Ravi Shankar's sitar: a gift of music, legacy, and understanding. In a poignant final performance, Anoushka Shankar plays her father's cherished instrument before it begins a new chapter at the British Museum. The decision to donate the sitar was made by Ravi Shankar's family – his widow Sukanya, daughter Anoushka, and the Ravi Shankar Foundation – with the hope of sharing his musical legacy with a wider audience.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time the Shankar family has crossed paths with the British Museum. Ravi Shankar's elder brother, Uday, an acclaimed dancer, visited the museum in the early 20th century to study Indian medieval sculpture. He sought to deepen his understanding of Indian dance and even collaborated with the legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova on a piece inspired by Radha and Krishna.

Now, decades later, Ravi Shankar's sitar will take its place in the museum's collection, a testament to his lifelong dedication to cultural exchange and musical diplomacy. While some may question the decision to house this treasure in a Western institution, it's important to remember that it was a choice made by Shankar's own family.

In the end, perhaps what matters most is that Ravi Shankar's music and message will live on, reaching new ears and hearts. As Anoushka plays those final notes, we're reminded of the power of music to connect us, to inspire us, and to build bridges of understanding in a divided world.

#indianclassicalmusic #sitar #britishmuseum #hindustanimusic

Credit: British Museum

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