Bhai Mansha Singh
Darbar Sahib Ragi during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
- Birth: UnknownDeath: Unknown
More information available on SikhiWiki
Baba Shaam Singh
Performed kirtan at Darbar Sahib for 70 years.
- Birth: 1803Death: 1926
- Teachers: Bhai Laal Chand Shahpur
More information available on SikhiWiki. They wrote a granth "Bhagat Prem Prakash" which can be found on Punjab Digital Library
Bhai Khaira
Some books mention him as Khair Giddu. He did kirtan sewa at darbar sahib from 1924 to 1934.
- Birth: UnknownDeath: Unknown
- Students:
Bhai Agha Faiz
Jatha formed with Bhai Inayat Sitar Niwaz, , and Bhai Khushia.
- Birth: 1880Death: 1930
- Teachers:
Bhai Boora
Vansh of Bhai Babak. Formed Jatha with his older brother .
- Birth: 1870Death: 1937
- Teachers: Bhai Mali (Father), Beenakaar Ustad Wazir Khan of Rampur Riasat, and Patiala Gharana Fateh Ali Khan Karnail
Bhai Roora
Vansh of Bhai Babak. Formed Jatha with his younger brother .
- Birth: 1870Death: Unknown
- Teachers: Bhai Mali (Father) and Beenakaar Ustad Wazir Khan of Rampur Riasat
Infomation about his 78RPM records: 2-12336 - single-sided, 7" disc. 2-12968, 2-12969 - single-sided, 10" disc. 4-12246, 4-12247 - 10" disc, recorded in Lahore in 1906 by Gramophone Company engineer Will Gaisberg. If anyone has information regarding whereabouts of these records, please contact me.
Bhai Moti
Hazuri Ragi of Darbar Sahib from 1910-1930.
- Birth: 1880Death: 1930
- Teachers: Bhai Hakam Ali (Father)
- Students: of Atta Mandi and
Recorded one 78RPM: 2-12323 - single-sided, 7" disc. If anyone has information regarding whereabouts of this record, please contact me.
Bhai Sain Ditta
Teacher at Khalsa Yatimkhana from 1914-1932.
- Birth: UnknownDeath: 1932
- Teachers: (Father)
- Students: , , , Bahadar Singh Tabla Niwaz, , , and Bhai Desa (his son)
Bhai Taba
Kirtan Sewa at Darbar Sahib for over 35 years. Photo credits: Archives-Sri Bhaini Sahib.
- Birth: 1885Death: 1963
- Teachers: and
- Students: , Bhai Partap Singh (Partap brothers), Piara Singh, and Baba Jagjit Singh Namdhari
Two of his recordings(1, 2) can be found on KirtanSewa youtube channel. His bandishes can be found in Gurbani Sangeet Vol 1&2, written by Gyan Singh Abtabaad. Gyan Singh invited Bhai Taba to his house where Bhai Sahib would remember and sing old compositions which would be notated by Gyani Dyal Singh.
Bhai Lal
Picture retrieved from Vijaya Parrikar Library.
- Birth: 1887Death: 1962
- Teachers: Bhai Ata Muhammad (Father), Bhai Mehboob Ali Sitar Niwaz of Kapurthala, and Pandit Bhaskar Rao
- Students: Alamgir Khan Amritsari, Nathu Khan Sarangi, Sufi Khuda Bakhsh Amritsari, , Bhai Desa, Bhai Fakir, Bhai Firoz, Muhammad Ali Faridi Qawaal, Muhammad Ramzan Qawaal, Aaga Bashir Qawaal, Santu Khan Qawaal, Karim Baksh Tabalchi, Sain Akhtar Hussain, Bhai Pishawar Khan, , , , Sr Amrik Singh Jehlam, Darbar Singh and Jagat Singh Wareka, and Ghulam Hassan Shagan (his son)
Recordings of Jait Kalyan and Tilak Kamod are available on Sarangi.info. Vijat Parrikar Library offers two of his recordings; Malkauns and Adana. Furthermore, one recording of Basant is available on Soundcloud.
Bhai Chaila
Did short amount of kirtan. Mostly know for ghazals etc.
- Birth: 1895Death: 1983
His recordings are available on KirtanSewa.
Bhai Ghasita
- Birth: UnknownDeath: Unknown
- Students: Bhai Lal 2nd (Ashiq Ali) and Bhai Ardaman Singh of Bagrian
Two of his recordings; Asavari and Kafi Bhairavi are available on Soundcloud.
