Malbarao Sardesai
Malbarao Sardesai | |
|---|---|
| Born | 31 December 1911 |
| Died | 23 December 2005 (aged 93) |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Relatives | Laxmanrao Sardesai |
Malbarao Madhav Suryarao Sardesai (31 December 1911 – 23 December 2005) was an Indian composer and musician from Goa. He was a researcher of the Ghumta (drum) and served as the President of the Swaramanch Music School in Madgaon.
Early life and education
Sardesai was born on 31 December 1911 in Savoi-Verem, Goa. He completed his primary education at the Government School in Savoi-Verem and pursued his Lyceum education in Panaji.[1]
Coming from an affluent family, Sardesai was able to pursue formal training in music from a young age. He studied the Tabla under Khapruji Parvatkar, also known as "Laybhaskar", until the age of 14. He subsequently studied the harmonium for six years under a teacher named Madhukar.[1]
Career
Sardesai was a multi-instrumentalist who played the Pakhawaj and the fiddle. Throughout his career, he worked as an accompanist for various prominent musicians, including the Gandharvas and Kasikarbuva. He was also employed at the Aakashvani station in Panaji, where he was responsible for selecting music artists.[1]
His musical style was influenced by the traditional soundscapes of temples, including the playing of the panchvadya, the mridangam, and the performance of bhajans and kirtans. He focused on various traditional folk forms and rhythms, including Dholken, Shimgya meel-kheel, Romat tali, Talgadi, Ghodemodani, Dhalo, Jagar, Kalo, Chandraval, Dastak, and Jakhani.[1]
Works and publications
Sardesai conducted research on the drum, specifically the Ghumta. He authored a book on the subject titled The Pillar in the Shadow of the Drum, which was published by the Goa Hindu Association.[1]
He also published two other books regarding music:[1]
- Sulbh Swara Parichay
- Chakraparadhi
Death
Sardesai died on 23 December 2005.[2][3]
Awards and recognition
Sardesai received an award from the Government of Goa for his contributions to music. In 1980, he was awarded a Doctorate in music by Khairagarh University.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Halarnkar, Tanaji, ed. (1999). [Konkani Encyclopaedia] (in Goan Konkani). Vol. 4. Goa: Goa University. p. 839 – via Wikisource.
- ^ Cabral e Sa, Mario. "Eminent Goans". Commissionerate of NRI Affairs. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ "My tributes to my great-grandfather Malbarao Sardessai on his 113th birth anniversary today. He was accomplished pakhawaz player & music lover. He was awarded State Cultural Award in recognition of his contribution to art and culture. #madganvchoawaaz". Instagram. Retrieved 2025-11-30.