Pandit Ravindra Yavagal, one of the foremost tabla maestros of India, was born on 27th November 1959 in Hubli, Karnataka, to Smt. Parvatibai and Late Sri Ramachandra Yavagal. Introduced to rhythm at the tender age of four by his father, he began formal training under Sri Veeranna Kamkar of Hubli. His talent was further refined under the tutelage of Pandit Sheshagiri Hanagal, the renowned tabla maestro from Dharwad, who nurtured his artistic caliber with great care. He also received valuable guidance from Pandit Lalji Gokhale, a disciple of the legendary Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa.
A Top Rank artiste of All India Radio and a Post Graduate in Music from Indira Kala Vishvavidyalaya, Khairagarh (M.P.), Pandit Yavagal has earned his place as one of the most sought-after tabla exponents of our time. His mastery of rhythm, technical brilliance, and creative sensitivity make him equally admired as a captivating soloist and a sensitive accompanist.
For more than four decades, Pandit Yavagal has graced prestigious stages across India and abroad, enthralling audiences with his artistry. His solo recitals display technical brilliance and imagination, while his accompaniment reflects his innate sensitivity to melody and mood.
He has had the rare privilege of performing with the greatest stalwarts of Indian classical music.
Vocal Maestros
Pt. Mallikarjun Mansur, Dr. Gangubai Hangal, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pt. Ram Marathe, Pt. Ramarao Naik, Pt. Basavaraj Rajguru, Pt. Jasraj, Pt. C.R. Vyas, Pt. Firoz Dastur, Pt. Jitendra Abhishekhi, Pt. Balasaheb Poochwale, Pt. Dinkar Kaikini, Pt. K.G. Ginde, Pt. Yeshwanthbua Joshi, Pt. Rajan & Sajan Mishra, Pt. Ajoy Chakrabarty, Pt. Jagadeesh Prasad, Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan (Pakistan), Begum Parveen Sultana, Smt. Kishori Amonkar, Smt. Malini Rajurkar, Dr. Prabha Atre, Smt. Veena Sahasrabuddhe, and Smt. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande.
Instrumental Virtuosos
Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Abdul Haleem Jaffar Khan, Pt. Debu Choudhary, Dr. M.S. Gopalakrishnan, Dr. N. Rajam, Pt. Brij Bhushan Kabra, Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Ustad Shameem Ahmed, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Pt. Buddhaditya Mukherjee, Ustad Bale Khan, Dr. Rajeev Taranath, Pt. Bhajan Sopori, among many others.
These associations stand as a testament to his artistry, versatility, and reputation as one of the finest tabla accompanists in the country.
Pandit Ravindra Yavagal’s contributions to Indian classical music extend far beyond performance.
Cultural Service: Nominated as an Honorary Member of the Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy (2002–2004), where he worked for the advancement of music.
Educational Initiatives: Served on the Advisory Committee of the Directorate of Text Books, Govt. of Karnataka, and played a key role in preparing Talavadya Text Books for proficiency-level students.
Guru & Mentor: A dedicated teacher, he has trained several disciples who now shine in classical and semi-classical genres. As a tribute, his disciples released a documentary film, “The Divine Hands of Tabla”, showcasing his life and contributions.
Institution Builder: In 2006, he founded Shri Rama Kala Vedike®, a charitable trust established in memory of his father, Late Sri Ramachandra Yavagal. The trust promotes Indian classical music, encourages young talent, and extends financial aid to needy musicians. He continues to guide the trust as its Managing Trustee.
All India Radio: Served as a senior-most member of All India Radio, Bangalore, contributing significantly for over 37 years as a Selection Grade Artiste.
Fusion & Experimentation: Embracing innovation, he has collaborated with Carnatic greats such as Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna, Prof. T.N. Krishnan, Sri Umayalapuram K. Shivaraman, Sri Guruvayur Dorai, Late Sri Tanjore Upendran, and Sri Yella Venkateshwara Rao.
International Presence: His performances, lecture-demonstrations, and broadcasts have captivated audiences in the USA, France, Egypt, Hong Kong, and beyond.
Recordings: His solo tabla album “Gati – Soul of Rhythm” has been highly acclaimed, alongside many other recordings in the classical genre.
In recognition of his invaluable service to music, Pandit Yavagal has been honored with numerous awards and titles, including:
Naada Nidhi – Kalachetana, Gadag
Chandrahasa Prashasti – Sangeet Seva Samiti, Soraba
1995 – 2009
Rajyotsava Award – Government of Karnataka
Sangeeta Kala Tapasvi – Sri Purandara Thyagaraja Aradhanotsava Samiti, Mysuru
Tabala Vaadhana Vaaridhi – Akhila Karnataka Ganayogi Swara Sanidhya
Taala Vidya Bhushana – Vishwakarma Ekadandagi Matha, Yadagiri
Nagalingashri – Nagalinga Swami Matha, Navalgunda
2011
Aryabhata International Award – Aryabhata Cultural Organisation, Bengaluru
2012 – 2016
Laya Bhaskara – Hora Foundation, Sirsi
Smt. Krishna Hangal Rashtriya Puraskar – Hangal Music Foundation, Hubli
Laya Kala Brahma – Arunodaya Kala Kendra, Sirsi
Sangeeta Shiromani – Pt. R. V. Sheshadri Gavai Punya Smruti Samiti, Bengaluru
Chirantana State Award – Chirantana Academy, Davanagere
Karnataka Kalashree Gaurava Puraskara – Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy
Anokhe Tabla Vadak Prashasti – Nataraja Sangeet Vidyala, Bagalakot
2018
Laya Sri Kamala – Kallur Mahalakshmi Tabala Vidyalaya, Bengaluru
2021
Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – Union Ministry of Culture, Government of India
2022
Dheemantha Samman – Hubballi-Dharwad City Corporation
Vishwakarma Sangeetha Bhooshana – Vishwakarma Pratishtana, Shirasangi
With decades of tireless dedication to the art of tabla, Pandit Ravindra Yavagal stands today as a beacon of rhythm, tradition, and innovation. From a prodigious child artiste in Hubli to a globally acclaimed maestro, his journey is an inspiration for generations of musicians. His legacy lives not only through his performances but also through his disciples, his recordings, and his tireless service to the cause of Indian classical music.