The sound of the sarod Indian classical musician Amjad Ali Khan performing in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, India, January 2016. (more) Amjad Ali Khan Indian musician and composer Also known as: Masoom Ali Khan, Sarod Samrat Written by Anoushka Pant Anoushka Pant holds a degree in elementary education, with a focus on mathematics, education, and psychology, from Miranda House, University of Delhi. Anoushka Pant Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Feb. 20, 2026 •History Amjad Ali Khan (born October 9, 1945, Gwalior [then in the princely state of Gwalior, now in Madhya Pradesh], India) is an Indian sarod player and music composer, celebrated for his contributions to Hindustani classical music and for bringing the sarod to global audiences. Across a career that has lasted more than 60 years, Khan changed the way the sarod is played by creating expressive techniques—such as rapid melodic passages articulated through alternating right-hand strokes...

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