Dabir Khan – Famous Rudra Veena player of 20th century

Dabir Khan was a great Rudra Veena player and vocalist of 20^th century. He was the grandson of legendary Wazir Khan of Rampur, the veena player and chief musician at the court of Nawab Hamid Ali Khan of Rampur. Dabir belonged to a Muslim family of Rampur with more than 5 centuries old tradition in music and many of its members have served as court musicians.

Dabir Khan was born in 1905 in Rampur during British rule in India. He took formal lessons in Veena from his paternal grandfather Wazir Khan, and followed his legacy. He was a musician at All India Radio Calcutta, apart from doing music concerts. He was awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1969 for his contributions towards music. He passed away in 1972.

His legacy dates back to I. Samokhan Singh, Maharaja of Kishangarh who died in a battle with Akbar. His grandson Naubat Khan, a musician of rudra veena embraced Islam and accepted the surname Khan from Akbar. His real name was Misri Singh and he was a contemporary of great musician Tansen who married his daughter. Lal Khan Gunsamundra, Khushal Khan Gunsamundra, Naimat Khan (Sadarang), Omrao Khan and Ameer Khan Khandara are among his predecessors associated with music and musical instrument Been. Among his successors Imtiyaz ali khan is a prominent artist and painter belonging to present generation.

Dabir Khan – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. His family roots back to a Hindu Royal family associated with music during 16^th century who lost its power to Emperor Akbar. The family later converted to Islam, yet remained as musicians.

2. At least 10 generations of his family were performers in music, particularly rudra veena, beginning with King Samokhan Singh who lost battle to Akbar. 

3. Among his prominent disciples, Bollywood playback singer Manna Dey is a famous name.

4. Music heritage of the family has records starting with the lifetime of I. Samokhan Singh, Maharaja of Kishangarh and branching to all the next centuries including 21st.

5. His family had developed their own dishes influenced by Awadhi cuisine. His family is fond of desserts and owns a habit to take desserts after every meal.