Ustad Asad Ali Khan(1937-2011)
Rudra Veena maestro Ustad Asad Ali Khan died in
New Delhi in the early hours of June 14, 2011 at the age of 74.
He is survived by three daughters and two sons.
Ustad Asad Ali Khan was one of the most celebrated custodians of
the fading Rudra Veena (or Been) tradition, representing the
Jaipur Beenkar Gharana. 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. Ustad Asad Ali Khan was born in 1937 and began his
rigorous training under his father, practising at least 14 hours
a day, for over fifteen years.
The undisputed master of Rudra Veena, his command over its
exacting technique and his virtuosity on this instrument were
unparalleled. He was noted for the purity of his style as well
as the mood of profound contemplation that his music evoked.
Very few musicians practise the Rudra Veena as its technique is
so exacting, but Asad Ali was actively involved in preserving
this ancient art form.
Ustad Asad Ali Khan taught music at the University of Delhi and
also conducted courses on the Rudra Veena in the USA. The
numerous awards and honors that came his way included the
Sangeet Shiromani Award from the Lalit Kala Academy of Kanpur,
Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1985, Tiruna Dhrupad Award, Kashi
in 1988 , Sahitya Kala Parishad Award, Delhi in 1989 , the
Tansen Award in 1994, ITC Sangeet Research Academy Award,
Kolkata in 2007 and the Padma Bhushan in 2008. He was a top
grade artiste of All India Radio and participated in Radio
Sangeet Sammelans, National Programmes and music conferences all
over India and abroad. His foremost disciple is his son Zaqu
Haider who is actively mastering the instrument and hopes to
carry on the tradition.
May his soul rest in peace.
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