Biography
Pandit Ravi Shankar was perhaps the most internationally recognized Hindustani musician of the twentieth century, a three-time Grammy Award winner and recipient of the Bharat Ratna. Trained under the legendary Baba Allauddin Khan in the Maihar tradition, he underwent years of rigorous talim that gave him a comprehensive command of raag science and instrumental technique. He elevated the sitar to global prominence through landmark concert tours, his association with George Harrison and the Beatles, and performances at historic events like the Monterey Pop Festival and the Concert for Bangladesh. His interpretations of raags like Yaman, Khamaj, Miyan ki Malhar, and his own compositions like Raag Tilak Shyam became touchstones of sitar literature. He also composed orchestral works, film scores including Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy, and founded the Ravi Shankar Centre in Delhi to preserve his musical legacy. His daughters Norah Jones and Anoushka Shankar continued his cross-cultural musical vision into the twenty-first century.
This biographical summary is based on commonly available sources and is presented with respect. Details may vary across references.