Bhai Nasira
- Birth: 1902Death: 1964
- Teachers: Bhai Chirag (Father) and Bhai Ameera
- Students: Maharaj Bir Singh and Ustad Nihal Singh
One of his recording is available on Youtube where he is playing pakhawaj with Ustad Mehr Ali Khan of Talwandi.
Bhai Partap Singh
Contempory of (Bhai Hira Singh Ji's Father).
- Birth: 1844Death: 1929
- Teachers: Bhai Sewa Singh Gursar
Pandit Nathu Ram
Taught Gurmat Sangeet to countless students at Khalsa Pracharak Vidyala, Tarn Taran.
- Birth: 1893Death: 1971
- Teachers: Bhai Boota Singh and Baba Shardha Singh
- Students: Gyani Hardit Singh and Bhai Balbir Singh
More information on Pandit Ji can be found in Gurmat Sangeet Sagar Vol 4 by Gyani Dyal Singh (student of Gyani Hardit Singh).
Mahant Gajja Singh
- Birth: 1849Death: 1916
- Teachers: Mir Naasar Ahmed, Mir Rehmat Ali Sahib, and
Bhai Sāhib Jwala Singh of Ṭhaṭṭā Tibbā
- Birth: 1872Death: 1952
- Teachers: Baba Sharda Singh (Gurbhai of his father), Baba Vasaawa Singh (aka. Baba Rangi Raam), and Bhai Deva Singh (Father)
- Students: , , , Maharaja Bhupendra Singh of Patiala, Bhai Kahan Singh of Nabha, and Bhai Ardaman Singh of Bagrian
Sant Sujan Singh Ji
Blessed by Baba Nand Singh Ji. Sant Ji's kirtan inspired multitudes of souls into Sikhi and continue to do so today.
- Birth: 1911Death: 1970
- Teachers: Bhai Gyan Singh (Father) and Pandit Narottam Daas from Multan
- Students: Bhai Bahadur Singh, Bhai Piara Singh, and Bhai Amar Singh
More information on Sant Ji's life can be accessed through Anand Chamatkar(Jeevani of Baba Nand Singh Ji) Vol 1, 2, 3 and 4. Their kirtan is widely available on the internet. It can be accessed on Gurmat Veechar, Youtube and Nirbaan Kirtan.
Bhai Arjan Singh Tarangar
Photo credits: Bhai Baldeep Singh.
Bhai Arjan Singh's father Bhai Ram Singh used to accompany on Taus.
- Birth: 1900Death: 1995
- Teachers: Bhai Karta Singh Sekhwa, Ustad Harnam Singh Jammu Wale, and Baba Munda
- Students: Bhai Baldeep Singh, Bhai Mohinder Singh, Bhai Balbir Singh, Bhai Bhagat Singh, Ustad Sardul Singh of Nanded, Bhai Rattan Singh of Tarn Taran, and
Bhai Sahib was the Grandmaster of Amritsari bāj and never lost a dual in any akhara. More information about Bhai Sahib can be accessed by contacting his student Bhai Baldeep Singh (website) or visiting the Anad Foundation website. Additional mentions of Bhai Sahib is present in an article Memory and pedagogy of Gurbāṇī Saṅgīta by Bhai Baldeep Singh.
Bhai Hira Singh
- Birth: 1879Death: 1926
- Teachers: (Father)
More information can be found in his biography "Amolak Heera" written by his son Major Balwant Singh.
Bhai Bhaag Singh
- Birth: 1844Death: 1947
- Teachers: Hasna Mirasi
- Students:
Bhai Sudh Singh
Jatha formed with his nephew Bhai Pardhan Singh
- Birth: 1882Death: 1970s
- Teachers: Udasi Bawa Gulab Das and Udasi Bawa Nihal Das
Two shabad recordings(1, 2) are available on Sahib Singh Bakshi's Youtube channel. Rare Asa Di Vaar recording is available on Gurmat Sangeet Collection website.
Bhai Santu
Played Jori/Pakhawaj with , , , and Bhai Desa.
- Birth: 1880Death: 1955
- Teachers: Bhai Gurdit Singh and Bhai Mehtab Singh
Information about Bhai Santu's teachers was provided by Bhai Baldeep Singh.
