Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, an exponent of
Hindustani classical music, was born in
Uttar Pradesh in 1872. He is believed to be the founder of the famous Kirana Gharana or Kirana School of Music. Abdul Karim Khan was the court musician of the erstwhile kingdom of Baroda (now called
Vadodara). He was also well versed in
Carnatic classical music and introduced several elements of Carnatic music in Hindustani music. Along with British musicologist E. Clements, he also introduced a theory termed 'Shruti Samvad'. In expounding this theory, he explained in detail the importance of the 22 'shrutis' or basic notes with the help of two veenas at a public function, presided by Dr C V Raman. Abdul Karim Khan was also a versatile
Veena and
Sarangi player. He established Arya Sangeet Vidyalaya at
Pune in 1913.
