"Mr Balbir Singh Kanwal has an international reputation for indefatigably conducting remarkably detailed research into little studied areas of Panjab history and culture. His contributions have been recognised far and wide. With the publication of this new book in English, these insights will find a new and abiding audience. It will appeal to a wide range of readers specifically interested in Panjab music and history, but more widely to those concerned with South Asian arts, culture, history and heritage."

Balbir Singh Kanwal was born on October 4, 1949, in a family of traditional keertarnias. He earned his master's from the Panjab University Chandigarh in 1972 and finished his PhD in 1980. In order to understand the deeper intricacies of music, he studied under Professor Yashpal Sharma of Agra Gharana, which chiseled his voice and enriched his repertoire.