Gandharva

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In Hinduism and Buddhism, the Gandharvas (Sanskrit: गंधर्व, gandharva) are male nature spirits, husbands of the Apsaras. Some are part animal, usually a bird or horse. They have superb musical skills. They guarded the Soma and made beautiful music for the gods in their palaces. Their name may be cognate with that of the Greek centaurs.

In Hindu myths, Gandharvas act as messengers between the gods and humans. In Hindu law, a Gandharva marriage is one contracted by mutual consent and without formality.

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In Classical Music

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There are many singers who were popularly known as Gandharvas for their mastery of Indian Classical Music. All of them, at one time or another, were theater personalities who acted in various musicals. Their style of Music is known as Natya Sangeet in Marathi Language, literally meaning Dramatic Music. They were not related to each other in any way except that the vast majority of the general population, dominantly in the State of Maharashtra of India, regarded them as the masters of the Indian Classical Music.