V D Paluskar1872-1931

Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar (V D Paluskar), born in Kurundwad, Maharashtra in 1872, hailed from a family of Kirtankars. His formal education was cut short due to an accident that affected his eyesight, leading him to dedicate himself to the study of music. Under the patronage of the Chief of Miraj, he studied music under the late Pandit Balkrishnabuwa Ichalkarnjikar for 12 years. After completing his studies, Vishnu Digambar traveled extensively across the country and eventually settled in Lahore, where he established his Gandharva Mahavidyalaya on May 5, 1901.

During that era, musicians and musicologists were not highly regarded in society. However, Vishnu Digambar was able to challenge this prejudice through his own exemplary conduct. He believed that great art should draw inspiration from contemporary life and societal values. As a pioneer and revolutionary, he introduced innovative methods and outlooks to Indian music.

Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar developed a rotation system for Indian music and authored numerous textbooks for the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. He also cultivated close relationships with national leaders such as Lala Lajpat Rai, Lokmanya Tilak, and Mahatma Gandhi, garnering their support for the revitalization of Indian music. His powerful musical appeals during Indian National Congress sessions resonated with audiences, and he played a pivotal role in elevating the devotional music genre. He notably enriched the Bhajan “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” with its present musical content.