Hafiz Ali Khan

Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan was a celebrated Sarod player in Gwalior. A fifth-generation descendant of the famous Bangash Gharana of Sarod players, Haafiz Ali was known for the purity of Ragadari and the crystal-clear tone of his strokes. He was son and disciple of the Sarod maestro Nanneh Khan. He later took lessons from his cousin Abdulla Khan, nephew Mohammad Amir Khan, and finally the Beenkar Wazir Khan of Rampur (a direct descendant of the legendary Tansen through the lineage of the latter's daughter). He also studied dhrupad and thumri with Ganeshilal Mishra and Bhaiya Ganpatrao, respectively. Haafiz Ali was a court musician in Gwalior. He performed in all important courts and music festivals in India during early 20th century. Khan's music found generous patrons in two Bengali aristocrats, Raychand Boral and Manmatha Ghosh, both of whom studied with him at various points. Apart from his formidable command over traditional music in dhrupad and thumri style, Haafiz Ali Khan was particularly appreciated in the colonial India for his stylized renditions of “God Save The King” on Sarod. His legacy is carried forward by his son, disciple Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. Haafiz Ali Khan died in 1972, at the age of 95 in New Delhi.