Mushtaq Ali Khan (20 June 1911 – 21 July 1989), born in Banaras, was an esteemed sitar and surbahar player, widely regarded as the foremost representative of the Senia Gharana in the mid-20th century. His lineage traced back to Masit Sen, the creator of the Masitkhani Baaj, a foundational style in sitar music. His father, Ashiq Ali Khan, was also a renowned sitar player.
Mushtaq Ali Khan began his musical training at the age of six under his father’s tutelage, continuing a family tradition that linked him to some of the most prominent figures in Indian classical music. His training incorporated elements of the Gwalior, Agra, and Bakhle styles, and his sitar playing was noted for its purity, adhering to a traditional approach that eschewed the ornamentation popular in modern techniques. His alap, a slow and meditative exploration of the raga, was deeply influenced by the dhrupad style, with jod and jhalla sections reflecting the techniques of the rudra veena (been).
Initially a court musician in Jaunpur, Mushtaq Ali Khan left to pursue an independent career. He began playing for All India Radio in 1929 and gained national recognition after performing at the 1931 Sangeet Sammelan in Allahabad. Throughout the 1940s and early 1950s, he was considered the leading sitar player in India, before the rise of Ravi Shankar and Vilayat Khan. His dedication to the traditional Senia style, however, led to a gradual decline in popularity as new styles emerged.
Mushtaq Ali Khan was also a distinguished surbahar player, known for his mastery of this challenging instrument. He was unique in playing the surbahar in the been-ang style using three mezrabs (plectrums) and accompanying it with the pakhawaj, a rare and pure approach rooted in the dhrupad tradition.
His contributions to Indian classical music were recognized with numerous awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1968 and the title of D.Litt from Rabindra Bharati University. He was also appointed Professor Emeritus by the Indian government.
A revered teacher, his notable disciples included Nirmal Guha Thakurta, Netai Bose, Shipra Chaudhury, and Dr. Debu Chaudhuri, the latter of whom founded the “UMAK Centre for Culture” in New Delhi to preserve his legacy.
Despite his reluctance to commercialize his music, Mushtaq Ali Khan’s influence was profound, with many of India’s greatest musicians acknowledging the purity of his style. He organized music conferences to introduce new artists and revive traditional forms, playing a key role in shaping the classical music scene in India. He remained actively involved in cultural projects until his death on 21 July 1989. His life and work continue to inspire respect and admiration among connoisseurs and musicians alike.