Bhai Taaba Ji (Amritsar)

 

Photo from the archives of Sri Bhaini Sahib

One of the most famous Rababi jathas of Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar before the partition was that of Bhai Taaba Ji. He was born some time around the year 1885 in Amritsar. His name was Taabay Hussain, but within the Sikh community, he was better known as Bhai Taaba. He served in Harmandir Sahib for approximately 35 years and like Bhai Sain Ditta Ji, he also trained many Sikh Raagis during his time. Before the division of Punjab, he had moved to Lahore and took up residence in Chuna Mandi. In 1956, one of his students, Bhai Partap Singh Ji of Delhi brought him to Delhi for a few months and organised many Kirtan Darbars during his stay. The Raagis of Delhi collected around 7000 rupees, which was a large sum of money at that time, and gifted it to him as a ‘Siropau’. He made a second trip to India in 1957, courtesy of Bhai Gian Singh Abbotabad who had the vision to preserve the Puratan Rababi compositions that Bhai Taaba Ji was the custodian of. He hosted Bhai Taaba Ji in his home and documented many Puratan compositions which were published in his two volume book titled ‘Gurbani Sangeet’ in 1961. During both these trips to India, Bhai Taaba Ji was invited to Bhaini Sahib for Kirtan, and also to impart his valuable knowledge to the students of Bhaini Sahib. Bhai Taaba Ji passed away on 13th October 1963 in Lahore. The above information is from the book ‘Punjab De Parsidh Raagi Rababi’ writted by Sardar Balbir Singh Kanwal. If anyone has more recordings of Bhai Taaba Ji to share, please contact us.

 

The two Dharmak Kavtas below were digitised from an old 78 rpm His Master’s Voice (HMV5790) record. It was titled ‘Amritsari Rababis’ and according to Sardar Balbir Singh Kanwal, the author of Punjab De Parsidh Raagi Rababi’, this record is of none other than Bhai Taaba Ji. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!

Bhai Taaba (Amritsar) – 01 – Kalgiyan Valeya

Bhai Taaba (Amritsar) – 02 – Tere Darshan

 

*New Recording Added – 25th December 2020

 

The recording below was contributed by an anonymous Kirtan Premi. 

Bhai Taaba (Amritsar) – Narnarahaa Namaskaaran Jalan Thalan Basud Gagan (Ramkali)

 

*New Recordings Added – 18th September 2023

 

The following recordings were obtained from the ‘Gurbani Sangeet Vidyala’ channel on YouTube, which was started by the exceptionally talented, Bhai Manbir Singh Ji from Australia. He is doing a wonderful job in reviving traditional compositions and imparting them to the next generation. Please subscribe to the channel and support this wonderful effort by visiting the ‘GSV’ platform. 

Bhai Taaba (Amritsar) – Giaan Ki Aayi Aandhi

Bhai Taaba (Amritsar) – Har Charan Saran (Partaal)

Bhai Taaba (Amritsar) – Har Joo Raakh Leho Pat Meri

Bhai Taaba (Amritsar) – Har Ka Naam Na Japas Gavara

Bhai Taaba (Amritsar) – Mohan Neend Na Aavai Haavai