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Santoor Exponent

Dr.
Bipul Kumar Ray

Maestro of the Kashmiri Santoor · Indian Classical Music

When the hammers kiss the strings, time dissolves — only the raga remains.

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25+ Years

A Life Devoted to Nada Brahma Nada Brahma

Dr. Bipul Kumar Ray is one of India's foremost exponents of the Santoor, a trapezoidal string instrument whose origins trace back to ancient Persia and Kashmir. His mastery over this seventy-two-stringed instrument has earned him recognition across the world's most prestigious concert halls.

Trained under the revered Guru-Shishya tradition, Dr. Ray has spent decades studying the nuances of Hindustani classical music, blending rigorous discipline with deeply personal expression.

500+
Concerts
18
Albums
32
Countries
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The Soul of the Santoor

Each raga is a living tradition — a precise emotional universe defined by its notes, ornaments, and the time of day it awakens.

01
Bhairav
Early Morning · Bhairav Thaat
A raga of serene solemnity, traditionally performed at dawn. Its komal Rishabh and Dhaivat evoke the stillness before th...
02
Yaman
Evening · Kalyan Thaat
Lit by the teevra Madhyam, Yaman carries both longing and completeness in equal measure.
03
Darbari Kanada
Late Night · Asavari Thaat
Originally composed for the Mughal court of Akbar, Darbari Kanada commands gravity and grandeur.
04
Miyan ki Malhar
Monsoon · Kafi Thaat
Said to have the power to invite rain, Miyan ki Malhar pulses with the electricity of gathering clouds.
05
Puriya Dhanashri
Twilight · Poorvi Thaat
The raga of the transitional hour — between light and dark. Its complex emotional palette of yearning and sweet melancho...
06
Bairagi Bhairav
Morning · Bhairav Thaat
A raga of austere renunciation — pentatonic, stripped to its essence. On the Santoor its five notes ring with an almost...
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A Life of Accolades

🏆
2019
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Government of India — Presented for outstanding contribution to Hindustani instrumental music.
🎖️
2016
ITC SRA Award
ITC Sangeet Research Academy — Felicitated for excellence in preserving the Guru-Shishya tradition of the Santo...
🌟
2014
Sur Mani Award
Sur Singar Samsad, Mumbai — For exceptional artistry and technical virtuosity on the Santoor.
🎵
2011
Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar
Sangeet Natak Akademi — Outstanding young performer in Indian classical music.
📜
2008
Doctorate in Indian Musicology
University — Ph.D. awarded for research on the Santoor's evolution in Hindustani classical tr...
🌐
2005
ICCR Cultural Ambassador
Govt. of India (ICCR) — Appointed to represent Indian classical music internationally.
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Study the Santoor

Dr. Ray accepts a small number of dedicated students each year, continuing the Guru-Shishya tradition. Classes available in-person in Delhi NCR and online worldwide.

  • Intensive 1-on-1 classes for committed students at all levels
  • Seasonal group workshops focused on specific ragas or taal cycles
  • Annual 3-day residential retreat combining theory, practice, and philosophy
  • Online sessions available for students outside India
Enquire About Classes

Foundation — Beginner

Introduction to the Santoor, correct posture, basic swar exercises, and Raga Bhupali. For absolute beginners.

3 months 4 seats

Intermediate — Raga Exploration

Deepen your tonal palette across 4–6 ragas. Focus on layakari, meend technique, and raga grammar.

6 months 3 seats

Advanced — Guru-Shishya

Long-term one-on-one tutelage for serious practitioners. Covers advanced ragas, composition, and concert preparation.

Ongoing 2 seats

Corporate & Wellness

Introductory sessions on Indian classical music, raga meditation, and sound healing for organisations.

Half / Full Day

What Fellow Musicians Say

Bipul's mastery over the Santoor is exceptional. He embodies the spirit of the Guru-Shishya tradition with rare dedication and depth.
P
Pandit Shivkumar Sharma
Santoor Legend
Playing alongside Dr. Ray has been one of my most cherished musical experiences. His sensitivity and precision are unmatched.
U
Ustad Zakir Hussain
Tabla Maestro
The way Bipul draws out the meditative quality of the Santoor is truly extraordinary. A musician's musician.
D
Dr. L. Subramaniam
Violin Virtuoso

Book a Performance

For concert bookings, festival invitations, workshops, or media interviews.

Email
contact@drbipulray.com
Phone
+91 98100 00000
Location
New Delhi, India