1st Generation – The Craftsman & Visionary (1944–1970s)

Shri R.N. Bhargava – The Man Who Built Instruments with His Hands.

The foundation of BHARGAVA’S Music was laid by Shri R.N. Bhargava, a man of remarkable talent, discipline, and artistic sensibility. At a time when India was still under British rule and access to musical instruments was limited, he chose to take the road few dared to walk—he started making Indian classical instruments by hand.

He crafted instruments such as:

  • Harmoniums
  • Sitar
  • Sarangi
  • Dilruba
  • Tabla and Dholak
  • Tanpura

Each instrument he made was marked by precision, dedication, and deep respect for Indian musical heritage. His workshop behind the first Daryaganj store soon became famous among musicians, teachers, theatre performers, and classical artists.

Craftsmanship Passed Down

What made Shri R.N. Bhargava extraordinary was not only his craftsmanship but also his belief that knowledge and talent must be passed on—not protected.

He trained and mentored his son, Shri T.P. Bhargava, teaching him:

  • Wood selection and treatment
  • Hand-tuning techniques
  • Reed-making for harmoniums
  • Polishing and natural finishing
  • The art of repairing vintage Indian instruments

This father-to-son transfer of skill became the foundation of the family’s musical lineage and laid the ground for the store’s long-term success.

Craftsmanship Passed Down

What made Shri R.N. Bhargava extraordinary was not only his craftsmanship but also his belief that knowledge and talent must be passed on—not protected.

He trained and mentored his son, Shri T.P. Bhargava, teaching him:

  • Wood selection and treatment
  • Hand-tuning techniques
  • Reed-making for harmoniums
  • Polishing and natural finishing
  • The art of repairing vintage Indian instruments

This father-to-son transfer of skill became the foundation of the family’s musical lineage and laid the ground for the store’s long-term success.

Birth of a Trusted Name

His honesty and deep respect for musicians quickly earned him a reputation that no advertisement could buy. Musicians trusted him because he treated the art with purity and the artist with dignity.

By the early 1950s, BHARGAVA’S Music had become a go-to destination for classical instrumentalists across North India.