Ali Akbar Khan, who died on 18 June, 2009, was one of India’s greatest classical musicians and teachers.

He was a Ustad, or master, of the sarod, the elaborate stringed instrument that forms the basis of much traditional Hindi music.

He was a committed student of classical forms but his virtuosity also helped popularise his country’s music in the west, often performing with the famous sitar player Ravi Shankar.

Together they shared stages with the likes of Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and members of The Beatles. Khan was the first Indian classical musician to record an album in America and the first to play the sarod on American television.

Ali Akbar Khan was born in Comilla, East Bengal on 14 April, 1922. His father, Allauddin Khan, was a revered music teacher and schooled his son in gruelling sessions that might last as many as 18 hours a day.

Khan, or Khansahib as his status would soon see him known, gave his debut performance at the age of 13. During his career he recorded popular records and film scores, performed jugalbandis (duets) with the greatest Indian players, was court musician to a Maharaja and founded music colleges in Calcutta, California and Basel.

He was feted with numerous musical fellowships and was also twice nominated for a Grammy Award.

He was married three times and was survived by seven sons and four daughters.