Harbhajan Singh Dhariwal

About Me

The Last Torchbearer of Lahore’s Pakhawaj Legacy

In the sacred realm of Indian classical music, where traditions survive only through unwavering devotion, Prof. Harbhajan Singh Dhariwal stands as a towering and irreplaceable figure. Widely recognized as the leading exponent and one of the only remaining masters of the Lahore Baaj of the Punjab Gharana, he has dedicated his entire life to preserving, performing, and teaching this rare and endangered percussive tradition.

As a Senior Research Fellow at NAD Music Institute, U.S.A., Prof. Dhariwal’s work extends far beyond artistic performance. He is deeply committed to the academic preservation of the Pakhawaj, safeguarding a priceless rhythmic heritage for future generations.

Prof. Harbhajan Singh Dhariwal

Connect With Me On Social Media

A Journey Rooted in Tradition and Mastery

Prof. Dhariwal’s musical odyssey began with foundational Tabla training under Baba Roop Shah, where he spent 5–6 formative years shaping his rhythmic understanding. This early grounding evolved into over two decades of intensive Tabla training under the illustrious Ustaad Lachhman Singh Seen, a distinguished maestro of the Punjab Gharana and direct disciple of the legendary Mian Qadir Bakhsh.

Inspired by his guru, Prof. Dhariwal embraced the challenging and ancient discipline of the Pakhawaj, training for 12–13 years under Ustaad Seen to master the Lahore Baaj a style known for its depth, purity, and rich historical significance.

Academic Excellence & Pedagogical Leadership

His scholarly achievements mirror the depth of his musical training.
Master of Arts in Music (Instrumental – Tabla) — Top Rank, Panjab University, Chandigarh
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) — Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
Blending academic rigor with artistic discipline, he has served in influential roles including:
Artist, Department of Cultural Affairs, Punjab (Chandigarh)
Professor of Tabla, BNG College & BVS Gurmat College, Amritsar
Through these positions, he has mentored countless students, nurturing a new generation of musicians rooted in traditional purity.

A Performer on Global Stages

As a distinguished performer, Prof. Dhariwal has illuminated prestigious stages across India—including Delhi, Banaras, Chandigarh, and Punjab—while also showcasing the evocative sound of the Lahore Baaj on international platforms in: USA | Canada | UK | Singapore | Hong Kong | Malaysia | Indonesia
Every performance is a tribute to a timeless lineage that he passionately preserves.

Scholar, Author & Cultural Custodian

Beyond the stage, Prof. Dhariwal is a prolific researcher and writer, having authored numerous articles and research papers on Tabla, Pakhawaj, and Gurbani Sangeet in leading national and international journals. His insights have been presented at major seminars, conferences, and academic gatherings worldwide.
He is regularly sought as a guide for Ph.D. scholars, respected for his deep knowledge of Punjab Gharana traditions and rhythmic structures.

His contributions have been widely recognized by music institutions and media platforms including: Doordarshan Jalandhar, All India Radio Jalandhar, Bolte Ainey Delhi, and Instruments Lover New Zealand. He is currently authoring a comprehensive book on Pakhawaj and Tabla, expected to become a seminal reference for future musicians, researchers, and musicologists.

A Living Legacy

Today, Prof. Harbhajan Singh Dhariwal stands as one of the last torchbearers of the Lahore Pakhawaj tradition a guardian of an ancient rhythmic language that survives through his dedication, artistry, and scholarship. His life is a testament to discipline, devotion, and the unbroken continuity of India’s classical heritage.

Rhythms of Heritage

A Glimpse Into Prof. Harbhajan Singh Dhariwal Artistry

My Journey

A Lifetime in Rhythm

From a humble beginning in Batala to international acclaim.

1982

Began Tabla training under Baba Roop Shah.

1987

Advanced training under Sangeet Acharya Lachhman Singh Seen.

1988–1992

Tabla Instructor, SDAM Dinanagar.

1992–1999

Field Artist-I, Department of Cultural Affairs (Punjab).

1996

M.A. in Music (Instrumental – Tabla), Panjab University.

1996

Sangeet Bhaskar (Final), Pracheen Kala Kendra.

1998

Sangeet Visharad (Vocal), Pracheen Kala Kendra.

Present

Senior Research Fellow, NAD Music Institute (USA).

Achievements

Awards & Honours

A journey adorned with gratitude and recognition from the world of classical music.
Design Option: Filterable gallery by year (tiles with logos/emblems of awarding institutions).