PS Chatur Lal is still one of my all-time favorite players; he must have spent hour after hour coing up with tihai's from every beat of dozens of Talas. Try to find some of his solos- it's amazing! Are any of his students currently on the scene?

hi MIke!
i was first taken to see Kishan Maharaj, and he had just had eye surgery, and so sent me to his son Prakash Maharaj, and i had a lesson in his family's home each evening. When Kishan Maharaj recovered he would come by, watch and comment, (and wave his cane in my face!) but it was his son who was my main teacher. i was invited to become a disciple on my next visit (i was there only two months the first time), but regretfully i didnt go back to Benares as i'd planned. i do think it is unusual for a woman to study tabla, but as i was introduced to them through their family friend, they treated me as a guest, and they seemed pleased that i was interested in studying.
You're correct the female members of his family were not instructed in tabla. Prakash's daughter did not study music, though she danced beautifully. Last letter i received from Prakash Maharaj said both his sons are now very accomplished musicians.
that's great you had the opportunity to study with Kishan Maharaj.