Baiju Bawra

Baiju Bawra (1542–1613) is an Hindustani classical vocalist. Baiju was one of the most prominent Dhrupad singer and composer in medieval period. He was under patronage of Raja Mansing Tomar in Gwalior. Baiju composed many Dhrupads which are still in repertoire of Dhrupad singers.

He is said to be born in Champaner, Gujarat on Sharad Purnima in the month of Ashwini in 1599 (Vikram Samvat). Baiju learnt Dhrupad music in Dagurvaani in Vrindavan under Swami Haridas (1512–1607). He was called Bawra (crazy) because he was insanely in love with a court dancer in Chanderi.

Initially he was a musician at the court of the Raja of Chanderi and later in the court of Raja Mansingh Tomar. Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat also patronized him.

Their are many anecdots about his singing and it's mystical effect; succh as lights being illuminated wth his rendition of Raga Deepak.