Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Biography of Ustad Allauddin Khan Translated into English
A famous musician named Ustad Allauddin Khan wrote a book about his life in 1952.
A young girl named Hemasri Chaudhuri recently translated this book from Bengali to English.
The book is short, with only 79 pages, and includes pictures and a note from another famous musician, Pt Ravi Shankar.
In the book, Ustad Allauddin Khan talks about how he ran away from home to learn music, trained under a great musician, and later became a court musician for a Maharaja.
He also shares his experiences traveling to Europe and his thoughts on Western music.
The book shows how music and the world of artists have changed over the last century.
It's a great read for anyone who loves music.
Ustad Allauddin Khan's biography, originally written in Bengali in 1952, has been translated into English by Hemasri Chaudhuri.
The book is a slim read at 79 pages and includes photographs and a foreword by Pt Ravi Shankar.
Allauddin Khan recounts his early days, his musical training under Ustad Wazir Khan, and his time as a court musician for the Maharaja of Maihar.
The book highlights Allauddin Khan's experiences in Europe and his observations on Western music.
The biography provides insights into the changes in the world of music over the last century, including attitudes towards the arts, training, performances, and the importance of patrons.
- Who
- Ustad Allauddin Khan, a renowned musician and founder of the Maihar gharana, and Hemasri Chaudhuri, the translator.
- What
- A biography of Ustad Allauddin Khan, originally written in Bengali in 1952, has been translated into English.
- When
- The original book was published in 1952, and the English translation was released in 2023.
- Where
- The book was originally noted down in Shantiniketan and published in India.
- Why
- To share the life story and musical journey of Ustad Allauddin Khan with a new generation of readers.
- Author
- Ustad Allauddin Khan
- Translator
- Hemasri Chaudhuri
- Publisher
- Niyogi Books
- Pages
- 79
- Foreword by
- Pt Ravi Shankar
- Original Publication Year
- 1952
- Translation Year
- 2023
- Price
- Rs 499