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{{Short description|Indian Hindustani classical vocalist}} | {{Short description|Indian Hindustani classical music vocalist (1872 - 1937)}} | ||
{{distinguish|Abdul Karim Khan (Yarkand)|Abdul Karim (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa politician)}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2018}} | {{Use Indian English|date=October 2018}} | ||
{{Infobox musical artist | {{Infobox musical artist | ||
| name | | name = Abdul Karim Khan | ||
| image | | image = Abdul Karim Khan.jpg | ||
| caption | | caption = | ||
| image_size | | image_size = | ||
| birth_name | | birth_name = | ||
| alias | | alias = | ||
| birth_place | | birth_place = | ||
| birth_date | | birth_date = 11 November 1872 | ||
| death_place | | death_place = | ||
| death_date | | death_date = 27 October 1937 (aged 64) | ||
| origin | | origin = [[Kairana]], Uttar Pradesh | ||
| genre | | genre = [[Indian classical music]] | ||
| occupation | | occupation = Singer of [[hindustani classical music]] | ||
| years_active = 1893–1937 | | years_active = 1893–1937 | ||
| label | | label = Awards: | ||
| module = {{Listen |embed= yes |filename= Ustad Abdul Karim Khan - Raag Jhinjhoti.ogg |title= Abdul Karim Khan's singing a bandish in Raag Jhinjhoti |type= singing |description= Bandish in Raag Jhinjhoti – "Piya bin nahi aawat chain, kaa se kahoon jee ke bain" }} | |||
| module | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''[[Ustad]] Abdul Karim Khan''' ([[Devanagari]]: उस्ताद अब्दुल करीम ख़ान, [[Persian language|Persian]]: {{nq|اُستاد عبدُالکریم خان}}) (11 November 1872 – 27 October 1937)<ref name=ITC>{{cite web|url=http://www.itcsra.org/tribute.asp?tribute=1 | | '''[[Ustad]] Abdul Karim Khan''' ([[Devanagari]]: उस्ताद अब्दुल करीम ख़ान, [[Persian language|Persian]]: {{nq|اُستاد عبدُالکریم خان}}) (11 November 1872 – 27 October 1937)<ref name=ITC>{{cite web|url=http://www.itcsra.org/tribute.asp?tribute=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220175609/http://www.itcsra.org/tribute.asp?tribute=1|title=Tribute to a Maestro – Abdul Karim Khan|date=4 May 2007|archive-date=20 December 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=6 August 2025|website=ITC Sangeet Research Academy website}}</ref><ref name=veethi>[http://www.veethi.com/india-people/abdul_karim_khan-profile-3249-24.htm Profile of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan on veethi.com website] Updated 19 February 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2022</ref> was an [[Hindustani classical music|Indian classical]] singer and, along with his cousin [[Abdul Wahid Khan]], the founder of the [[Kirana gharana]] of classical music. | ||
==Early life and background== | ==Early life and background== | ||
Abdul Karim Khan was born on 11 November 1872 in [[Kairana]] town in | Abdul Karim Khan was born on 11 November 1872 in [[Kairana|Kirana]] town in Shamli, [[Uttar Pradesh]] into a family with music tradition which traced its roots to musician brothers Ghulam Ali and Ghulam Maula. His father, Kale Khan, was the grandson of Ghulam Ali. Abdul Karim Khan received training from his uncle Abdullah Khan and father Kale Khan. He also received guidance from another uncle, Nanhe Khan. Abdul Karim Khan was musically influenced by Ustad Rahmat Khan of [[Gwalior gharana]]. Apart from vocals and [[sarangi]], he also learned the [[Rudra veena|veena (been)]], [[sitar]] and [[tabla]].<ref name=calarts/><ref name=ITC/><ref name="scroll.in"/> | ||
According to a story, he was initially a [[sarangi]] player, but decided to switch to vocals because of low status of sarangi players. In his early years, he used to sing with his brother Abdul Haq. They appeared before Murtaza Khan of the "Maula Bakhsh Khandan" | According to a story, he was initially a [[sarangi]] player, but decided to switch to vocals because of low status of sarangi players at that time. In his early years, he used to sing with his brother Abdul Haq. They appeared before Murtaza Khan of the "Maula Bakhsh Khandan", then all appeared before the Maharaja (king). They were all influenced by Murtaza's style. The king of [[Baroda State]] was impressed by this singing duo and made them the court musicians. | ||
