Guwahati: Minoti Khaund, Assam’s renowned Hindustani classical violinist, passed away on Sunday at around 6:40 pm at a private hospital in Guwahati.
She was 85. Khaund had a career in music that lasted over 50 years and was widely respected for her skill and dedication.
Family sources said she had been receiving treatment for 40 days and had multiple surgeries due to long-term health issues. She had high blood pressure and heart problems.
Her body will remain at the hospital overnight, and her cremation will take place at Navagraha Crematorium on Monday.
Minoti Khaund was born in 1940. She started learning music at the age of 10 when her maternal grandfather noticed her talent and gave her a violin. She trained under Indreswar Sarma at Darpanath Sarma Music School in Jorhat, where she developed her early skills.
Her career changed in 1972 after performing at the All Assam Music Conference. Legendary violinist Pandit VG Jog noticed her and became her mentor. She also learned from Sarod maestro Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta and adopted the “Gayaki Ang” style from vocalist Pandit AT Kanan, which gave her playing a distinctive vocal quality.
Khaund performed at many important events in India and abroad, including in Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, and London. She often performed with her daughter, Sunita Khaund, helping spread Assamese classical music to wider audiences.
She received several awards during her career, including a Gold Medal in Master of Music (Sangeet Nipune) from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, recognition from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the Sangeet Jyoti and Silpi awards, and an Artist Pension from the Assam Government. Her album Invocation of Ma, dedicated to Goddess Durga, was performed widely with her daughter.
Khaund was also a teacher and mentor. She guided many students, worked as visiting faculty at a music college in Guwahati, and served as an examiner for state-level music courses. She wrote articles on classical music, showcasing its importance in culture and society.
Minoti Khaund’s work in music has influenced many generations. Her contributions as a performer and teacher have left a lasting impact on classical music in Assam and India.