One of the most talented jathas of the 20th century was that of Bhai Prithipal Singh Ji and Bhai Mohanpal Singh Ji. They belong to the Rababi family of Bhai Ranjodh Singh Ji who served as Hazoori Raagi in Gurdwara Sahib Nankana Sahib before the division of Punjab. Bhai Ranjodh Singh Ji had three sons, the oldest being Bhai Pal Singh, followed by Bhai Jaswant Singh and the youngest, Bhai Gulzar Singh. Bhai Prithipal Singh was the oldest son of Bhai Jaswant Singh, followed by Bhai Jasbir Singh, Bhai Mahinderpal Singh ‘Ladoo’ and Bhai Kishanpal Singh. Most are not aware that Bhai Mohanpal Singh was actually Bhai Gulzar Singh Ji’s son, making him Bhai Prithipal Ji’s cousin. Bhai Pal Singh Ji did not have any children of his own so both of his brothers gave the suffix of ‘Pal’ to their children as a sweet gesture to their elder brother. This tradition continues until today as most of the children in the family have the suffix of ‘Pal’ added to their names.
Being born into the Rababi tradition of music, both of them received their initial training from home but they also went on to learn the intricacies of classical music from doyens of the Patiala Gharana. Bhai Prithipal Singh Ji became a student of Ustad Abdul Rehman Khan who was the grandson of Ustad Ali Baksh Khan (of the famous duo of Allu Fatta) while Bhai Mohanpal Singh Ji went on to learn from one of the biggest names in classical music, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.
They were also good friends with Ustad Salamat Ali Khan of Sham Chaurasi Gharana. Interestingly, the first time they met was during a ‘mehfil’ organised by a mutual acquaintance when Ustad Salamat Ali Khan visited Patiala. Both Bhai Mohanpal Ji and Bhai Prithipal Ji attended this function and after Khan Saab’s performance, they met with him. He had heard about them prior to this, so he requested them to sing and they obliged. I was told that Khan Saab sat and listened to them that evening for a good amount of time with full concentration. Since that day, they became very close and subsequently whenever Ustad Salamat Ali Khan Ji visited Patiala, he would stay with them.
I’d like to share another interesting story narrated to me by the late Bhai Harinder Singh Fakkar, who was their nephew. When my dad and I visited him in Bombay, he took us around the city and showed us the sights. One evening, we drove past the apartment of Lata Mangeshkar Ji and he told us that once when Bhai Mohanpal Ji came to Bombay, he had a wish to meet Lata Ji. He went to her apartment complex and was denied entry by the security guard on duty. So he did the next most logical thing, which was to stand in front of her balcony and sing in Raag Sindhi Bhairvi. When his voice reached Lata Ji’s ears, she came running to the balcony and invited him in. They spent some time sharing thoughts and experiences related to music and Lata Ji commented “Sardar Ji, you are the most ‘sureela’ Sardar I have ever heard”.
Despite receiving such recognition from some of the top artists, it is sad that our community did not recognise their talents and appreciate their efforts in maintaining such a high standard of Sangeet in the midst of its decline. Both of them lived and died in poverty. Bhai Prithipal Singh Ji passed away in 1993 followed by Bhai Mohanpal Singh Ji four years later. Both passed away at relatively young ages before attaining the age of 60.
Bhai Mohanpal Singh Ji also accompanied Bhai Shamsher Singh Zakhmi for a few tours in the 1980s. Those recordings will be added later on to a page dedicated to Bhai Shamsher Singh Zakhmi.
If anyone has more recordings of Bhai Prithipal Singh and Bhai Mohanpal Singh, or any of their family members, please contact us.
