KOLKATA, MARCH 2026 – In a landmark development for
the preservation of India’s musical heritage, acclaimed multi-instrumentalist
Pandit Joydeep Mukherjee has officially been granted a patent for the
Mohanveena. This specific design, a masterpiece of acoustic engineering and
tonal depth, was originally conceived and created in 1948 by the legendary
Sarod maestro, Sangeetacharya Pandit Radhika Mohan Maitra.
The patenting of this instrument marks a pivotal moment in
the history of Indian Classical Music, ensuring that the legacy of Pandit
Maitra’s visionary craftsmanship is protected, recognized, and preserved in its
authentic form for future generations.
The Genesis of a Masterpiece
While the name "Mohanveena" has been associated
with various modified instruments over the decades, the original Mohanveena is
a distinct creation of the Radhika Mohan Maitra lineage. In 1948, Pandit
Maitra—a giant of the Shahjahanpur Gharana—sought to create an instrument that
could bridge the tonal qualities of the Sarod, the Veena, and the Surbahar.
The result was a unique instrument characterized by its:
- a.
Deep, resonant chambers that allow for extended meend (glissando).
- b.
Complex string arrangement designed to capture the nuances of Dhrupad and
Khayal styles.
- c.
Distinctive bridge and fretboard architecture, which differentiates it
significantly from later adaptations of the same name.
A Quest for Authenticity
Pandit Joydeep Mukherjee, a dedicated disciple of the
Radhika Mohan Maitra tradition and a celebrated musician in his own right, has
spent years researching and reviving this specific version of the instrument.
His efforts culminated in March 2026 with the formal recognition of the patent,
a move intended to prevent the historical erasure of Pandit Maitra’s
contribution to musical innovation.
"This patent is not just a legal achievement; it is an
act of restoration," says Pandit Mukherjee. "For too long, the true
origin and technical brilliance of Radhika Mohan-ji’s Mohanveena remained in
the shadows. This ensures that when the world speaks of the Mohanveena, they
recognize the 1948 archetype that changed the landscape of Indian string
instruments."
Preserving the Shahjahanpur Legacy
Pandit Radhika Mohan Maitra was not only a performer of
unmatched caliber but also a scholar who experimented tirelessly with
instrument design. By securing this patent, Pandit Mukherjee has protected the
technical specifications and the "soul" of the instrument, ensuring
that any future reconstructions adhere to the rigorous standards set by the
Sangeetacharya nearly eight decades ago.
About Pandit Joydeep Mukherjee
Pandit Joydeep Mukherjee is a world-renowned Sarod player
and a pioneer in reviving forgotten instruments of the Indian classical
tradition. Known for his technical precision and soulful renditions, he has
been a vocal advocate for the protection of intellectual property within the
arts, ensuring that the innovators of the past receive their due credit in the
modern era.
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