Dabir Khan (1905 – 1972), a 20th-century Indian musician, stood as the last torchbearer of the Rampur Seni veena tradition. His lineage boasted a connection to the famed 18th-century veena player Niamat Khan, believed to be a descendant of Miyan Tansen’s daughter Saraswati. Tragically, Dabir Khan’s father, Nazir Khan, passed away young, leaving him to be trained under the watchful eyes of his grandfather, Ustad Wazir Khan, and uncle, Sagir Khan.
Dabir Khan’s mastery extended beyond the veena. He was equally adept at Dhrupad vocal music, carrying a vast repertoire of compositions specific to the Seni tradition. For a significant part of his life, he resided in Calcutta, where he not only performed but also nurtured the talents of numerous students, including the renowned singer Manna Dey. His exceptional artistry was recognized with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1969.
While the exact link to Miyan Tansen remains a topic of debate, Ustad Dabir Khan’s place within a distinguished musical lineage is undeniable. His expertise in both veena and Dhrupad singing exemplifies his well-rounded musical knowledge. Through his disciples, he ensured the rich heritage of the Rampur Seni tradition continued to resonate for future generations.