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Describe the life sketch and contribution to music of Alauddin Khan.

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Allauddin Khan → Sarod maestro → Maihar Gharana founder → Guru of great legends.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Ustad Allauddin Khan (1862–1972), a preeminent Indian multi-instrumentalist and music educator, hailed from East Bengal (present-day Bangladesh). He honed his skills under diverse mentors, achieving mastery in the Sarod, alongside instruments such as the Sitar, Violin, and Pakhawaj. Khan established the Maihar Gharana, renowned for its structured pedagogy and focus on melodic and rhythmic intricacies. His notable students included Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, Annapurna Devi, and Pannalal Ghosh. He pioneered the integration of orchestration in Indian classical music by forming the Maihar Band to foster ensemble performance. His impactful contributions earned him the Padma Vibhushan award. Allauddin Khan's legacy significantly advanced Hindustani music education and its international dissemination.
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