This Indian classical singer, known as "Gaan Samraat" (Emperor of Music). He was a fair tall bearded man with a big turban on the head, wearing dhoti shirt & coat.
He was acknowledged for his creation and resurrection of many complex Raags such as Nat Kamod, Bhoop Nat, Kaunsi Kanada, Sampoorna Malkauns, Basanti Kedar, Shuddha Nat, Malavi, Savani Kalyan, and many more. He founded Jaipur Atrauli Gharana.
His real name was Ghulam Ahmed Khan and "Allahdiya" was his nick name given by his elders in his childhood.
For a significant period he was settled in Kolhapur as the court musician of King Shahu Maharaj and spread music for 35 years. In 1922 he moved to Mumbai after the king died. While in Kolhapur, Khan Sahab rigorously trained his sons Naseeruddin Khan Sahab (Bade) and Badruddin Khan (Ustad Manji Khan Sahab). Apart from family, Khansahab's initial disciples were Sarangiya Ustad Abdul Majid Khan, Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale, Govindrao Shaligram and Wamanrao Sadolikar, Dhondutai Kulkarni and in succeeding generation came proteges like, Mallikarjun Mansur and Padmavati Shaligram.
In Mumbai, Alladiya Khan saheb's prime disciples were Kesarbai Kerkar, Mogubai Kurdikar and Nivruttibuwa Sarnaik.
He expired on 16th March 1946 leaving behind a trail of disciples and followers of his innovative singing style.
Bhava, Kolhapur has witnessed many emperors in many fields."Allahdiya"was one among them.
Kolhapuri Manacha Mujara to this Emperor on his death anniversary.