Ustad Batan Singh of Mehli
- Birth: 1889Death: 1959
- Students: , Gyani Bhagat Singh of Thatta Tibba, Gyani Harbhajan Singh Mistri, and
One of their bandish sung by Bhai Baldeep Singh is available here. Students of Bhai Batan Singh: Gyani Bhagat Singh of Ṭhaṭṭā Tibbā (1897-1986 – the grand father of Bhai Baldeep Singh, and the elder cousin of Bhai Avtar Singh Gurcharan Singh). Gyani Harbhajan Singh Mistri of Dandian, Hoshiarpur, who played harmonium with maestro in many musical duals as well as handcrafting all of Bhai Batan Singh's instruments. He was discovered by Bhai Baldeep Singh in 1992 and who studied revived the lost art of making instruments under his guidance.
Bhai Dal Singh of Lasara
Gurubhai of
- Birth: UnknownDeath: 1950s
- Teachers: Bhai Sewa Singh Gursar
- Students: and
Bhai Sarmukh Singh Fakkar
From Rababi family. His father Bhai Heera made him and his brother amritdhari.
- Birth: 1902Death: 1983
- Teachers: Bhai Heera (Father), , and Miyan Kadr Baksh
One 78rpm dharmik sangeet recording is available on KirtanSewa.
Bhai Gurmukh Singh Fakkar
From Rababi family. His father Bhai Heera made him and his brother amritdhari.
- Birth: 1892Death: 1962
- Teachers: Bhai Heera (Father), Ustad Ashiq Ali Khan, and
One 78rpm dharmik sangeet recording is available on KirtanSewa.
Ustad Bahadur Singh
- Birth: 1903Death: 1967
- Teachers: Bhai Mehtab Singh and Mira Baksh Gillwali
- Students: Professor Ranjit Singh, Pandit Ramakant, and Bhai Gurmit Singh Virdee
Bhai Sundar Singh
- Birth: UnknownDeath: 1937
- Teachers: Ustad Illahi Baksh and
Gian Singh Almast
- Birth: 1895Death: 1970s
- Teachers: Pandit Vishnu Digambar
- Students: Thakur Singh Almast, Giani Darshan Singh Sohal, and Professor Ranjit Singh
Some of his recordings can be found on Soundcloud.
Bhai Samund Singh
- Birth: 1900Death: 1972
- Teachers: Bhai Hazura Singh (Father)
- Students: Prof Paramjot Singh, Swaran Singh, and Giani Darshan Singh Sohal
Bhai Sahib's compositions can be found in the book "Samund Sagar" written by Prof Paramjot Singh. Recordings are available on Soundcloud and Gurmat Sangeet Project.
Bibi Jaswant Kaur
Last known surviving student of Rababi.
- Birth: 1920Death: 2010
- Teachers:
- Students: Harpal Singh and Bhagat Ji (Gobind Sadan)
More information on Bibi Ji can be found on Gobind Sadan website (1, 2). Her kirtan recordings can be found on Gurmat Sangeet Project. Six more recordings can be found on AGSS 2001 playlist on Youtube by Jawaddi Taksal. Most of her compositions are present in Gurmat Sangeet Vol 1 and 2.
Bhai Dharam Singh Zakhmi
Photo credits: GurmatSangeetProject. Jatha formed with his younger brother Bhai Shamsher Singh Zakhmi.
- Birth: 1920Death: 1972
- Teachers:
- Students: Bhai Amrik Singh Zakhmi
More info on an article written by Harjap Singh Aujla. Kirtan can be accessed from Gurmat Sangeet Project and Nirbaan Kirtan.
Baba Jagjit Singh
- Birth: 1920Death: 2012
- Teachers: , Ustad Harnam Singh Chawinde Wale, Ustad Udo Khan, Ustad Bhai Mastan Singh, and Pandit Mahadev Prasad Dev (Kathak)
One of the most prominent figures who helped the propagation of Gurbani Sangeet Parampara. Baba Jagjit Singh taught many namdhari ragis and upheld Kirtan Parampara his whole life. His influence still inspires ragis and classical musicians in general. Note: Their students are not mentioned because one would not be able to count. Baba Ji taught so many souls including Bhai Baljit Singh, Ustad Harbhajan Singh and many more.
Sant Partap Singh
Sant Partap Singh had the privilege to perform and learn from several rababis. Recognized by many of his contemporaries, Bhai Sahib traveled to many countries to do kirtan sewa with his sons. Image retrieved from please visit Partap Brothers website.
