Who among the following is the pioneer and founder of Kirana Gharana of Hindustani music?

The correct answer is Abdul Karim Khan.

Detailed Explanation:

1. Origin of Kirana Gharana: The Kirana Gharana is one of the most prominent vocal lineages (gharanas) in Hindustani classical music. The name of the gharana is derived from 'Kirana', a small town near Kurukshetra in Uttar Pradesh (now in Shamli district), which was the birthplace of its key exponents.
2. Founders: The pioneer and main founder of the Kirana Gharana was Ustad Abdul Karim Khan (1872–1937), along with his cousin Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan. Ustad Abdul Karim Khan revolutionized Hindustani classical music by emphasizing precise intonation (swara-shuddhi) and emotional depth (pukar) in his singing style.
3. Analyzing the Other Options:
• Sawai Gandharva: He was a legendary disciple of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan and played a key role in popularizing the gharana in Maharashtra.
• Bhimsen Joshi: One of India's most celebrated classical vocalists and a Bharat Ratna awardee, Bhimsen Joshi was a disciple of Sawai Gandharva, representing a subsequent generation of the Kirana lineage.
• Firoz Dastur: A highly respected vocalist and academic of the Kirana Gharana, who was also a disciple of Sawai Gandharva.

Hence, Ustad Abdul Karim Khan is widely recognized as the pioneer and founder of this musical tradition.