Legendary Assamese Violinist Minoti Khaund Passes Away at 85: A Tribute to Her Immortal Legacy in Folk and Classical Music
Guwahati, January 19: The world of Assamese music and culture mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars. Minoti Khaund the eminent violinist (behalabadak) celebrated for her mastery over the behala and her profound contributions to Assamese folk music blended with Hindustani classical traditions, breathed her last on Sunday evening at approximately 6:40 PM. The veteran artist, who had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Guwahati for nearly 40 days, was 85 years old.
Born in 1940 in Jorhat, Upper Assam, into a musically inclined family, Minoti Khaund’s journey with the violin began at the tender age of 10. It was her maternal grandfather, Mr. Biswa Sarma, who first recognized her innate passion and gifted her a violin, igniting a lifelong devotion to music. This early encouragement laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career spanning over seven decades.
She pursued formal training under Guru Indreshwar Sharma at the Darpanath Sharma Sangeet Vidyalaya in Jorhat. However, a defining moment came in 1972 during a performance at the All Assam Music Conference. Her soulful rendition caught the ear of the legendary violin maestro Pandit V.G. Jog (Padma Vibhushan), who took her under his wing. This guru-shishya parampara transformed her artistry, introducing advanced techniques in Hindustani instrumental music and elevating her to new heights. Minoti Khaund often credited Pandit Jog for shaping her unique style, which seamlessly blended classical rigor with the emotive essence of Assamese folk melodies.
Throughout her illustrious career, Minoti Khaund dedicated herself to enriching and preserving Assamese folk music traditions while excelling in Hindustani classical violin. She popularized the behala (the Assamese term for violin) across generations, infusing folk elements like Bihu tunes into classical frameworks. Her performances, including memorable jugalbandis (duets) with her daughter and disciple Sunita Khaund Bhuyan, captivated audiences nationwide and internationally. One of their notable collaborations, the composition “Invocation of Ma” on Durga Shakti, took the mother-daughter duo across India and abroad, showcasing a beautiful fusion of classical, folk, and devotional themes.
Minoti Khaund was not just a performer but a passionate teacher. For over six decades, she groomed countless students, ensuring the continuity of violin traditions in Assam. Her family was deeply intertwined with music—her husband Kabindra Ram Khaund provided unwavering support, her sister Pronoti Khaund is an established singer, and music ran like a thread through her relatives. The highlight of her 50th anniversary celebration in 2007 was a historic three-generation performance featuring herself, Sunita Bhuyan, and her young granddaughter Panchami Khaund, symbolizing the enduring legacy she built.
In recognition of her invaluable contributions to Hindustani instrumental music, particularly violin, and her efforts in promoting it in Assam’s cultural landscape, the Government of India conferred upon her the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award (also known as Amrit Puraskar) in 2022-2023 as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. This one-time honor, given to artists over 75 who had not previously received national recognition, was presented to her at her residence by an Akademi delegation, surrounded by family and students. Her daughter Sunita Bhuyan expressed immense pride, noting the significance of acknowledging talents from remote regions.
Minoti Khaund’s style was distinctive—she wove magic with her bow, evoking both joy and profound emotion. She experimented with light classical, folk fusion, and even Bollywood influences through her collaborations, making classical music accessible to diverse audiences. Her immortal creations, including folk medleys with Bihu elements and raga-based explorations, continue to resonate.
The passing of Minoti Khaund leaves a profound void in the Assamese music fraternity. Her departure marks the end of an era for behala enthusiasts and folk music lovers alike. Yet, her vibrant melodies, preserved through recordings, performances, and the artists she inspired—including her daughter Sunita Bhuyan, who carries forward the torch globally—will ensure her memory lives on eternally.
The cultural community of Assam and beyond prays for the eternal peace of this great soul. Minoti Khaund’s life was a testament to dedication, passion, and the timeless power of music to unite hearts.
