- Mahavir Nayak, born in 1942 in Urugutu, Jharkhand, is a celebrated Nagpuri folk singer and cultural icon.
- He received the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contributions to preserving Nagpuri folk music.
- Nayak has composed over 500 songs and documented thousands of traditional compositions.
- His music played a significant role in the Jharkhand statehood movement.
- Known as the “King of Bhinsaria Raga,” he has performed nationally and internationally, including in Taiwan.
Who is Mahavir Nayak ?
Mahavir Nayak is an 83-year-old folk singer from Ranchi, Jharkhand, widely recognized for his lifelong dedication to Nagpuri folk music. Born into a family of artists, he learned the art of Jhumar and other folk forms from his father, Khudu Nayak. His authentic “Theth” Nagpuri style and socially conscious songs have made him a cultural treasure in Jharkhand.
Contributions to Nagpuri Culture
Nayak’s work focuses on preserving the traditional music of Jharkhand, including ragas like Bhinsaria, Faguwa, and Pawas. He has composed over 500 original songs and documented thousands of folk compositions, ensuring their survival for future generations. His songs, often tied to cultural events like Jitia and Karam, reflect the spirit of Jharkhand’s rural life.
Role in Jharkhand’s Statehood Movement
During the movement for Jharkhand’s statehood, Nayak’s music became a rallying cry for cultural and political awakening. As a member of the “navjagaran” troupe, he used his songs to inspire and unite people, contributing significantly to the movement’s success in achieving statehood in 2000.
Awards and Recognition
In 2025, Nayak was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, presented by President Droupadi Murmu. He has also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Amrit Award (2023) and the Lok Kala Ratna Award (2014), among others, for his contributions to folk art.
Personal Life and Legacy
Living in Hatia, Ranchi, with his wife and seven daughters, Nayak remains active and healthy, crediting his vitality to a disciplined lifestyle and local diet. Despite personal losses, including the death of his son, he continues to inspire through his music and writings, including his upcoming book, Geet Mein Swar.
Comprehensive Biography of Mahavir Nayak
Mahavir Nayak, fondly known as the “King of Bhinsaria Raga,” stands as a towering figure in the preservation and promotion of Nagpuri folk music and culture in Jharkhand, India. Honored with the prestigious Padma Shri in 2025, his six-decade-long journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication, artistic innovation, and cultural activism. His life’s work has not only preserved the rich traditions of Nagpuri music but also elevated it to national and international platforms, inspiring generations to embrace their cultural heritage.
Early Life and Roots in Folk Tradition
Born in 1942 in the village of Urugutu, near Ranchi in Jharkhand, Mahavir Nayak grew up in a culturally vibrant environment just five years before India’s independence. His father, Khudu Nayak, was a celebrated Jhumar artist, and his grandfather was also a renowned performer in their community. From an early age, Mahavir was immersed in the rhythms and melodies of Nagpuri folk music, accompanying his father to performances and absorbing the essence of local traditions. This early exposure laid the foundation for his lifelong passion for folk art. As a third-generation artist, Mahavir inherited a deep love for the music that defined the cultural identity of Jharkhand’s rural heartlands.
Musical Journey and Contributions
Mahavir Nayak’s formal musical career began in 1962 when he joined the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) in Ranchi. This marked the start of a remarkable journey that spanned over six decades, during which he became a leading figure in Nagpuri folk music. Nayak has composed over 500 original folk songs, each reflecting the soul of Jharkhand’s cultural heritage. His repertoire includes a variety of ragas such as Bhinsaria, Faguwa, Pawas, and Madarni Jhumar, which are integral to cultural events like Jitia, Karam, Faag, and marriage ceremonies.
Beyond composing, Nayak has documented several thousand traditional Nagpuri songs that were previously passed down orally, ensuring their preservation for future generations. His “Theth” (authentic) Nagpuri singing style is characterized by its raw, unfiltered connection to the land and its people. His songs often carry progressive themes, addressing social issues and celebrating cultural pride, making him a voice for both tradition and change.
