Photo: Collected

BRAHMANBARIA, Sept 6, 2026 (BSS) - The 54th death anniversary of legendary musician and multi-instrumentalist Ustad Alauddin Khan is being observed today in the district. 

The world-renowned exponent of classical music breathed his last in Maihar, India, on this day in 1972.

Ustad Alauddin Khan was born on October 8, 1862, in Shibpur village under Nabinagar upazila of present-day Brahmanbaria district, then part of Tripura district in British India.

His father was Sabdar Hossain Khan, popularly known as Sadu Khan, and his mother was Sundari Begum. He was the third among five brothers. He had a son, Ali Akbar Khan, and two daughters-- Sarija and Roushan Ara-- with his wife Madani Bibi. Roushan Ara later became widely known as Annapurna Devi.

From an early age, Alauddin Khan developed a deep passion for music. He found the confines of the traditional school unbearable and, at the age of eight, left home secretly at night and travelled to Kolkata to pursue his musical aspirations. There, adopting the name "Monmohan Dev", he began training in 
instrumental music under Ustad Nulo Babu.

After 33 years of rigorous practice and learning from several renowned gurus, he established himself as one of the greatest musicians of the Indian subcontinent. His long musical education culminated in his training in the veena under Ustad Wazir Khan.

Ustad Alauddin Khan played a pivotal role in taking classical raga music beyond the confines of royal courts and making it accessible to the wider public.

A master of numerous musical instruments, he was also one of the principal architects of the Maihar gharana. Among the notable ragas associated with his compositions are Madina Manjuri, Shobhavati, Dhawalashree, Bhubaneswar, Durgeshwari, Hemanta, Umabati, Prabhavati, Hem Behag and Nagarjun.

During his international tour in 1936, his performances in London and other countries received widespread acclaim. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to music, he was honored with several national and international awards, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Desikottam, honorary 
doctorates and fellowships.

He also served as an important member of India's Central Education Commission.

Ustad Alauddin Khan maintained a deep attachment to his birthplace, Shibpur in Nabinagar. At his mother's request, he had a pond excavated and a permanent mosque built there. He visited his birthplace for the last time in 1954.

To commemorate the great musician and pay tribute to his memory, the Sur Samrat Alauddin Sangeetangan, a legendary music academy and cultural center located in Kumarshil, in Brahmanbaria town has organised a discussion and musical programme at 6.30 pm today.

Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner Md Abu Sayeed is scheduled to attend the programme as the chief guest.