Brijnath Singh

Sir Brijnath Singh KCIE was the Raja of Maihar from 1911 until his death in 1968.

Early life, family, and education He was born on 22 February 1886 to Randhir Singh, the Raja of Maihar. He received his education at Daly College in Indore. He first married, in February 1915, Kausalya Devi, daughter of Daulatsinhji, the Thakore of Dhrol. His second marriage took place in 1920, to Surendra Kumari Devi, daughter of Maharaj Chhatar Singh of Semlia, a dependency of Sailana.

Patronage of Ustad Alauddin Khan and the Rise of the Maihar Gharana

In the early 20th century, Ustad Alauddin Khan arrived in Maihar in a penniless state after years of musical pursuit and hardship. He was given shelter by Suraj Sahai Saxena, a local music enthusiast, who supported him for nearly two years while Khan practiced outside the Sharada Devi temple. Eventually, Suraj's cousin, Chimmanlal Saxena, who was the Dewan (Prime Minister) of Maihar State, introduced him to Maharaja Brijnath Singh.

Recognizing his brilliance, Brijnath Singh appointed Alauddin Khan as the court musician of Maihar in 1907. With the Maharaja’s support, Khan established the foundation of the Maihar Gharana—a new lineage in Hindustani classical music that combined elements of dhrupad, khayal, and instrumental innovation. During this period, he trained several disciples who went on to become some of India’s most respected musicians.

Under Brijnath Singh’s patronage, Khan also founded the Maihar Band, a unique orchestra composed mainly of orphaned children. The Maharaja provided essential support, including instruments, salaries, and rehearsal facilities. The band blended Indian and Western instruments and served as a rare example of socially conscious court patronage in music.

Brijnath Singh is also credited with naming Khan’s daughter Annapurna Devi, who later became a legendary surbahar player and a key figure in the transmission of Indian classical music in the 20th century. As he was a minor at the time, the administration of the state was carried out by the Dewan on his behalf under the supervision of the Political Agent in Baghelkhand.

Death He died on 13 October 1968.