Balakrishnabuwa Ichalkaranjikar was born in Maharashtra.

He travelled to Gwalior and learned under Vasudeorao Joshi. He then returned to Maharashtra, and settled near Miraj because its climate suited him. Soon Miraj and the area near it became a major hub of Hindustani classical music and has remained so for more than 100 years. It is a combination o conducive cultural climate, the aptitude shown for classical music by people in the area, and tireless efforts of teachers among whom Balakrishnabuwa, being the first to bring the gayaki to western India, deserves to be put on a special pedestal.

Buwa's slow, majestic singing was marked by gravitas. His chief disciples include Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, his own son Annabuwa, Anant Manohar Joshi (Antu-buwa), Mirashi buwa and Vamanbuwa Chafekar. Annabuwa predeceased him. His son's death caused him great sadness in his final years.

While he had some reservations about his disciple Paluskar's efforts towards popularising music, Paluskar played a major role in expanding appeal of classical music to common folks. Most other styles of singing have had their origins in Gwalior Gharana because it was among the earliest styles to take root and enjoy wider popularity.