The Soul of Maihar - Baba Allauddin Khan and his Band

Recipient of Padma Bhushan in 1958, and the Padma Vibhushan in 1971, Baba Allauddin Khan was a musician of the Maihar court (gharana). Other prominent musicians from this gharana included the late Pandit Ravi Shankar and late Nikhil Banerjee. Baba Allauddin Khan invented musical instruments like the nal-tarang, jal-tarang and chandra-sarang, among others, despite the limited resources in a small town like Maihar.
In 1918 Baba formed the Maihar Band with the aim of providing solace to orphaned children after an epidemic. Today the Maihar band is in its fifth generation. The current band performs at various cultural events in Madhya Pradesh, and also travels to other cities of the country to perform. Band members also teach other budding musicians at their music school in Maihar town.

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The current, fifth generation, Maihar band practices every morning at a music school in Maihar.

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A portrait of Baba Allauddin Khan at his home in Maihar.

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The famous nal-tarang invented by Baba uses gun barrels of varying dimensions to produce different notes.

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Baba was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1971, India’s second highest civilian honour.

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A portrait of Baba Allauddin Khan outside his grave.

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A peek into Baba’s room, where his belongings are kept.

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A member of the current Maihar band practicing.

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Baba’s sarod is still kept in the Maihar band’s music school in Maihar.