Radhika Mohan Maitra (1917–1981), one of the most distinguished Sarod players of the 20th century, was born in 1917 into a noble Zamindar family in Rajshahi, which is now part of Bangladesh. The Maitra family, known for their patronage of the arts, played a crucial role in fostering a rich musical environment that deeply influenced Radhika Mohan’s life. His grandfather, Lalita Mohan Maitra, had invited the legendary Sarod maestro Ustad Mohammed Ameer Khan of the Shahjahanpur Gharana to serve as the court musician in Rajshahi. This connection to the Shahjahanpur Gharana laid the foundation for Radhika Mohan’s illustrious musical career.
Radhika Mohan’s mother, an accomplished Sitar player and a disciple of Ustad Enayet Khan, also contributed to his early exposure to classical music. At the tender age of five, Radhika Mohan displayed a keen interest in music, which was recognized by Ustad Ameer Khan, who took him under his wing. For twelve years, Radhika Mohan received rigorous training from Ustad Ameer Khan, who imparted to him the rich traditions and intricate techniques of the Shahjahanpur Gharana. This early and intensive training shaped Radhika Mohan into a musician of extraordinary caliber.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Radhika Mohan was academically inclined. He earned a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Calcutta and a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Dhaka, demonstrating his intellectual prowess alongside his musical talents. Despite his academic achievements, his passion for music remained undiminished, and he continued to hone his skills on the Sarod.
Radhika Mohan’s Sarod playing was characterized by its melodious tone, impeccable pitch, and the ability to execute complex taans (fast, intricate melodic passages) with remarkable speed and control. He was a purist who believed in preserving the authenticity of the ragas and the compositions passed down by the great Ustads. His interpretation of the Sarod baaj (playing style) was marked by fluent phrasing, brilliant articulation of bol-taans (rhythmic patterns), and a deep emotional resonance that captivated audiences across India.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Radhika Mohan began to gain recognition on the national stage. His fame spread throughout the country, and he shared the stage with some of the most celebrated musicians of his time, including Ustad Vilayet Khan, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Ustad Amir Khan (vocalist), and Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. His performances were regularly featured on All India Radio, further cementing his reputation as one of the foremost Sarod players of his era.
In Calcutta, where his family relocated after leaving Rajshahi, Radhika Mohan faced economic challenges. Despite these difficulties, he turned to teaching music, which eventually became a significant aspect of his legacy. His dedication to teaching produced several distinguished disciples, including Buddhadev Dasgupta, Anil Roy Chowdhury, Samarendra Sikdar, Rajani Kanta Chaturvedi, and Dr. Kalyan Mukherjee. His teaching extended beyond the Sarod; he also trained Sitar students, benefiting from his understanding of the Emdadkhani style, which he had learned from his mother and further refined through his friendship with Ustad Vilayet Khan. Even Sitar maestro Pandit Nikhil Banerjee received training from Radhika Mohan for several years.
In 1976, Radhika Mohan Maitra established the Mohammed Ameer Khan School of Instrumental Music in Calcutta, dedicated to the development of young talent in Sarod and Sitar. This institution was a testament to his commitment to preserving and promoting the traditions of the Shahjahanpur Gharana. The following year, he initiated the ‘Rising Talents’ music conference, which provided a platform for young and talented artists, regardless of their Gharana or Guru, to perform in front of discerning audiences. This conference became a significant event in Calcutta’s cultural calendar and continued to thrive even after his death, contributing to the careers of many prominent musicians in Indian classical music.
Despite his declining health in the late 1970s, Radhika Mohan continued to play an active role in the cultural life of Calcutta. In a notable recognition of his artistic stature, the renowned British filmmaker Sir David Lean expressed a desire to make a documentary on Radhika Mohan’s life and music. However, the maestro, who was in his twilight years, politely declined the offer, choosing instead to remain in Calcutta to continue teaching his students.
Radhika Mohan Maitra passed away in 1981 after a brief illness, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence the world of Indian classical music. His contributions to the Sarod and the Shahjahanpur Gharana are remembered with great reverence, and his impact as a performer, teacher, and cultural visionary remains profound. His recordings, disciples, and the institutions he founded ensure that his artistic vision lives on, inspiring future generations of musicians.