This is where he met Tarabai Mane, who was the daughter of Sardar Maruti Rao Mane, a member of the royal family. When they decided to get married, they were ousted from Baroda. The couple settled in [[Bombay]]. In 1922, Tarabai Mane left Abdul Karim Khan, which apparently had a major impact on his music – making it [[pensive]] and [[meditative]]. | This is where he met Tarabai Mane, who was the daughter of Sardar Maruti Rao Mane, a member of the royal family.<ref name=TheWire/> When they decided to get married, they were ousted from Baroda. The couple settled in [[Bombay]].<ref name=TheWire/> In 1922, Tarabai Mane left Abdul Karim Khan, which apparently had a major impact on his music – making it [[pensive]] and [[meditative]]. | ||
Karim Khan's first wife, | Karim Khan's first wife, Ghafooran, was the sister of another Kirana master [[Abdul Wahid Khan]], who was also his cousin.<ref name=veethi/> | ||
==Career== | ==Career== | ||
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"One of the most melodious classical musicians we have had, Abdul Karim Khan's music always created a sublime atmosphere. The soothing quality of his specially cultivated voice, and his repose style of singing were such that the singer as well as his listeners forgot themselves in a sort of 'trance'."<ref name=calarts/> | "One of the most melodious classical musicians we have had, Abdul Karim Khan's music always created a sublime atmosphere. The soothing quality of his specially cultivated voice, and his repose style of singing were such that the singer as well as his listeners forgot themselves in a sort of 'trance'."<ref name=calarts/> | ||
Abdul Karim Khan was invited to the [[Mysore]] court where he met famous [[Carnatic music]] masters who also influenced his music. In particular the singing of his [[sargam (music)|sargam]] was a direct influence of Carnatic practice. He became a frequent visitor to [[Mysore Palace]] which conferred on him the title ''Sangeet Ratna''. On the way to Mysore he used to stay with his brother in Dharwad where he taught his most famous disciple [[Sawai Gandharva]]. In 1900, for eight months he taught [[Kesarbai Kerkar]], who would go on to be one of the 20th century's most renowned vocalists. In 1913, he founded the Arya Sangeet Vidyalaya in [[Poona]] to teach music students.<ref name=calarts> | Abdul Karim Khan was invited to the [[Mysore]] court where he met famous [[Carnatic music]] masters who also influenced his music. In particular the singing of his [[sargam (music)|sargam]] was a direct influence of Carnatic practice. He became a frequent visitor to [[Mysore Palace]] which conferred on him the title ''Sangeet Ratna''. On the way to Mysore, he used to stay with his brother in Dharwad where he taught his most famous disciple [[Sawai Gandharva]]. In 1900, for eight months he taught [[Kesarbai Kerkar]], who would go on to be one of the 20th century's most renowned vocalists. In 1913, he founded the Arya Sangeet Vidyalaya in [[Poona]] to teach music to the students.<ref name=calarts>{{cite web|url=http://music.calarts.edu/~bansuri/pages/abdulkarim.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 May 2008|author=Susheela Misra|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513060851/http://music.calarts.edu/~bansuri/pages/abdulkarim.html|title=Profile of Abdul Karim Khan|website=Calarts.edu website|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref> He finally settled down in [[Miraj]] till his death on 27 October 1937, when returning from a concert tour of the South. Every year in August, commemorative music concerts are held in Miraj in his honour.<ref name="scroll.in"/> | ||
==His style== | ==His style== | ||
