Ustad Allauddin Khan (c. 1862–1881 – 6 September 1972) was an Indian musician and one of the most influential teachers in the history of Hindustani classical music. A master of the sarod and many other instruments, he founded the Maihar gharana. His students included Ravi Shankar, his son Ali Akbar Khan and his daughter Annapurna Devi. He was the first Hindustani classical musician to receive the Padma Vibhushan.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Allauddin Khan |
| Born | Shibpur, Brahmanbaria, Bengal (now in Bangladesh); year disputed (c. 1862–1881) |
| Died | 6 September 1972, Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Instruments | Sarod, and many others including sitar, violin and surbahar |
| Guru | Ustad Wazir Khan of Rampur |
| Gharana | Maihar (founder) |
| Children | Ali Akbar Khan, Annapurna Devi and others |
| Honours | Padma Bhushan (1958), Padma Vibhushan (1971) |
Early Life
Allauddin Khan was born in the village of Shibpur in eastern Bengal, now in Bangladesh. His exact birth year is disputed. As a boy he ran away from home to Calcutta, determined to learn music, and he studied with a series of teachers. He later learned from the great beenkar Ustad Wazir Khan at the court of Rampur, a descendant of the legendary Tansen’s lineage.
Career
Allauddin Khan became court musician to the Maharaja of Maihar, a small princely state in central India, where he spent the rest of his life. In 1918 he founded the Maihar Band, an orchestra of orphaned children after the influenza pandemic, for which he invented new instruments.
Known as “Baba”, Allauddin Khan was a strict, demanding teacher. His disciples became some of the most important musicians of the 20th century: Ravi Shankar (sitar), Ali Akbar Khan (sarod), Annapurna Devi (surbahar), Nikhil Banerjee (sitar) and Pannalal Ghosh (flute). In 1935 he toured Europe with Uday Shankar’s dance troupe.
Personal Life and Death
Allauddin Khan was known for his spirituality and simple life, and he respected all faiths. He died in Maihar on 6 September 1972.
Awards and Honours
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Ustad Allauddin Khan born?
Birth details: Shibpur, Brahmanbaria, Bengal (now in Bangladesh); year disputed (c. 1862–1881).
When did Ustad Allauddin Khan die?
Died: 6 September 1972, Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, India.
What honours has Ustad Allauddin Khan received?
Padma Bhushan (1958), Padma Vibhushan (1971).
