A Legacy of Indian Classical Music and Rigorous Discipline
In the small town of Maihar in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district lies a historic treasure of Indian classical music – Baba Allauddin Khan’s house, also known as Madina Bhavan-Shanti Kutir. Recently restored, this bungalow was home to one of India’s greatest music maestros, Baba Allauddin Khan, who spent most of his life here. He established the famous Maihar Gharana and introduced several innovations in Indian classical music.
Historical Maihar fort. Click here to read more
Maihar is known for the famous Sharda Mai Temple, one of the 52 Shakti Peethas, and for being the birthplace of the Maihar Gharana, a distinct school of Hindustani classical music. This Gharana was founded by Baba Allauddin Khan, an accomplished sarod player and the revered teacher of notable disciples like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Nikhil Banerjee, and his daughter, Annapurna Devi.
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Baba Allauddin Khan’s House
Situated along a peaceful, wide street in Maihar, Baba Allauddin Khan’s house is now open to visitors. The simple gate and tranquil atmosphere reflect the humility of the great musician. On entering, one is greeted by two friendly caretakers and two lively dogs, though the house itself doesn’t attract many tourists. Despite Maihar’s bustling temple crowds, the house of Allauddin Khan is a quiet retreat, sought after primarily by true music aficionados.
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The house is well-maintained, and as you walk inside, a sense of calm envelops you. The room where Khan Sahib slept, his chair, and the photos lining the walls offer glimpses into his incredible life. There is a hall displaying the many awards he received from the government, with old sofas arranged along the sides. Though the house seems modest, it leads to a large central hall, big enough to accommodate many students. It was here that Baba Allauddin Khan would sit, tirelessly pushing his students to perform at their best. Stories of his strict discipline are legendary—one tells of him waking lazy students by pouring cold water on them in the middle of winter!
Ichhapurti Temple Kjs Cement Plant, Maihar. Click here for details
The Life and Musical Journey of Baba Allauddin Khan
Baba Allauddin Khan’s life is a tale of struggle and dedication. At just eight years old, he ran away from home, frustrated by the restrictions on playing musical instruments. He soon joined a group of traveling musicians, where he mastered instruments like the tabla, dhol, pakhawaj, and various wind instruments, including the clarinet, cornet, and trumpet. After six years of traveling, he arrived in Kolkata and began learning traditional music under Nulo Gopal, a Bengali singer.
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Khan’s journey took a significant turn when he heard Ustad Ahmad Ali, a sarod player in the court of Raja Jagat Kishore. After much effort, he became Ahmad Ali’s disciple for four years, surpassing even his guru in skill. Eventually, he performed solo in the court of the Nawab of Rampur, where he convinced Veena player Wazir Khan to become his teacher. Wazir Khan, a descendant of Tansen, belonged to the famous family of Beenkars (veena players). This training further enriched the Maihar Gharana, also known as Senia Maihar Gharana due to the combination of musical traditions from Tansen’s lineage.
Golamath Temple Maihar, Click here for details
The Legacy and Restoration of the House
Today, Ambica Beri carefully restored Baba Allauddin Khan’s house. An artists’ and writers’ retreat has been developed alongside the house. Rajesh Khan, Baba’s youngest son, continues the tradition by teaching students music in the same home. The house, simple yet serene, reflects the great maestro’s life and dedication to his art.
Neelkanth Temple and Ashram. Click here to read more
How to reach Baba Allauddin Khan’s House?
If you’re planning to visit Baba Allauddin Khan’s house in Maihar, here’s a travel guide to help you explore this historic and musical destination:
By Air:
- The nearest airport to Maihar is Jabalpur Airport (160 km away) or Khajuraho Airport (130 km away). You can hire a taxi from either airport or take a bus to Maihar.
- Satna Airport is under construction and will provide a closer connection in the future.