The innovations he brought to his vocal style distinguishes Kirana style from others. The slow melodic development of the raga in [[Vilambit]] laya (slow tempo) was the most characteristic aspect of his music. He worked hard to maintain his voice to be sweet and melodious which shaped his music. The [[thumri]] style he developed is also quite different from the 'Poorab ang' or 'Punjabi ang'. His thumri progresses in a leisurely slow pace with ample abandonment. He was also the first Hindustani musician to seriously study the Carnatic system and probably the first to be invited to sing all over the South.<ref name=weebly>[http://maestroesclassicalsingers.weebly.com/ustad-abdul-karim-khan.html Profile of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan on weebly.com website] | The innovations he brought to his vocal style distinguishes Kirana style from others. The slow melodic development of the raga in [[Vilambit]] laya (slow tempo) was the most characteristic aspect of his music. He worked hard to maintain his voice to be sweet and melodious which shaped his music. The [[thumri]] style he developed is also quite different from the 'Poorab ang' or 'Punjabi ang'. His thumri progresses in a leisurely slow pace with ample abandonment. He was also the first Hindustani musician to seriously study the Carnatic system and probably the first to be invited to sing all over the South.<ref name=weebly>[http://maestroesclassicalsingers.weebly.com/ustad-abdul-karim-khan.html Profile of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan on weebly.com website] Retrieved 9 January 2022</ref> He has even recorded a [[Thyagaraja]] [[Krithi]]. He was also influenced by Rehmat Khan of the [[Gwalior gharana]] and adopted the direct style of presentation. | ||
<ref name=ITC/> "The ustad was an expert on many musical instruments, especially the [[veena]] and the [[sarangi]]. An expert in repairing musical instruments, he carried with him his set of tools for repairs everywhere..."<ref name=calarts/><ref name="scroll.in">{{cite journal|url=https://scroll.in/magazine/854819/the-immeasurable-impact-of-abdul-karim-khan-on-kirana-gharana |author=K D Dixit|date=22 October 2017|title=The immeasurable impact of Abdul Karim Khan to the Kirana gharana|journal=Scroll.in Website|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref><ref name=Subhramaniam>{{cite book|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Classical_Music_of_India_A_Practical_Gui/OnhQEQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Abdul+Wahid++Khan+Kirana+gharana&pg=PA46&printsec=frontcover|page=46|title=Classical Music of India: A Practical Guide (Kirana gharana and Abdul Karim Khan)|author=L. Subhramaniam|year=2025|publisher=Westland Publications via Google Books|isbn=9789360457549}}</ref> | |||
"Although frail-looking, Khan Saheb maintained excellent health through regular exercises, disciplined habits, and frugal living. His photographs show him as a tall, slim person dressed immaculately in a black 'achkan', a cane in hand, a typical moustache and a red gold-bordered turban, and most striking of all, his dreamy eyes."<ref name=calarts/> | "Although frail-looking, Khan Saheb maintained excellent health through regular exercises, disciplined habits, and frugal living. His photographs show him as a tall, slim person dressed immaculately in a black 'achkan', a cane in hand, a typical moustache and a red gold-bordered turban, and most striking of all, his dreamy eyes."<ref name=calarts/> | ||
==Disciples== | ==Disciples== | ||
Abdul Karim's disciples include Ganapat Rao Gurav, [[Roshan Ara Begum]], [[Sureshbabu Mane]], [[Vishwanathbuwa Jadhav]] and [[Sawai Gandharva]]<ref> | Abdul Karim's disciples include Pandit Balkrishnabuwa Kapileshwari, Ganapat Rao Gurav, [[Roshan Ara Begum]], [[Sureshbabu Mane]], [[Vishwanathbuwa Jadhav]] and [[Sawai Gandharva]]<ref name=TheWire>{{cite news|url=https://thewire.in/38602/the-musical-legacy-of-abdul-karim-khan/|title=The Musical Legacy of Abdul Karim Khan|newspaper=The Wire website|date=27 May 2016|access-date=6 August 2025|url-status=dead|author=Nikhil Inamdar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519153217/https://thewire.in/38602/the-musical-legacy-of-abdul-karim-khan/|archive-date=19 May 2017}}</ref> who was the [[Guru]] of [[Bhimsen Joshi]].<ref name=Subhramaniam/> | ||
==Death== | ==Death== | ||
He was on his way to [[Puducherry (city)|Pondicherry]] when he experienced severe pain in the chest at Chingleput. On 27 October 1937, he died peacefully on the platform at Singaperumalkoil railway station. He spent the last few hours of his life remembering God, offering [[Namaz]] and reciting Kalma in the [[Darbari Kanada|Raga Darbari]].<ref name="scroll.in"/> | |||
