Ustad Asad Ali Khan




Ustad Asad Ali Khan is one of the most celebrated custodians of the fading Rudra Veena (or Been) tradition. He is probably the last surviving exponent of the Khandarbani - one of the four schools (banis) of dhrupad and represents Jaipur Beenkar Gharana. According to Ustadji, Khandarbani derives its name from Khanda, an old weapon of Rajasthan that was known for its precision, force and sharpness.

His family traditions go back seven generations to the 18th century when his ancestors were royal musicians in the princely court of Jaipur. His great grandfather, the legendary Ustad Rajab Ali Khan and his grandfather Ustad Musharraf Khan were famous been players in the court of Alwar. In the early decades of this century, his father Ustad Sadik Ali Khan (1883 - 1964) moved to the court at Rampur. Asad Ali Khan was born in 1937 and began his rigorous training under his father, practicing at least 14 hours a day, for over fifteen years.

The undisputed master of Rudra Veena, Asad Ali has wonderful command over its exacting technique and his virtuosity on this instrument is unparalleled. He is noted for the purity of his style as well as the mood of profound contemplation evoked by his music.

Today very few musicians practise the Rudra Veena as its technique is so exacting and Asad Ali is actively involved in preserving this ancient art form. Ustad Asad Ali Khan has taught music at the University of Delhi and has also conducted courses on the Rudra Veena in the USA. He has received several awards and honors such as Sangeet Shiromani Award from the Lalit Kala Academy of Kanpur, Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1985, Tiruna Dhrupad Award, Kashi in 1988 and Sahitya Kala Parishad Award, Delhi in 1989 and the Tansen Award in 1994. He is a top grade artiste of All India Radio and has participated in Radio Sangeet Sammelans, National Programmes and music conferences all over India and abroad. He has several recordings to his credit. His foremost disciple is his son Zaqi Haider who is actively mastering the instrument and hopes to carry on the tradition.

Here are his renditions of Raaga Khamaj and Bihag

Gharana	Raga	Duration (Minutes)	Audio Clip	Add to myMusic
Jaipur	Khamaj	27.59
Jaipur	Bihag	33.36

http://www.itcsra.org/audio/instrumental/veena/asadalikhan_khamaj.ram

http://www.itcsra.org/audio/instrumental/veena/asadalikhan_bihag.ram