Question

Which of the following artists are associated with Ajrada Gharana ?
A. Ustad Ahmadjaan Thirkawa
B. Ustad Manju Khan
C. Ustad Abid Hussain Khan
D. Prof. Sudhir Kumar Saxena
E. Ustad Amir Hussain Khan
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. B and D Only
• B. A and B Only
• C. B and C Only
• D. D and E Only

Hint:

Prof. Sudhir Kumar Saxena authored classical reference textbooks that detailed the unique structures and complex variations pioneered by the Ajrada Gharana.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: The Ajrada Gharana is a prominent lineage of Tabla playing that branched out from the Delhi Gharana. It was founded by the brothers Ustad Kallu Khan and Ustad Miru Khan in the village of Ajrada. The style is celebrated for its complex double-syllable permutations (*Do-Lakka* bols) and intricate structures set in third-speed variations (*Teemra* matrices).

Step 1: Analyze the gharana lineage of each artist.
Let us map each master to their respective school:
• A. Ustad Ahmadjaan Thirakwa: Farrukhabad Gharana (with lineage blends from Laliyana).
• B. Ustad Manju Khan: A prominent historical maestro belonging to the Ajrada Gharana lineage.
• C. Ustad Abid Hussain Khan: A foundational pillar of the Lucknow Gharana.
• D. Prof. Sudhir Kumar Saxena: A highly celebrated 20th-century academic scholar and performing maestro who received his formal training directly under Ustad Habibuddin Khan, the great master of the Ajrada Gharana.
• E. Ustad Amir Hussain Khan: A prominent master of the Farrukhabad tradition.

Step 2: Group the Ajrada exponents.
As Ustad Manju Khan (B) and Prof. Sudhir Kumar Saxena (D) are both verified representatives who preserved and expanded the Ajrada tradition, the combination "B and D Only" is correct, matching option (1).