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The following information was taken from a pdf document titled ‘Brief Biography – Pen Portrait of Gurmat Sangeet Legend – Prof Kartar Singh Ji’. This document is available at the Facebook group of ‘Gurmat Sangeet Legend – Prof Kartar Singh Ji’.<\/a><\/p>\n Introduction Professor Kartar Singh was a remarkable devotional singer and an exceptional author. He Early life & Tutelage<\/strong><\/p>\n Professor Kartar Singh was born on April 3rd, 1928, at Village Ghummanke, P.O Baghiana Life post-partition<\/strong><\/p>\n Unfortunately, he lost many of his immediate family members, including his father, to the Career<\/strong><\/p>\n Thereafter, he continued his musical learning about different forms of singing (Gayan Bibliography<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh was an expert in both \u2018Gurmat Sangeet\u2019 and \u2018Bhartiya Sangeet\u2019. He Shabad Pradhanta & Research<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh strongly emphasized the importance of awareness towards the Prof. Kartar Singh was an expert Gurbani singer (gayak) in \u2018aprachalit Raga\u2019 Legacy: Revival of Gurmat Sangeet<\/strong><\/p>\n Furthermore, Prof. Kartar Singh played the most pivotal role in the movement that revived the practice of Gurbani Kirtan rendition in prescribed Raags \/ Gurmat Sangeet with string instruments at Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, in March 2006. He also holds the distinction of being the oldest person ever to sing Gurbani Kirtan at Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple).<\/p>\n Recognition<\/strong><\/p>\n For his lifelong contribution to the revival of the traditional art of Gurmat Sangeet, he was Affirmation<\/strong><\/p>\n At the ripe age of 93 years 9 months, he was still as enthusiastic about music\/Gurmat Compiled by:<\/strong> If anyone has more recordings of Prof. Kartar Singh Ji to share, please contact us.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The two Shabads below were recorded live on 23rd April 1995 by Sardar Inderpal Chandhoke. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 01 Mere Man Mukh Har Har Boliyai (Devgandhari)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 02 Deen Bisaareyo Re Diwane Deen Bisareyo Re (Maru)<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The next batch of recordings were contributed by Veer Damanjit Singh and Gagan Singh Kler. Both brothers operate the \u2018ws3ks3<\/a>\u2018 channel on Youtube. Please check out their channel for more treasures. The collection below contains live recordings from Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar and are arranged according to the dates.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 6th June 2005<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 01 Har Jiyo Sada Teri Sarnaayi<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 02 Meri Abhe Benti Sun Leeje<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 03 Tere Gun Gawa Dehe Bujhaye<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 04 Darshan Parsiye Guru Ke Janam Maran Dukh Jaye<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 6th March 2006<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 01 Sabh Madh Maate Kou Na Jaag<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 02 Dekh Ful Ful Fule<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 03 Kat Jayeye Re Ghar Lago Rang<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 04 Mitter Pyare Nu<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 7th March 2006<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 01 Hou Kachu Na Jaanou Teri Saar<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 02 Raja Raam Mouliya Anant Bhaye<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 03 Nahi Chodo Re Baba Raam Naam<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 04 Jagat Bhikhari First Hai Sabh Ko Daatha Raam<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 18th May 2006<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 01 Darshan Piyaasi Dinas Raat Chitvou Andhin Neet<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 02 Aaye Anik Janam Bhram Sarni<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 03 Koyi Jan Har Siyo Deve Jor<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 04 Gur Ramdas Rakho Sarnai<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 27th July 2007<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 01 Har Jan Bolat Sriraam Naama<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 02 Saawan Aaiya Hay Sakhi<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 03 Babiha Benti Kare Kar Kirpa Deho Ji Daan<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 04 Gur Ramdas Rakho Sarnai<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 12th July 2008<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 01 Ab Mohe Raam Apuna Kar