The Musical Legacy of Ustad Mehboob Khan: Preserving the Sarangi Tradition in Hindustani Classical Music

Abstract

The sarangi occupies a distinctive position in Hindustani classical music due to its expressive tonal qualities and its close relationship with vocal performance. Despite its significant role as both an accompanying and solo instrument, the artistic contributions of several important sarangi musicians remain insufficiently documented in academic scholarship. This article examines the musical legacy of Ustad Mehboob Khan Sahib, an eminent sarangi musician associated with the Jaipur musical tradition. Drawing on qualitative research originally undertaken for the author's M.Phil. dissertation, the study uses oral-history interviews with musicians associated with the tradition, alongside documentary and archival materials, to examine Khan Sahib's career as a performer and accompanist, his compositional work, pedagogical practices, and contribution to the transmission of musical knowledge. Particular attention is given to the ways in which his musicianship combined technical proficiency, aesthetic sensitivity, and responsiveness to vocal performance, as well as to his role in transmitting musical values through teaching and mentorship. By documenting these interconnected dimensions of his musical life, the article argues that Khan Sahib's legacy extends beyond individual performance to the preservation and intergenerational transmission of the sarangi tradition. The study also demonstrates the value of oral-history research for documenting musicians whose artistic knowledge and influence are preserved substantially through performance, memory, and teacher–disciple relationships.