Ravi Shankar (1920–2012) was a legendary Indian sitar virtuoso and composer who played a pivotal role in bringing Indian classical music to international prominence. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest exponents of the sitar and a pioneer in bridging the gap between Indian and Western music. Shankar’s influence extended beyond music; he was a cultural ambassador who introduced the world to the depth and beauty of Indian classical traditions.
Early Life and Background
Full Name Robindro Shaunkor Chowdhury (later known as Ravi Shankar)
Birth April 7, 1920, in Varanasi (formerly Benares), India.
Family Background Ravi Shankar was born into a Bengali Brahmin family. His father, Shyam Shankar, was a scholar and barrister, while his mother, Hemangini Devi, was a homemaker. His elder brother, Uday Shankar, was a famous dancer and choreographer who played a significant role in introducing Indian dance to the Western world.
Training and Musical Career
Early Training
At a young age, Ravi Shankar moved to Paris with his brother Uday Shankar’s dance troupe. He spent his formative years touring Europe and the United States, where he was exposed to Western classical music and jazz.
Fascinated by music, he began training in various Indian instruments before settling on the sitar as his primary instrument.
Gurus and Influences
In 1938, Ravi Shankar became a disciple of Ustad Allauddin Khan, a legendary musician and one of the greatest teachers of Indian classical music. Under Khan’s rigorous tutelage in Maihar, Shankar mastered the sitar and absorbed the intricacies of Indian ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles).
He trained intensively for several years, learning not only the sitar but also Indian music theory and other instruments. This period was crucial in shaping his musical style and discipline.
Rise to Prominence
By the 1940s, Shankar had emerged as a leading sitar player in India. He began composing music for films and ballets, including the acclaimed scores for the Apu Trilogy by renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
In the 1950s, he started performing extensively across India and gained a reputation as a virtuoso musician. His performances were known for their emotional depth, technical proficiency, and innovative interpretations of classical ragas.
International Influence and Collaborations
Introduction to the West
Ravi Shankar’s first major exposure to the West came in the late 1950s and early 1960s when he began touring Europe and the United States. His mesmerizing performances captured the attention of Western audiences and musicians alike.
His friendship and collaboration with American violinist Yehudi Menuhin led to the recording of the album “West Meets East” (1967), which won a Grammy Award and further increased his international acclaim.
Association with The Beatles
In the mid-1960s, Ravi Shankar formed a close association with George Harrison of The Beatles, who became his student and collaborator. Harrison’s fascination with Indian music and culture, largely inspired by Shankar, led to the incorporation of Indian instruments and styles into The Beatles’ music, particularly on tracks like “Within You Without You” and “Norwegian Wood.”
Shankar’s collaboration with Harrison helped popularize the sitar and Indian music in the West, leading to what is often referred to as the “raga rock” phenomenon of the 1960s.
Concert for Bangladesh
In 1971, Ravi Shankar and George Harrison organized the Concert for Bangladesh, the first major rock benefit concert, aimed at raising awareness and funds for the refugees of the Bangladesh Liberation War. The event featured performances by Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and other major artists, significantly boosting Shankar’s profile in the West.
The concert was a resounding success and marked a pioneering moment in the use of music for humanitarian purposes.
Contributions to Music and Cultural Exchange
Innovations in Indian Classical Music
Ravi Shankar was known for his ability to innovate within the framework of Indian classical music while maintaining its integrity and traditional values. He developed new ragas and composed numerous works that blended classical forms with contemporary expressions.
He also experimented with different musical genres, incorporating elements of jazz, Western classical, and other world music traditions into his performances.
Promotion of Indian Music Globally
Shankar’s extensive international tours, recordings, and collaborations with Western musicians greatly contributed to the global appreciation and understanding of Indian classical music.
He founded the Kinnara School of Music in Mumbai (Bombay) and Los Angeles to teach Indian classical music, ensuring its continuity and development in both India and the West.
Film and Ballet Music
In addition to his concerts, Ravi Shankar composed music for films and ballet, including the aforementioned “Apu Trilogy” and works for All India Radio. His compositions for Satyajit Ray’s films are particularly noted for their emotional depth and cultural resonance.
His film scores and orchestral compositions helped introduce Indian music to new audiences and demonstrated its versatility and adaptability.
Legacy and Honors
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Ravi Shankar received numerous awards and honors, including five Grammy Awards, the Padma Bhushan (1967), the Padma Vibhushan (1981), and the Bharat Ratna (1999), India’s highest civilian honor.
In 1997, he was made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II.
Impact on Music and Culture
Ravi Shankar is widely credited with bringing Indian classical music to the global stage and inspiring generations of musicians and listeners. His ability to transcend cultural boundaries and connect with audiences worldwide made him a true cultural ambassador.
His daughter, Anoushka Shankar, has continued his musical legacy as an accomplished sitar player and composer, furthering his influence on contemporary and classical music.
Death and Continued Influence
Ravi Shankar passed away on December 11, 2012, in San Diego, California, at the age of 9His death marked the end of an era, but his contributions to music and cultural exchange continue to be celebrated worldwide.
His music and teachings continue to inspire new generations of musicians, both in India and around the world, and his recordings remain essential listening for anyone interested in Indian classical music.
Conclusion
Ravi Shankar was not just a master sitar player but a visionary artist who dedicated his life to the exploration and promotion of Indian classical music. Through his innovative compositions, collaborations with Western musicians, and tireless advocacy, he played a critical role in bridging the gap between East and West, making Indian music a respected and beloved art form around the globe. His legacy endures in the countless musicians he influenced, the audiences he touched, and the cultural bridges he helped build.