USTAD IMDAD KHAN ON SITAR AND THE MAHARAJAH OF THE CENTRAL PROVINCES

 LIKE FINE WINE is nine real, rare love stories by Syeda Imam.

Quoting from the story THE GENIUS OF A CHOICE

Ustad Imdad Khan, the sitar maestro, had been invited for a 'Baithak' (a type of Hindustani classical music performance) for a Maharajah of the Central Provinces.

After his concert, the Rajah presented Ustad Imdad Khan with a bag of several hundred gold coins, saying, "Have you ever known of a Rajah as generous in your illustrious career?"

He then proceeded to have the famed musician ride on his elephant around his estate before being guided to the Kothi (house) where he was billeted for the night. The Rajah later heard from his retinue that the musician had distributed every one of the coins to the poor as he rode through the bazar that night. 

The next morning, the Rajah insisted that the ustad have breakfast at his palace before leaving for the station. Presenting him a bejewelled necklace of precious stones which he took of from his neck, he said,

"Was I ill-mannered, Khansahib?" 

"I heard you gave my gift away in charity."

The great Imdad Khan was quick to reply., "Not at all, Raja Sahab! I too wanted to ask your people."

"Have you ever seen a musician as large- hearted as this?"

Ustad Shujat Husain Khan, the great  sitar exponent, and  great grandson of Ustad Imdad Khan reflects, "This is in my blood, my pride in our integrity. A musician will never be a tycoon. But his integrity, no one can take away fro him."

       ......................

I must quip, served the vainglorius Rajah right.