BACKGROUND

Ust. Nawab Khan is a distinguished Hindustani classical musician and an internationally acclaimed recording and touring artist from Jodhpur, India. He is is also a versatile composer, music therapist, teacher, and festival curator whose life’s work is steeped in the traditions of Naad Yoga and Indian Raaga. Nawab’s instrument is the Santoor, a 100 stringed hammered-dulcimer with ancient Persian origins, known for it’s resonant and enchanting sound. As the 9th generation of an esteemed family lineage of royal court musicians in Rajasthan, Nawab studied under the guidance of his uncle and Guru Ust. Patti Khan from a young age.

Nawab’s artistry lies is his exceptional ability to beautifully express the subtle qualities of each raag with a refined and peaceful sensibility, displaying both a delicate touch as well as flourishing virtuosic techniques. His discography includes notable albums such as “The Mantra: Message of Humanity”, “The Mantra: Volume II”, “Serenity of Santoor”, “Sukoon” and “Music of Royal Palaces”. Several associations have hosted Nawab Khan, including Les Dominicains de Haute-Alsace, Sarb Akal Music Society of Calgary Canada, Roscoff Hospital France, Stuttgart Culture Germany and Monte Alegre Spain. Nawab has also composed music for various documentary films and major art exhibitions in India, France, UK, Kenya and Australia.

In Jodhpur, Nawab manages the music centre at Mehrangarh Fort and organises music festivals and other special events through his initiative Raaga Science. Beyond Hindustani classical music, Nawab Khan is also seasoned performer of diverse Indian music styles, including lighter classical genres, through to bhajan, kirtan and modern compositions. He has collaborated with prominent artists from Indian folk traditions and Qawwali music, as well as international musicians of various genres.

NAAD YOGA MUSIC THERAPY

Nawab Khan studied the spiritual Vedic practice of Naad Yoga under the guidance of renowned musicologist and therapist Pt. Govind Kalla and Guru Vidya Nand ji. Naad Yoga integrates meditation techniques with specially crafted meditation music to explore the profound connection between breath, sound, and consciousness through sacred vibrations. Nawab conducts workshops on Naad Yoga, where he teaches breathing techniques, vocal exercises, and the underlying philosophy. These workshops use music, vibration, intricate melodies, rhythms, and spiritual verses to guide practitioners toward heightened inner awareness, promoting mental, emotional, and spiritual alignment. In addition to Naad Yoga, Nawab also offers workshops on Ayurveda and satvik food, Indian music education, as well as mantra and kirtan.

RAAGA SCIENCE

Raaga Science operates festival retreats in the Rajasthan countryside of Jodhpur, exploring the depth of raaga through performances and teachings by Ust. Nawab Khan and his musical family. The retreats feature sunrise and sunset ragas, music talks, and insights into naada yoga—listening to one’s internal sound. Attendees also learn about the cultural impact of Sufism on Rajasthan’s syncretic music culture, enjoy performances in various settings, and engage in local cultural activities, including visits to local markets and cooking sessions.

RAGA WELFARE FOUNDATION

Driven by his lifelong commitment to Indian culture and support for fellow artists, Nawab Khan founded the Raga Welfare Foundation (RWF). During the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown in 2019, RWF provided crucial support to hundreds of musicians and creatives who were unable to work. Today, the foundation continues to foster and promote Indian classical music through initiatives such as the Raaga Festival at Mehrangarh Fort, with the goal of reaffirming Jodhpur’s status as a leading cultural centre for classical arts.