Role in the Jharkhand Statehood Movement
Mahavir Nayak’s contributions extend beyond music into the realm of cultural activism. During the Jharkhand statehood movement, which culminated in the creation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000, Nayak played a pivotal role. As a member of the “navjagaran” (new awakening) troupe, he used his music as a powerful tool to inspire and unite people. His songs became anthems of the movement, rallying communities and fostering a sense of cultural and political identity. This activism cemented his legacy as not just an artist but a cultural warrior who gave voice to the aspirations of Jharkhand’s people.
International Recognition and Collaborations
Nayak’s talent has transcended regional boundaries, earning him recognition on national and international stages. In 1985, he co-founded Kunjban, a cultural organization dedicated to preserving Jharkhand’s folk traditions, alongside fellow Padma Shri recipient Mukund Nayak. Through Kunjban, Nayak showcased Nagpuri music to wider audiences. A significant milestone came in 1992 when he performed in Taiwan as part of a cultural delegation led by Mukund Nayak and Dr. Ramdayal Munda, bringing the soulful essence of Nagpuri music to an international audience. His collaborations with other cultural luminaries, including Madhu Mansuri Hansmukh, have further enriched Jharkhand’s folk music landscape.
Literary Contributions
In addition to his musical achievements, Mahavir Nayak is a prolific writer. He has penned over 100 poems, more than 100 songs, and several stories, contributing significantly to Jharkhand’s literary heritage. Currently, he is working on a book titled Geet Mein Swar, which promises to encapsulate his musical and cultural insights. His literary works reflect the same passion for cultural preservation and social commentary that defines his music.
Awards and Honors
Mahavir Nayak’s contributions have been widely recognized through numerous accolades. In 2025, he was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu in a ceremony held in New Delhi . This honor followed a series of prestigious awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Amrit Award in 2023, the Lok Kala Ratna Award at the Bharat Lokrang Mahotsav in 2014, and a special honor during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2019. These accolades reflect his enduring impact on Indian folk art.
Personal Life and Philosophy
At 83, Mahavir Nayak resides in Hatia, Ranchi, with his octogenarian wife and their seven daughters, along with their families and grandchildren. Despite the personal tragedy of losing his only son, Nayak remains a beacon of resilience and optimism. He attributes his health and vitality to a disciplined lifestyle and a diet rich in local Jharkhandi greens. A firm believer in self-awareness and meditation, Nayak encourages the youth to embrace and preserve their native art forms, emphasizing the importance of cultural continuity.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Mahavir Nayak’s life is a testament to the power of art in preserving cultural identity and fostering social change. His music, deeply rooted in tradition yet infused with progressive ideals, continues to resonate with audiences across generations. As he humbly credits the people of Jharkhand for their love and support , Nayak remains committed to his musical journey, inspiring others to carry forward the legacy of Nagpuri folk art.
Summary Table of Mahavir Nayak’s Life and Achievements
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name and Title | Mahavir Nayak, Padma Shri (2025), “King of Bhinsaria Raga” |
| Birth | 1942, Urugutu village, near Ranchi, Jharkhand |
| Family Background | Third-generation singer; father Khudu Nayak, a Jhumar artist |
| Career Start | 1962, joined Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC), Ranchi |
| Musical Contributions | Composed over 500 original songs, documented thousands of folk songs |
| Ragas Performed | Bhinsaria, Faguwa, Pawas, Madarni Jhumar |
| Cultural Role | Key figure in Jharkhand statehood movement, member of “navjagaran” troupe |
| International Exposure | Performed in Taiwan (1992) with Mukund Nayak and Dr. Ramdayal Munda |
| Literary Works | Over 100 poems, 100+ songs, several stories; working on Geet Mein Swar |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2025), Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award (2023), Lok Kala Ratna (2014) |
| Personal Life | Age 83, lives in Hatia, Ranchi with wife and seven daughters |
| Philosophy | Advocates self-awareness, meditation, and preservation of native art forms |
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