Janiya<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 02 Kaho Re Pandit Anber Ka Siyo Laaga<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 03 Pir Dekhan Ki Aas<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 04 Gur Ramdas Rakho Sarnai<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 23rd August 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 01 Raam Raam Bol Raam Raam<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 02 Mo Kou Tu Na Bisaar Tu Na Bisaar<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 03 Bhola Vaid Na Jaanayi Karak Kaleje Mahe<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 25th October 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 01 Tera Ek Naam Taare Sansaar<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 02 Mere Bhai Jana Koyi Mo Kou Har Prabh Mail Milaye<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 03 Har Jan Raam Naam Gun Gave<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 04 Raaj Jog Thakat Dian Gur Ramdas<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 05 Gur Ramdas Rakho Sarnai<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The following recordings are from the Adutti Gurmat Sangeet Samelan held annually at Jawaddi Kalan.<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Hao Kachu Na Jana Teri Saar (Raag Basant)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Har Jas Gaavho Bhagwaan (Raag Kanra)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Har Ki Gat Nah Kaoo Jane (Raag Bihagra)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Harni Hova Ban Bassan (Raag Gauri Bairagan)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Main Banjaran Ram Ki (Raag Gauri Bairagan)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Man Ram Naam Gun Gaeeyai (Raag Gauri Cheti)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Mere Man Jap (Raag Nat Narayan)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Mere Man Mukh Har Har Boleeyai (Raag Devgandhari)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Mo Kawo Koee Na Jaanat (Raag Maru)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Nirgun Raakh Liyaa (Raag Tukhari)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Paaeiaa Lal Rattan Man Paaeiaa (Raag Gauri Mala)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Prabh Mohe Kab Gal Laavehange (Raag Kalyan)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Ram Simar Pachotahega Man (Raag Maru)<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The two Shabads below are from the album ‘Gauri Raag Sulakhani’.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Main Banjaran Ram Ki (Raag Gauri Bairagan)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Paaeiaa Lal Rattan Man Paaeiaa (Raag Gauri Mala)<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Shabads from the album ‘Partaal Shabad Gayaki’<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Bapaar Govind Naae (Asa)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Charan Kamal Saran Tek (Parbhati)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Jap Man Sri Ram (Sarang)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Koi Aan Sunave Har Ki (Nat Narayan)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Ram Ram Ram Ram Jaap (Parbhati)<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Shabads sung at the Basant Raag Kirtan Samagam at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi on 13th February 2015.<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 01 Sansar Samunde Taar Gobinde<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 02 Aur Kishee Ke Tu Mat Hi Jahe<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – 03 Nahi Chhodon Re & Basant Ki Vaar<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Kirtan at Barsi Samagan of Sant Mihan Singh Ji.<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Har Jan Bolat Sri Ram Naama (Malhar)<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Kirtan at Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib, Amritsar on 24th October 2018.<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Har Gun Gawho Jagdees (Kanra)<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Live Kirtan of Prof. Kartar Singh with his students, Bhai Narinder Singh (Banaresi) & Bhai Harpinder Singh accompanying him.<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Jeh Te Upjio Nanaka<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Tilak Janjhoo Raakha Prabh Ta Ka<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The following recordings were obtained from various online sources.<\/strong><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Barse Megh Ji Til Bilam Na Lao<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Bin Kartar Na Kirtam Mano (Kalyan)<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Dev Dev Rajan Ke Raja<\/a><\/p>\n Prof. Kartar Singh – Ik Bin Doosar So Na Chinar<\/a><\/p>\n
