Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and His Contribution to Indian Music

An unquestioned genius “Ustad Bade Ghulam ali Khan” (1902-1968) was one of the greatest Vocalists of the 20th Century. For him, music was a way of life, not merely a profession. He had an effervescent melodic quality which was concertised in a masterly flor of ideas delivered with a unique sense of alacrity, aided by one of the most pliable and dextrous voices ever heard in living memory on this land. He quenched the thirst of countless thirsty minds with his everlasting melodious music. Apart from the singing power and skill, Khan Sahib’s genius found expression in a large number of ‘bandishes’, which are composed under the pen name of “Sabrang”. He also created the magnificent “Surmandal”, an instrument which has become popular today with most of the leading vocalists of the country. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan was elected as ‘Fellow of Sangeet Natak Academy’ and was honoured with the title of “Padma Bhushan” by the President of India. The Vishwa Bharti University conferred on him the title of “Doctor of Literature”. Apart from these official honours his doting audience referred to him by various affectionate names such as ‘Aftab-e-mouseeqi’, ‘Sangeet Samrat’, ‘Sur-Devta’. This book traces his life, music, self composed bandishes, their notations and his unaccountable contribution to the Indian music.