Lutfullah Khan (1916-2012) was an archivist and musician, who over multiple decades put together what is perhaps the biggest audio library of 20th century South Asia. The library, now housed at the Lahore University of Management Sciences, consists of rare recordings of political speeches, lectures, poetry recitals, music etc. The essay featured in this episode, has been extracted from Khan's 1997 memoir "Sur kī Talāsh." It recalls Khan’s audition and selection as a staff artist during the early days of the Madras radio station in 1936. It delves into the differences between North Indian and Carnatic classical musics, the social and cultural function of radio at that time, Khan’s relationship with his music teacher, the question of monetary compensation and patronage, and his commentary on the skillset of hereditary classical musicians vs that of ‘outsiders’ like himself.

Featured music:1. Lutfullah Khan - Darbari Kanada