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was an exceptionally talented artist whose perseverance and devotion towards the restoration of the traditional Gurmat Sangeet cannot be fully described in words. Prof. Kartar Singh served as the Director at Sangeet Bharati Institute (Pracheen Kala Kendra), Ludhiana (est. 1966); Director at Gurmat Sangeet Academy (SGPC), Anandpur Sahib (est. 1999), and Director at Prof. Kartar Singh Gurmat Sangeet Vidyalaya, Phagwara (est. 2015). Graced by the guidance of Prof. Kartar Singh, these institutions remain committed to the causes of Bharatiya Sangeet & Gurmat Sangeet. Additionally, he was also serving as – Member of Kirtan Sub Committee (tasked with the selection of Ragi Jathas) at Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar since 2000; Member of Gurmat Sangeet Faculty and Advisory Committee, Dept of Gurmat Sangeet at Punjabi University, Patiala; Nominated Member of the Governing Body of Ishmeet Singh Music Institute, Ludhiana (Punjab Govt) since 2010; Nominated External Expert – Faculty of Performing Arts at Sri Guru Granth Sahib World Sikh University, Fatehgarh Sahib (2017-2019); Member of Local Audition
Committee of All India Radio, Jalandhar (1996 to 1999); external Expert on the Board of Control in Music, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (2007-2009); and also served as an Examiner for Panjab University, Guru Nanak Dev University, Punjabi University, Punjab School Education Board (Mohali) & Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh.<\/p>\n
Kalan, Distt Lahore (Pakistan) to Bibi Harnam Kaur and Bhai Attar Singh. He started learning to perform \u201cKirtan\u201d at the tender age of 13 under the tutelage of Giani Gurcharan Singh Ji, then Bhai Sunder Singh Ji Kasoor wale, then Bhai Dalip Singh Ji, and later polished this virtue of Gurbani singing while accompanying Rababi Bhai Karma (disciple of Bhai Chand, direct descendants of Bhai Mardana Ji). At around 18 years of age, the young Kartar Singh rendered his first kirtan performance at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Village Renala Khurd, Gujranwala (Pakistan). Soon after, the horrific event of India\u2019s partition happened forcing him to migrate to India in 1947.<\/p>\n
violence that ensued during partition of India in 1947. From that point on, he found his calling in music and there was no looking back as he devoted the rest of his life to it. After moving to India, he briefly stayed at Karnal (Haryana) for a couple of years while regularly performing kirtan at the historical Gurdwara Manji Sahib, before moving to Jalandhar sometime later. The turning point of Prof. Kartar Singh\u2019s life, as he would often remember fondly, came around 1950 when he attended Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan at Jallandhar. According to Prof. Kartar Singh, it was his presence at that \u2018auspicious\u2019 occasion that embarked him upon his lifelong journey into \u2018Sangeet Sadhna\u2019, which ultimately culminated into his passion to revive traditional Gurmat Sangeet.<\/p>\n
shallies) in the genre of Indian Classical Music (Hindustani Shastri Sangeet) under the able
guidance of Ustad Jaswant Singh Bhawra Ji and Pandit Balwant Rai Jaiswal Ji (disciple of Pandit Vinayak Rao Patwardhan). Prof Singh spend his next 30 years teaching music at Malwa Central College and Guru Nanak Girls\u2019 College, both at Ludhiana, where he ignited the musical imagination of his students and instilled in them a yearning to learn music, which would later win them innumerous accolades in \u2018Shabad Gayan\u2019 and other music competitions at College and University level Youth festivals all over India. Even today, after so many decades of learning music under Prof. Kartar Singh\u2019s guidance, his students continue to practice and preach singing of \u2018Gurbani Kirtan\u2019 in prescribed \u2018Raags\u2019. Prof. Kartar Singh always took distinct pleasure in acknowledging the fact that many of his disciples perform \u2018Gurbani Kirtan\u2019 with traditional musical string instruments (\u2018Tanti Saaza\u2019), while serving as \u2018Ragi Jatha\u2019 at \u2018Sri Darbar Sahib\u2019, Amritsar and other prominent places of worship in India and abroad.<\/p>\n
authored seven (7) highly acclaimed books on \u2018Gurmat Sangeet\u2019 throughout his writing career that spanned over more than forty (40) years. His books, namely, Gurbani Sangeet Darpan; Guru Angad Dev Sangeet Darpan; Gurmat Sangeet Darpan Part-I; Part-2 & Part-3; Guru Teg Bahadur Sangeet Darpan (in English & Punjabi) and Bhagat Bani Sangeet Darpan, collectively included more than 2,000 compositions in various \u2018Shudh Raags\u2019 and \u2018Mishrat Raags\u2019. These books were published by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Amritsar, and around 50,000 copies have been printed\/sold worldwide. Unfortunately, his work on the last book Guru Nanak Sangeet Darpan remains unfinished.
