Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan (1906 – 16 July 1993) was a distinguished Indian classical vocalist from the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, renowned for his mastery in khyal and tarana singing. Born in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, he was the son and disciple of Ustad Fida Hussain Khan, inheriting a rich musical legacy that traced back to the Senia traditions. His contributions to Indian classical music were recognized with prestigious honors, including the Padma Bhushan in 1971 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1970.
Early Life and Musical Lineage
Nissar Hussain Khan was born into a family deeply rooted in classical music. His father, Ustad Fida Hussain Khan, was a prominent vocalist of the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, itself an offshoot of the Gwalior gharana. This gharana was established by Ustad Inayat Hussain Khan (1849–1919), who was trained by Haddu Khan of the Gwalior gharana and later became a court musician in Rampur. The gharana is known for its emphasis on clarity of swaras, intricate taans, and a balanced approach to raga development.
Under his father’s tutelage, Nissar Hussain Khan received rigorous training in the traditional guru-shishya parampara. His early exposure to a vast repertoire of ragas and compositions laid a strong foundation for his future as a vocalist.
Career and Contributions
At the age of 11, Nissar Hussain Khan gave his first public performance, which was met with acclaim. Recognizing his prodigious talent, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda awarded him a scholarship and appointed his father as a court musician to further nurture his son’s abilities. By 18, Nissar Hussain Khan had himself become a court musician in Baroda, a position he held for nearly three decades.
In the 1940s, he became a regular performer on All India Radio, bringing his music to a wider audience across the country. His performances were characterized by a deep, resonant voice and a command over complex rhythmic patterns.
Vocal Style and Specialization
Nissar Hussain Khan’s singing was marked by a rich, full-throated voice and an extensive command over various aspects of Hindustani classical music. He was particularly renowned for his tarana renditions, which showcased his ability to weave intricate patterns of syllables with rhythmic precision. His khyal performances were noted for their clarity, emotive depth, and adherence to the traditional structures of the gharana.
His repertoire included both well-known and rare ragas, and he was adept at embellishing them with gamaks, bol-taans, and sargams, adding layers of complexity and beauty to his performances.
Teaching and Legacy
A dedicated teacher, Nissar Hussain Khan trained several students who went on to become prominent figures in Indian classical music. Among his most notable disciples were his cousin Ghulam Mustafa Khan and his grandnephew Rashid Khan. He trained Rashid Khan in the traditional master-apprentice manner, first at his residence in Badaun and later at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata, where he spent his final years.
His teaching emphasized the importance of rigorous practice, deep understanding of ragas, and the preservation of the gharana’s stylistic nuances. Through his disciples, his musical legacy continues to influence and inspire new generations of classical musicians.
Awards and Recognitions
In recognition of his immense contributions to Indian classical music, Nissar Hussain Khan received several prestigious awards:
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Padma Bhushan (1971): One of India’s highest civilian honors, awarded for distinguished service in the arts.
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Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1970): Conferred by India’s National Academy for Music, Dance, and Drama for his excellence in vocal music.
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Tansen Award: Bestowed by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, honoring his mastery in classical music.
Discography
Nissar Hussain Khan’s recordings serve as valuable resources for students and connoisseurs of Hindustani classical music. His discography includes:
78rpm Recordings (His Master’s Voice, circa 1938 onwards):
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Todi, Allah Jane; Jaunpuri, Tarana
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Kedar, Kanha Re Nanda Nandana; Bhairavi, Tarana
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Puriya Dhanashri, Payaliya Jhankar; Desh, Tarana
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Multani, Kangana Mundariya; Miya Malhar, Tarana
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Raga Bahar, Kaliyan Sanga Karan; Bahar, Koyalia Kuk Sunawe
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Chayanat, Jhanana Jhanana; Malkauns, Tarana
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Basant, Samana Sunawe Koyaliya; Pilu Thumri, Bake Aika Mori
EP/LP Recordings (HMV 1961):
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Gaud Sarang, Bin Deke Tere; Puriya Dhanashri, Tarana
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Vrindabani Sarang, Achchhe Peer More; Pancham, Mohe Ataman Kaise
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Alhaiya Bilawal, Sumiran Kar Man; Jhinjhoti, Tarana: Tana Ta Tana Dere
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Abhogi, Vilambit Jhaptal: Charan Dhar Ayeri; Tarana: Tintal; Gowardhani Todi, Vilambit Ektal: Tu Ayore Ayo; Drut Tintal: Kahe Karat Mose Batiyan
HMV 1972:
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Lalit, Tintal: Yaarda; Bhatiyar, Tintal: Tarana
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Basant, Phagwa Brih Dekhan; Jaijaiwanti, Tintal: Tarana
Odeon Records 1990:
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Raga Kalyaan Ka Prakar, with Hafeez Ahmed Khan & Sarfaraz Hussain Khan (vocal support), Shakur Khan (sarangi), and Prem Ballabh (tabla)
Final Years and Passing
In his later years, Nissar Hussain Khan was associated with the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata, where he continued to mentor young musicians and contribute to the preservation of Hindustani classical music. He passed away on 16 July 1993, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to resonate in the world of Indian classical music.
Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan’s life and work exemplify the dedication and artistry that define Hindustani classical music. His contributions as a performer, teacher, and custodian of the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana have left an indelible mark on the musical heritage of India. Through his recordings and the continued performances of his disciples, his musical spirit endures, inspiring future generations to explore and cherish the depths of classical music.
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