- Birth: 1929Death: 2018
- Teachers: and
- Students: Davinder Partap Singh, Mohinder Partap Singh, and Ravinder Partap Singh
Bhai Sahib, alongside his brother Bhai Ram Singh, had the honor to do kirtan sewa at Gurdwara Dera Sahib and Nankana Sahib. Having learned from several rababis and Bhai Sahib also performed alongside Ustad Mian Qadir Baksh (the great maestro of tabla), Bhai Taba Ji, Bhai Lal Ji, Bhai Sunder Singh Ji, Baba Malang Ji, Bhai Sain Ditta Ji, Bhai Santu Ji, and Bhai Desa Ji. In later years, Bhai Sahib had traveled around the world with his sons and blessed Sangat with Puratan Kirtan. For more information, please visit Partap Brothers website.
Bhai Jaswant Singh
Formed Jatha with his brother . Together used to be known as Jassa Pala.
- Birth: 1923Death: 1959
- Teachers: Bhai Ranjodh Singh (Father) and Ashiq Ali Khan (B. 1890s) of Patiala Gharana
Bhai Pal Singh
He was gurbhai of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. Formed Jatha with his brother . Together used to be known as Jassa Pala.
- Birth: 1919Death: 1980
- Teachers: Bhai Ranjodh Singh (Father) and Ashiq Ali Khan (B. 1890s) of Patiala Gharana
Recordings are available on KirtanSewa.net
Bhai Santa Singh
Bhai Sahib was one of the glorius Ragis of Darbar Sahib who did kirtan sewa in early 1920s and remaining sewa at Gurdwara Sis Ganj, Delhi.
- Birth: 1900sDeath: 1966
- Teachers:
More information on Bhai Sahib is available in an article written by Harjap Singh Aujla. Kirtan recordings are available on Gurmat Sangeet Collection.
Bhai Surjan Singh
He was classmate of and formed jatha together. Bhai Sahib left the jatha after Bhai Santa Singh brought his brother in.
- Birth: 1911Death: 1965
- Teachers:
Bhai Chand
His Father Bhai Buddha was from bans of Bhai Saddu and Bhai Maddu (rababis of Guru Gobind Singh Ji).
- Birth: 1905Death: 1949
- Teachers:
- Students: Bhai Ghulam Muhammad Chand, Bhai Sham, and Bhai Bakshi
Prof Darshan Singh Komal
- Birth: 1918Death: 1962
- Teachers: and Pandit Hukum Chand of Multan
- Students: , Bhai Shamsher Singh Zakhmi, Bhagat Singh Saangra, Ajit Singh Mutlashi, Gurbachan Singh Hamdard, Gian Singh Surjeet, Sital Singh Sitara, Bhai Didar Singh Nangal, and Bhai Darshan Singh Kamal
Full list of Prof. Darshan Singh Komal's students can be found a facebook group.
Bhai Avtar Singh
Photo credits: Bhai Baldeep Singh. 11th generation Ragi stemming from Guru's time. Son of Bhai Sāhib Jwala Singh of Ṭhaṭṭā Tibbā.
- Birth: 1925Death: 2006
- Teachers: (Father), , , and
- Students: Bhai Kultar Singh (Son) and Bhai Baldeep Singh
More information about him can be found on Anad Foundation website. Bhai Sahib's Kirtan recordings can be found on Gurmat Sangeet Collection, Gurmat Sangeet Project and Nirban Kirtan (Soundcloud). Bhai Sahib and his brother documented all their puratan compositions in "Gurbani Sangeet Prachin Reet Ratnavali" Vol 1 and 2.
Bhai Gurcharan Singh
Photo credits: Bhai Baldeep Singh. 11th generation Ragi stemming from Guru's time. Son of Bhai Sāhib Jwala Singh of Ṭhaṭṭā Tibbā.
- Birth: 1915Death: 2017
- Teachers: (Father), , , and
- Students: Bhai Kultar Singh and Bhai Baldeep Singh
More information about him can be found on Anad Foundation website. Bhai Sahib's Kirtan recordings can be found on Gurmat Sangeet Collection. Bhai Sahib and his brother documented all their puratan compositions in "Gurbani Sangeet Prachin Reet Ratnavali" Vol 1 and 2.