He was on his way to Pondicherry when he experienced severe pain in the chest at Chingleput. On October | |||
==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||
* ''Great Masters of Hindustani Music'', by Susheela Misra, Hem Publishers, 1981. ''page 78''. | * ''Great Masters of Hindustani Music'', by Susheela Misra, Hem Publishers, 1981. ''page 78''. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[http://courses.nus.edu.sg/course/ellpatke/Miscellany/abdul%20karim%20khan.htm 78 rpm recordings of Ustad's music] | *[http://courses.nus.edu.sg/course/ellpatke/Miscellany/abdul%20karim%20khan.htm 78 rpm recordings of Ustad's music] | ||
*[http://sarangi.info/akk Abdul Karim Khan recordings available on www.sarangi.info] | *[http://sarangi.info/akk Abdul Karim Khan recordings available on www.sarangi.info] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420031459/http://sarangi.info/akk |date=20 April 2009 }} '''[[Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal]]''' ('''अखिल भारतीय गान्धर्व महाविद्यालय मंडल''') is an institution for the promotion and propagation of Indian classical music and dance. | ||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
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[[Category:People from Vadodara]] | [[Category:People from Vadodara]] | ||
[[Category:Thumri]] | [[Category:Thumri]] | ||
[[Category:Indian Muslims]] | [[Category:19th-century Indian Muslims]] | ||
[[Category:Indian male classical singers]] | [[Category:19th-century Indian male classical singers]] | ||
[[Category:Indian music educators]] | [[Category:Indian music educators]] | ||
[[Category:20th-century Indian singers | [[Category:20th-century Indian male classical singers]] | ||
[[Category:Kirana gharana]] | [[Category:Kirana gharana]] | ||
[[Category:20th-century Khyal singers]] | [[Category:20th-century Khyal singers]] | ||
[[Category:Singers from British India]] | |||
Latest revision as of 22:00, 12 August 2025
Abdul Karim Khan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 11 November 1872 |
| Origin | Kairana, Uttar Pradesh |
| Died | 27 October 1937 (aged 64) |
| Genres | Indian classical music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer of hindustani classical music |
| Years active | 1893–1937 |
| Labels | Awards: |
Ustad Abdul Karim Khan (Devanagari: उस्ताद अब्दुल करीम ख़ान, Persian: اُستاد عبدُالکریم خان) (11 November 1872 – 27 October 1937)[1][2] was an Indian classical singer and, along with his cousin Abdul Wahid Khan, the founder of the Kirana gharana of classical music.
Early life and background[edit | edit source]
Abdul Karim Khan was born on 11 November 1872 in Kirana town in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh into a family with music tradition which traced its roots to musician brothers Ghulam Ali and Ghulam Maula. His father, Kale Khan, was the grandson of Ghulam Ali. Abdul Karim Khan received training from his uncle Abdullah Khan and father Kale Khan. He also received guidance from another uncle, Nanhe Khan. Abdul Karim Khan was musically influenced by Ustad Rahmat Khan of Gwalior gharana. Apart from vocals and sarangi, he also learned the veena (been), sitar and tabla.[3][1][4]
According to a story, he was initially a sarangi player, but decided to switch to vocals because of low status of sarangi players at that time. In his early years, he used to sing with his brother Abdul Haq. They appeared before Murtaza Khan of the "Maula Bakhsh Khandan", then all appeared before the Maharaja (king). They were all influenced by Murtaza's style. The king of Baroda State was impressed by this singing duo and made them the court musicians.
This is where he met Tarabai Mane, who was the daughter of Sardar Maruti Rao Mane, a member of the royal family.[5] When they decided to get married, they were ousted from Baroda. The couple settled in Bombay.[5] In 1922, Tarabai Mane left Abdul Karim Khan, which apparently had a major impact on his music – making it pensive and meditative.
