, Dhrupad’s completeness leaves little room for unnecessary additions.
Looking to the future, the Mallicks believe the flow of musical wisdom will never cease. While they cherish the masters of the past, they’re optimistic about fresh talents emerging in every generation. Their dedication shows that this centuries-old art form is alive, evolving, and ready to inspire the world.