Alladiya Khan Biography 
Alladiya Khan was an Indian classical singer, popularly known as "Gaan Samraat". He was the founder of Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, based on Agra gharana. He has revived and created many new ragas. The Annual Ustad Alladiya Khan Music Festival is celebrated in Mumbai each year, paying homage to one of the greatest Indian vocalists. His prime disciples were Kesarbai Kerkar, Mogubai Kurdikar and Nivruttibuwa Sarnaik. He has also taught Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale, Wamanrao Sadolikar and his own sons, Bhurji Khan and Manji Khan. His Gayaki was passed on by Ustad Bhurji Khan, as his son Manji Khan had an early death in 1937.
Alladiya Khan was born in Uniara of present Rajasthan on August 10, 1855. He was a native of Jaipur then. He was born in a musical family. As his father died early, he received formal training from his uncle, Jehangir Khan of the Agra gharana who taught him dhrupad for 5 years and then khyal for next 8 years. Later Alladiya Khan has served as court poet under different kingdoms of Rajasthan. During those days, he used to sing and practise restlessly that it affected his voice. He regained his lost voice, but developed a new singing voice and style. Later he settled down as the court musician of Kolhapur. After the death of the king, he moved to Mumbai and very soon, he became a popular vocalist in the city.
He is credited to the creation and renovation of many complex Raags like Savani Kalyan, Nat Kamod, Kaunsi Kanada, Sampoorna Malkauns, Shuddha Nat, Bhoop Nat, Basanti Kedar and Malavi. Many of these ragas belong to Haveli sangeet that Khan began to hear and learn from his childhood. "Mero Piya Rasiya" based on Raag Nayaki Kanada and Ye Pyaari pag hole based on Bihagda are very popular.
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Updated: February 20, 2014