Beautiful Panni Khoh Waterfall Maihar. Click here to read more
By Train:
- Maihar Railway Station (MYR) is well-connected to major cities like Jabalpur, Satna, and Allahabad. It lies on the Mumbai-Howrah rail line, so trains from various cities pass through here, making it convenient for travelers.
By Road:
- Maihar is located on the National Highway 39. It is about 40 km from Satna, and regular buses and taxis are available from Satna, Jabalpur, Rewa, and other nearby towns.
- Private taxis and local buses are easily accessible for a road trip to Maihar.
Click here to learn about Tripura Sundari Raj Rajeshwari Temple Jabalpur.
Local Transport in Maihar:
- Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are common and affordable modes of transport within Maihar. You can easily hire them to visit Baba Allauddin Khan’s house, the Sharda Mai Temple, and other attractions in town.
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Best Time to Visit:
- The best time to visit Maihar is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant, making sightseeing comfortable.
- Avoid the hot summer months (March to June), as temperatures can soar, making outdoor activities difficult.
Click here to read about Roopnath Dham Bahoriband.
Where to Stay in Maihar:
- Budget Hotels: Maihar offers several budget hotels and guest houses around the railway station and temple area, providing basic amenities for visitors.
- Mid-range Accommodations: For a more comfortable stay, you can choose from mid-range hotels in Satna, which is just 40 km away, or in Maihar itself.
- Sharda Temple Trust Guest House: Pilgrims and tourists visiting the Sharda Mai Temple can also stay at the guest house run by the temple trust, which offers affordable and clean accommodations.
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Nearby Attractions:
- Sharda Mai Temple: One of the 52 Shakti Peethas, located on the Trikuta hills. You can take a ropeway or climb the steps to reach the temple.
- Chandreh Temple: A historical site dedicated to Lord Shiva, around 30 km from Maihar.
- Ram Van Temple in Satna, which is around 20 km from Maihar, offers spiritual and scenic beauty.
Chaitanya City Hanuman Temple Jabalpur. Click here.
Travel Tips:
- Comfortable Footwear: Since you’ll be walking and possibly climbing at the Sharda Mai Temple, wear comfortable shoes.
- Local Cuisine: Try the local Madhya Pradesh cuisine at small restaurants around Maihar. Don’t miss out on street food.
- Cultural Insights: If you’re a music enthusiast, consider coordinating your visit to align with music festivals or concerts that celebrate Maihar Gharana’s legacy.
Click to know about the beautiful Jagriti Park (Garden) of Katni Madhya Pradesh.
Timing of Baba Allauddin Khan’s House
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (All day)
Address and Google map of Baba Allauddin Khan’s House
Madina Bhavan-Shanti Kutir
Baba Allauddin Khan’s House
Maihar, Satna District,
Madhya Pradesh, India – 485771
Click here to read about Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga located in Khandwa, Indore.
Images of Baba Allauddin Khan’s House
Other places to visit are near Baba Allauddin Khan’s House.
- Sharda mata temple Maihar
- Badi Kher Mai Temple Maihar
- Bada Akhada Mandir Maihar
- Panni Koh Waterfall Maihar
- Neelkanth Temple and Ashram Maihar
- Lalitamba Shakti Peeth Maihar
- Gola Math temple Maihar, katni
- Vijayraghavgarh Fort, Katni.
- Suramya Park, Kataye Ghat.
- NEELKANTHESWAR BHAKTI DHAM, SALAIYA PADKHURI, VIJAYRAGHAVGARH, KATNI.
- Jagrirti Park, Madhav Nagar, Katni.
- Badera Chaturyug Dham
- Vasudha Waterfall Katni
- Sharda devi temple Vijayraghavgarh
- Vishnu Varah Temple Karanpur
- Roopnath Dhaam
- Kamakandla Fort, Bilhari, Katni
- Maihar (Maa Sharda Temple)
- Maa Jalpa Devi Katni
- Laxmi Narayan Temple Katni
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