Annapurna

• Author: Swapan Kumar Bandopadhyay
• Genre: Atmajibani - Jibani - Smritikatha
• Cover : Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788172159825
• Pages: 112
• Weight: 301 grams

Key Highlights:

• This book is a biographical account of Annapurna, the daughter of the legendary musician Ustad Alauddin Khan and the first wife of Pandit Ravi Shankar, one of the most celebrated sitar players in the world.
• Annapurna's life has been largely shrouded in mystery, and she has chosen to live in voluntary seclusion, far from the public eye. Despite this, her life continues to intrigue music lovers and enthusiasts who are fascinated by her enigmatic persona.
• Known for her deep commitment to the surbahar (a rare musical instrument), Annapurna's craftsmanship continues to breathe new life into this unique instrument, which she has shaped with her artistry.
• The book is not a conventional biography; rather, it is an "imaginative reconstruction" of her lost past and present life. The author delves into the emotional turmoil and the unyielding spirit of Annapurna, exploring her inner world with empathy and insight.
• The book also touches upon her early days with Ravi Shankar and their relationship, offering a vivid portrayal of their youthful days together in Maihar, where the two musicians bonded over music and life. The author portrays how their hearts intertwined, both in companionship and solitude, through shared music and the depths of their experiences.
• As the story progresses, the book explores the inevitable separation between Ravi Shankar and Annapurna, and the unexplored chapters of her life that followed. The book offers a complete portrait of Annapurna’s life, both known and unknown, and her journey as a woman and an artist.

Author Information:

• Swapan Kumar Bandopadhyay was born on January 1, 1948, in Bardhaman, West Bengal. He studied at Bardhaman Municipal High School, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandir, and Belur Math. He holds a Master's degree in English Literature from Calcutta University and has a diploma in French language and literature.
• He taught at Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandir, Visva-Bharati University, and Bardhaman Vivekananda College before retiring.
• Influenced by his mother, Swapan Kumar started learning music and studied sitar under Ustad Indranil Bhattacharya, a disciple of Ustad Alauddin Khan.
• He has written essays on literature, culture, and music, and his work has been published in various journals. His book on Annapurna, titled "Annapurna: An Unheard Melody", was published by Roli Books.

Purpose and Content:

• This biography attempts to explore the life of Annapurna, a remarkable woman who chose to live in the shadows of the music world despite her deep connection to it.
• The book is not just about her musical legacy, but it also explores her emotional resilience, the dynamics of her relationship with Ravi Shankar, and her personal journey as an artist.
• Through this work, the author hopes to provide a more nuanced understanding of Annapurna's life, her contributions to music, and the profound influence she had on the surbahar tradition.

Summary:

Annapurna is a fascinating, thought-provoking exploration of the life of Annapurna, a significant but often overlooked figure in the world of classical Indian music. Swapan Kumar Bandopadhyay provides a detailed and empathetic account of her life, offering readers insights into her role in the development of the surbahar and her deep connection with Pandit Ravi Shankar. This biography is a reflection on her seclusion, inner strength, and musical mastery, providing an in-depth portrayal of her personal and professional life.