Staying true to \u201cGurmat\u2019 values throughout his life, Prof Singh did not charge any royalty
from the sale of the books authored by him. He did so because of two reasons, firstly, he claimed to have dedicated these books to the \u2018Sikh Panth\u2019 in letter and spirit, and secondly, to minimize the selling price of these books while bearing in mind the financial constraints of buyers, who were mostly fresher \u2018kirtankaar\u2019 from a humble background.<\/p>\n
supremacy of the \u2018shabad\u2019(shabad pradhanta) at all times, particularly during Gurbani Kirtan
singing. It is this very essence of \u2018Gurbani\u2019 into which his understanding of music was deeply rooted. This understanding paved the way for his mind-blowing innovations in the world of \u2018Gurmat Sangeet\u2019 and also guided him while writing his books. For instance, he introduced rare compositions in \u2018swai\u2019(1 1\/4), \u2018paun\u2019(3\/4) and \u2018dedh\u2019(1 1\/2) beats (taala) in his books. These books were the outcome of decades of untiring research efforts put into studying and understanding various \u2018Raag swaroop\u2019 prescribed by the bygone writers (Shastrakaars), including some from the Medieval age, like Pandit Lochan, Pandit Vithul, Sri Kanth, Pandit Somnath, Pandit Bhav Bhatt, Pandit Appa Tulsi, Pandit Viyankatmukhi and Pandit Ahobal, to name a few. Besides that, Prof. Kartar Singh also researched and learned from many modern music experts, like Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, Pandit Vinayakrao Patvardhan, Pandit Ramashrey Jha, Pandit Ram Kishan Vyas, Ustaaza Geeta Banerjee, Prof. VS Nigam, Pandit Vishnu Digambar Pulaskar; and from \u2018Gurmat Sangeet Granth Kaar\u2019 like Dr. Bhai Vir Singh, Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha, Dr. Charan Singh, Dr. Gobind Singh Mansukhani; and more recently from \u2018Gurmat Sangeet Granth Kaar\u2019 like Prof Tara Singh, Sant Sarvan Singh Gandharv, Principal Dyal Singh, Bhai Avtar Singh Bhai Gurcharan Singh of Delhi, Gyan Singh Abbottabad and Dr. Gurnam Singh(Punjabi University, Patiala).<\/p>\n
(unconventional Raag), like Raag Basant Bilawal thata, Raag Maru Khamaj thaat, Raag
Devgandhari, Raag Asa, Raag Maajh, Raag Malhar (with Gandhar shudh), Raag Kanra (with
Nishad shudh), Raag Tukhari, and Raag Gauri. In its attempt to preserve singing in difficult
\u2018Raag\u2019s, T-Series Recording company recorded Prof Singh\u2019s recital in difficult Raags like Raag Gauri, Raag Gauri Cheti, Raag Gauri Bairagan, Raag Gauri Mala, Raag Siri Raag, Raag Sorath, Raag Malhar (with Gandhar shudh), Raag Maru, Raag Devgandhari, and Raag Kalyan. He was particularly fond of singing Gurbani in difficult beats like \u2018partaal\u2019 and \u2018aprachilit taala\u2019 (unconventional beats), like \u2018mat taal\u2019 (9 beats), \u2018jagpal taal\u2019 (11 beats), jai taal (13 beats), firodast taal (14 beats), dhamar (14 beats), pancham sawari taal (15 beats), Sagar taal (17 beats), etc.<\/p>\n
conferred with numerous National and International awards, including Padma Shri (2021)
bestowed by Honorable President of India, Sangeet (Tagore) Ratna Award (Fellowship) conferred by Sangeet Natak Akademi (2012) by Honorable Governor (West Bengal), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2008) from Honorable President of India, Sikh Lifetime Achievement Award (2011) at London (U.K), Vishesh Puraskar (2014) from Sarbat Da Bhala (Welfare of Mankind), Dubai (U.A.E.), Shiromani Ragi Award (2009) from SGPC, Sri Amritsar, Shiromani Ragi Award from Govt of Punjab(2016), and Gurmat Sangeet Senior Fellowship from Punjabi University, Patiala(2011). A Ph.D. has been completed on the following topic related to Prof Kartar Singh Ji – \u201cContribution of Sangeet Acharya Prof Kartar Singh to Gurmat Sangeet tradition and analytical study\u201d (2020).<\/p>\n
Sangeet as ever. The whole world is witness to his exemplary lifestyle, showcasing simplicity, minimalism, and detachment. After dedicating more than 80 years of his life to music\/Gurmat Sangeet, he continued to affirm the following till his last breath – \u201cI have been a humble student of music since 1941, and Gurmat Sangeet is the only legacy I would like to leave behind\u201d.<\/p>\n
Jaspreet Singh (Grandson), All disciples, Family members & Sikh Sangat, in loving memory of Prof Kartar Singh Ji (Padma Shri).
(3 April 1928 – 2 Jan 2022)<\/p>\n