Gajanan Ambade were born in 1914 at Baroda. He learned unique art of Jal-Tarang from his elder brother (aka Guru), Shri Narayanrao Madhavrao Ambade.
He got so many prizes in his childhood for this art. During 1930-1930, he was a tutor of Late Shri Maharaja Jam Saheb Ranjitsinhjee of Jamnagar & also a tutor of Late Shri Maharaja Krushnakumarsinhjee of Bhavnagar from 1933-1947. He performed his art in so many conferences, Radio Stations, and many National Programs. All India Radio, New Delhi had appointed him as an examiner. His unique performance was recorded by famous gramophone company HMV in 1936 and by many Radio Stations. President of India Late Shi Radhakrishnan honored him in 1964 and he performed his art at Rashtrapati Bhavan. His unique art is preserved by Institute of TATA namely National Centre of Performing Art, Nariman Point, Mumbai.
Pandit Gajanan had such an art of Jal-Tarang instrument, that one can’t copy it. He was able to play Tan Prakar’ and also ‘Gamak’ on Jal-Tarang which was very difficult to play.
*’Jal-Tarang’ is having about 25 bowls of porcelain i.e. Chinaware of different sizes and tunes. It is being tuned accordingly by pouring water in it is played by two sticks for which the perfect command is very necessary.
His performance was heard by many saints and even had got blessings from them. By keeping this unique Indian traditional art behind him, Shri Abmade left this world on 14 January 1982.
Road from Fire Brigade Cross Road to Lal Court has been also named after Pandit Gajananrao Ambade.
Image via Sonali Ghatge
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