The large collection of recordings below are from their tour to Singapore in 1973. They were accompanied on tabla by Bhai Mahinderpal Singh ‘Ladoo’. Bhai Pal Singh Ji also accompanied them during this tour but he was not feeling well so he did not join them on stage. These were recorded by late Sardar Amir Singh Ji. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Aad Jugaad Bhagtan Ka Raakha
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Ab Mai Koun Upaao (Marwa)
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Abh Rakho Das Bhat Ki Laaj
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Aokhi Ghadi Na Dekhan Deyi
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Ari Bai Gobind Naam Mat Bisre
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Asa Ki Vaar in Singapore
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Awoh Sajna Houn Dekha Darshan
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Baba Abh Na Baso Eh Ghao
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Bhaj Man Mere Eko Naam
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Bhinni Renarhiye Chamkan Taare
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Bin Har Kaam Na Aavat Hai
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Deho Sandesaro (Bhimpalasi)
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Dhan Dhan Ramdas Gur
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Dukhbhanjan Tera Naam
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Gur Taar Taaran Hareya
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Gurmukh Hoye So Bhana Mane
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Hamri Ganat Na Ganiya Ghayee
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Har Har Har Araadho
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Har Ka Bilovanaa
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Har Ko Naam Sada Sukhdhai
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Houn Apradhi Gunehgaar
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Hum Kookar Tere Darbar
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Jaagat Jot Japai Nis Basur
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Jachak Mange (Incomplete)
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Jal Te Thal Kar Thal Te Kuaa
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Jeevan Meh Jal Meh Thal Meh
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Kaho Prabhu Subhaakh Ho
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Kar Jor Nanak Daan Maange
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Kar Kirpa Kirpaal
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Khoob Teri Pagri
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Kurbani Tinah Gursikhan
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Lakhi Na Jaaye Nanak Leela 1
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Lakhi Na Jaaye Nanak Leela 2
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Main Banjaran Ram Ki
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Main Prem Na Chakheya Mere Piare
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Man Mere Sukh Sehaj Seti
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Man Ratta Govind Sang Sach Bhojan Jore
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Mere Man Prem Lago Har Teer
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Mere Ram Eh Neech Karam
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Mere Sahib Tu Meh Maan Nimani
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Meri Mat Baouri
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Mitar Piare Nu
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Nasro Mansoor
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Niki Saadh Sanghani
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Prabh Daato Dataar Pario Jachak
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Prabh Ehai Manorath Mera
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Prabh Tere Pagh Ki Dhur (Ahir Bhairo)
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Raj Leela Tere Naam Banayee
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Rakha Ek Hamara Swami (Gunkali)
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Ram Ram Bol Ram Ram
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Re Man Aiso Kar Saniasa
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Re Man Mere Sada Har Jaap
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Saajna Sant Awoh
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Sajan Des Vidhesiarey Sanehrey Dhedhi
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Sarvar Hans Dhure Hi Mela
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Satgur Aayo Sharan Tuhari
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Satgur Kou Bal Jaiye
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Satgur Paas Benantiya
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Sewak Dargeh Surkharoo
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Sewak Ki Ardas Piare
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Sheikh Hayaati Jag Na Koi
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – So Kich Kar Jit Mel Na Laage
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Sri Raam Naama Uchar Mana
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Sun Benanti Prabh Deen Dayala
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Sun Moorakh Man Ajaana
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Tera Koye Na Beli Ram
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Tu Daata Jian Sabhna Ka
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Tu Sabhnee Thaaee (Megh)
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Tudh Dhiaayan Bedh Katebaa
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Tum Chandan Hum Eerand
Bhai Prithipal & Mohanpal Singh – Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru Wahejio
The recordings below are from the early 1970s in Patna Sahib. They served as Hazoori Raagis in Patna Sahib for 2 to 3 years. Accompanying them on tabla is Bhai Kishanpal Singh Ji. Unfortunately, these recordings are not very clear but the talent on display here is amazing. If anyone is able to improve on the sound quality, please give it a shot and contact us. Thank you in advance.
Bhai Prithipal, Mohanpal & Kishanpal Singh – Man Kahan Bisareyo Ram Naam (Basant)
Bhai Prithipal, Mohanpal & Kishanpal Singh – Raag Megh
The following are some non-Gurbani recordings sung by Bhai Prithipal Singh Ji. We hope you will enjoy these too. These recordings were contributed by Bhai Lal Singh Fakkar.
Bhai Prithipal Singh – Mera Jiye Dhola
Bhai Prithipal Singh – Sanwal Mor Muharan
The following Asa Ki Vaar was recorded in Faridabad in 1994. Bhai Mohanpal Ji was accompanied by Bhai Kishanpal Singh Ji on the side harmonium and Ustad Jindi Ji on tabla. This cassette was given to me by Bhai Charanjit Singh from Patiala.