Karim Khan's first wife, Ghafooran, was the sister of another Kirana master Abdul Wahid Khan, who was also his cousin.[2]
Career[edit | edit source]
"One of the most melodious classical musicians we have had, Abdul Karim Khan's music always created a sublime atmosphere. The soothing quality of his specially cultivated voice, and his repose style of singing were such that the singer as well as his listeners forgot themselves in a sort of 'trance'."[3]
Abdul Karim Khan was invited to the Mysore court where he met famous Carnatic music masters who also influenced his music. In particular the singing of his sargam was a direct influence of Carnatic practice. He became a frequent visitor to Mysore Palace which conferred on him the title Sangeet Ratna. On the way to Mysore, he used to stay with his brother in Dharwad where he taught his most famous disciple Sawai Gandharva. In 1900, for eight months he taught Kesarbai Kerkar, who would go on to be one of the 20th century's most renowned vocalists. In 1913, he founded the Arya Sangeet Vidyalaya in Poona to teach music to the students.[3] He finally settled down in Miraj till his death on 27 October 1937, when returning from a concert tour of the South. Every year in August, commemorative music concerts are held in Miraj in his honour.[4]
His style[edit | edit source]
The innovations he brought to his vocal style distinguishes Kirana style from others. The slow melodic development of the raga in Vilambit laya (slow tempo) was the most characteristic aspect of his music. He worked hard to maintain his voice to be sweet and melodious which shaped his music. The thumri style he developed is also quite different from the 'Poorab ang' or 'Punjabi ang'. His thumri progresses in a leisurely slow pace with ample abandonment. He was also the first Hindustani musician to seriously study the Carnatic system and probably the first to be invited to sing all over the South.[6] He has even recorded a Thyagaraja Krithi. He was also influenced by Rehmat Khan of the Gwalior gharana and adopted the direct style of presentation. [1] "The ustad was an expert on many musical instruments, especially the veena and the sarangi. An expert in repairing musical instruments, he carried with him his set of tools for repairs everywhere..."[3][4][7]
"Although frail-looking, Khan Saheb maintained excellent health through regular exercises, disciplined habits, and frugal living. His photographs show him as a tall, slim person dressed immaculately in a black 'achkan', a cane in hand, a typical moustache and a red gold-bordered turban, and most striking of all, his dreamy eyes."[3]
Disciples[edit | edit source]
Abdul Karim's disciples include Pandit Balkrishnabuwa Kapileshwari, Ganapat Rao Gurav, Roshan Ara Begum, Sureshbabu Mane, Vishwanathbuwa Jadhav and Sawai Gandharva[5] who was the Guru of Bhimsen Joshi.[7]
Death[edit | edit source]
He was on his way to Pondicherry when he experienced severe pain in the chest at Chingleput. On 27 October 1937, he died peacefully on the platform at Singaperumalkoil railway station. He spent the last few hours of his life remembering God, offering Namaz and reciting Kalma in the Raga Darbari.[4]
Further reading[edit | edit source]
- Great Masters of Hindustani Music, by Susheela Misra, Hem Publishers, 1981. page 78.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Tribute to a Maestro – Abdul Karim Khan". ITC Sangeet Research Academy website. 4 May 2007. Archived from the original on 20 December 2008. Retrieved 6 August 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Profile of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan on veethi.com website Updated 19 February 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2022
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Susheela Misra. "Profile of Abdul Karim Khan". Calarts.edu website. Archived from the original on 13 May 2008. Retrieved 6 August 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 K D Dixit (22 October 2017). "The immeasurable impact of Abdul Karim Khan to the Kirana gharana". Scroll.in Website. Retrieved 6 August 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Nikhil Inamdar (27 May 2016). "The Musical Legacy of Abdul Karim Khan". The Wire website. Archived from the original on 19 May 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2025.
- ↑ Profile of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan on weebly.com website Retrieved 9 January 2022
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 L. Subhramaniam (2025). Classical Music of India: A Practical Guide (Kirana gharana and Abdul Karim Khan). Westland Publications via Google Books. p. 46. ISBN 9789360457549.
External links[edit | edit source]
- 78 rpm recordings of Ustad's music
- Abdul Karim Khan recordings available on www.sarangi.info Archived 20 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal (अखिल भारतीय गान्धर्व महाविद्यालय मंडल) is an institution for the promotion and propagation of Indian classical music and dance.