In the heart of Lucknow, the historic corridors of the Marris College of Music, now known as Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, once resonated with a unique magic. This magic was brought by none other than the legendary Begum Akhtar, the revered 'Mallika-e-Ghazal'. As the institute prepares to celebrate a monumental 100 years of existence in the New Year, memories of her passionate teaching and selfless dedication continue to define its rich legacy.
The Campus That Stood Still for a Queen
When Begum Akhtar arrived at the Pari Khana building in Qaiserbagh to conduct classes, the atmosphere transformed. The narrow lanes outside this Nawabi-era structure would swell with music enthusiasts. Vice-Chancellor Prof Mandavi Singh recounts stories from veteran artists: "Her aura and respect were such that the head of the institution would personally go and receive her. People would gather outside the campus, stuck to boundary walls, just to hear her voice."
The college honored her by allotting the very first classroom upon entering. Her teaching was not bound by strict institutional formalities. Instead, she embraced an informal, passionate style, focusing on the soul of the music rather than rigid pedagogy. This approach, coupled with her immense stature, made her classes unforgettable experiences that students and admirers cherished deeply.
Upholding Tradition Without a Fee
Begum Akhtar's contribution went beyond occasional lectures. She played a pivotal role in introducing specialised courses like Thumri and staunchly upheld the guru-shishya parampara (teacher-disciple tradition) within the college's framework. In a remarkable testament to her dedication, she never charged a fee for her teaching. She followed the same traditional lineage system she had been trained in, treating her students like family and imparting knowledge as a sacred duty.
This profound bond between guru and shishya is beautifully documented in the biography 'Begum Akhtar: The Story of My Ammi', penned by her senior-most disciple, Shanti Hiranand. The book reveals Akhtar's artistry and her selfless love for her students, with Hiranand spending significant time training under her in Lucknow. Following in her guru's footsteps, Hiranand herself became a noted exponent of thumri, dadra, and ghazal gayaki, and was honored with the Padma Shri award.
A Century-Old Legacy of Nurturing Maestros
As Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya stands on the cusp of its centenary, the story of Begum Akhtar underscores its foundational role in Indian classical music. The institute has not only nurtured fine musicologists but has also been a hallowed ground where great artists like Akhtar chose to teach. Her time there, though brief as an honorary faculty member, solidified the college's reputation as a guardian of authentic musical traditions.
Her legacy is a reminder that true artistry thrives on generosity and passion. The image of crowds gathered outside the college walls, captivated by a voice drifting through the air, remains a powerful symbol of how Begum Akhtar's music transcended classrooms and touched the heart of Lucknow itself.