Bhai Mohanpal & Kishanpal Singh – Asa Di Vaar In Faridabad Part 1
Bhai Mohanpal & Kishanpal Singh – Asa Di Vaar In Faridabad Part 2
The Shabads from the Asa Ki Vaar above have been extracted for those who wish to listen to the individual Shabads.
Bhai Mohanpal & Kishanpal Singh – Bhinni Rehanarhiye
Bhai Mohanpal & Kishanpal Singh – Kirtan Hoa Rehansbhaye
Bhai Mohanpal & Kishanpal Singh – Lagi Preet Sujan Sion
Bhai Mohanpal & Kishanpal Singh – Visar Nahi Prabh Deen Dayala
The following Shabads were recorded during the annual Samagam in 1994 organised by Giani Sant Singh Ji Maskeen held in Alwar, Rajasthan. Bhai Mohanpal Ji was accompanied by Bhai Kishanpal Singh Ji on the side harmonium and Ustad Jindi Ji on tabla.
Bhai Mohanpal & Kishanpal Singh – Data Oh Na Mangiye
Bhai Mohanpal & Kishanpal Singh – Tum Sach Dhiavoh (Guldasta)
The following recordings of Bhai Mohanpal Singh Ji were recorded in someone’s home. These were contributed by Sahib Singh Bakshi who has his own Youtube channel. Please visit his channel for more treasures of the past. https://www.youtube.com/user/sahibsingh100
Bhai Mohanpal Singh – Deho Sandesro Kaheyo (Bhimpalasi)
Bhai Mohanpal Singh – Zahir Peer Jagat Gur Baba
The following partial Asa Ki Vaar was recorded in Hazoor Sahib and Bhai Mohanpal Ji was accompanied by his nephews, Bhai Shaminderpal Singh and Ustad Jindi Ji. This cassette was contributed by Bhai Gurpartap Singh from Hazoor Sahib. If anyone has the complete recording, please contact us.
Bhai Mohanpal & Shaminderpal Singh – Asa Di Vaar in Hazoor Sahib (Incomplete – only 2nd half)
The Shabads from the Asa Ki Vaar above have been extracted for those who wish to listen to the individual Shabads.
Bhai Mohanpal & Shaminderpal Singh – 01 Ja Ka Meet Saajan Hai
Bhai Mohanpal & Shaminderpal Singh – 02 Sain De Darbar
Bhai Mohanpal & Shaminderpal Singh – 03 Ja Tu Mere Val Hai
Bhai Mohanpal & Shaminderpal Singh – 04 Jai Tehgang
Bhai Mohanpal & Shaminderpal Singh – 05 Anand Sahib
The following is a partial recording of Bhai Mohanpal Singh Ji with his nephews, Bhai Shaminderpal Singh and Ustad Jindi Ji. If anyone has the complete Shabad, please contact us.
Bhai Mohanpal Singh – Gur Ke Charan (Half Shabad)
The following recording is from an impromptu session at the home of Bhai Amarjit Singh Taan. Bhai Amarjit Singh Taan’s family and Fakkar family were all present and everyone sang something of theirs, but Bhai Mohanpal Ji said he wasn’t in the mood on that day. After much persuasion, he sang this bandish in Raag Patdeep. This recording was contributed by Bhai Gurpartap Singh (Hazoor Sahib).
Bhai Mohanpal Singh (Patiala) – Raag Patdeep
The following is an excerpt of a song in the voice of Bhai Mohanpal Ji. If anyone has the complete recording, please contact us.
Bhai Mohanpal Singh (Patiala) – One line of a song (Yaar Hove)
Bow to the great masters..all ye men…and.stay bowed ..to receive their divine gifts ..one after another larger, more beautiful and infinite than any creation by mankind giving sound to the words of our Gurus
My favourite ragis of all time. Thank you ever so much for such meticulous, beautiful and wonderful seva of Grurbani Kirtan. Dhan Guru Nanak. 🙏
Voice of bhai Mohanpal singh ji is just magic. I wish if I was born in that era. You guys have done a great job preserving this treasure. please let me know how I can contribute if I want to.