Ustad Imdad Khan (1848 – 1920) was a renowned sitar and surbahar player in the realm of Hindustani classical music.
Ustad Imdad Khan holds the distinction of being the first sitar player ever to be recorded. This marked a significant moment in the history of classical music as it allowed his music to be preserved and shared with a wider audience.
Imdad Khan is recognized as one of the founders of the Etawah Gharana, which is also known as the Imdadkhani Gharana. Gharanas are traditional schools or lineages of music in India, each with its unique style and repertoire. Imdad Khan’s contributions helped shape and establish this gharana.
Imdad Khan was the first sitar player to be recorded. Some of his recordings have been preserved and released on CD, making his music accessible to contemporary audiences. These recordings can be found on compilations like the “Great Gharanas: Imdadkhani” in the RPG/EMI’s Chairman’s Choice series.
Imdad Khan Children: Meet Enayat Khan, Wahid Khan
The children of Imdad are Enayat Khan and Wahid. These two are all into music.
