Alladiya Khan

About

Ustad Alladiya Khan (1855–1946) was a legendary Hindustani classical vocalist and founder of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. Born as Ghulam Ahmad Khan in Uniara, Rajasthan, he came from a family of musicians who had converted from Gaud Brahmins during the Mughal era. Orphaned young, he received intense training from his uncle Jehangir Khan in both dhrupad and khayal traditions, developing a strong foundation through years of disciplined practice.

His career flourished in royal courts across India, but a major turning point came in his late thirties when he lost his voice due to over-singing at a patron’s request. Though he recovered, his voice was never the same. This limitation sparked innovation: he created a new vocal style marked by intricate rhythmic play (layakari), complex phrasing, and the revival of rare and compound ragas. This style laid the foundation for the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana.

From 1895 to 1922, he served as court musician to Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur. Later, he moved to Mumbai, where he mentored many disciples and continued performing until his death in 1946.

Alladiya Khan’s influence endures through his disciples, including Kesarbai Kerkar, Mogubai Kurdikar, and Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale, who further popularized the gharana. Known for its intellectual depth and technical precision, the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana remains a cornerstone of Hindustani classical music.

His life story is captured in My Life, narrated to his grandson Azizuddin Khan and translated by Amlan Dasgupta and Urmila Bhirdikar.