The Legend

Only a handful of people have the courage to be knowledgeable and at the same time prefer to remain away from the glare of limelight. He was among them who had the honour to be loved and remembered as a ‘Guru’ by a large number of well-known ‘Shishyas’, who had the delight of learning tabla from him and enjoy his blessings.


Pandit Biswanath Bose was born on 19th of May,1928 at Calcutta. His grandfather, Akshay Kumar Bose, ‘Zaminder’ of Pankabil, Jessore, an amateur tabla player, taught him to play the first beats of Rhythm. He was fortunate enough to have the guidance of Pandit Ananta Narayan Chattopadhyay of Lukhnow. Later he became a disciple of Pandit Kanthe Maharaj of Benaras Gharana. He was fortunate enough to accompany almost all the mæstros of Indian Classical Music.


Not only was he devoted towards teaching, but also formed an organisation in 1950, named "Akshay Sangeet Tirtha" in remembrance of the name of his grandfather. He had been promoting the young talents throughout his lifetime through this organisation.


Lifelong inspiration from his wife, Mrs. Bharati Bose, a great sitarist helped him to nourish and groom their three sons Kumar Bose, Jayanta Bose and Debojyoti Bose, who are at present artists of international fame. And, the circuit is, perhaps complete with his eldest daughter-in-law and wife of Kumar Bose, Smt. Kaberi Bose, who has already established her credentials as a vocalist of light classical variety, Bengali Tappa and Nazrulgeeti. After a colourful career he passed away in the year 1980 only at a prime age of 52.


After his demise, rich tribute was paid by none other than Pandit Ravi Shankar with his melodious presentation followed by Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Kishen Maharaj, Zakir Hussain and other mæstros.

Pt. Biswanath Bose