Angshuman Sarkar, a young santoor musician from Nadia district in West Bengal, has earned a place in the India Book of Records after performing 60 gat compositions based on 59 different ragas in just 29 minutes and 32 seconds. His achievement was officially confirmed on October 15, 2026, under the category ‘Maximum Gats of Indian Classical Ragas Played on Santoor by a Child’.
The performance, published on the India Book of Records website on October 30, included Alap, Sthyai, Antara and Tehai. The record organisation praised his musical proficiency, dedication and passion for Indian classical music.
A Remarkable Performance
According to the India Book of Records, Sarkar performed 60 gat compositions drawing on 59 distinct ragas within 29 minutes and 32 seconds. The record specifically recognises the maximum number of gats of Indian classical ragas played on the santoor by a child. His performance included four elements listed in the official record entry: Alap, Sthyai, Antara and Tehai.
The achievement is notable for the number of compositions presented within a limited period. While 60 gats were performed, they were based on 59 different ragas. A gat is an instrumental composition in Indian classical music, generally structured around a rhythmic cycle. A raga, meanwhile, provides the melodic framework for a musical performance. Moving between different ragas and compositions requires familiarity with their respective musical structures. The India Book of Records described Sarkar’s performance as demonstrating exceptional musical proficiency, dedication and passion for Indian classical music.
The Santoor’s Heritage
The santoor is an Indian classical string instrument traditionally associated with Kashmir. It has a trapezoid-shaped wooden body with numerous strings stretched across bridges. Musicians play it by striking the strings with small wooden mallets, producing its distinctive sound.
The instrument has an important place in India’s musical heritage and is recognised for its distinctive playing technique. Unlike instruments that are played by plucking or bowing strings, the santoor requires the musician to strike the strings using two lightweight wooden mallets. Its use in Indian classical music has helped bring greater recognition to the instrument beyond its traditional regional associations.
Sarkar’s achievement has brought attention to the santoor through a record that specifically recognises a child’s performance of Indian classical compositions. His accomplishment also highlights the continued presence of traditional musical instruments in contemporary cultural spaces. While the official record confirms the number of gats, ragas and the duration of the performance, it does not provide further details about his musical training, teacher or the venue where the performance took place.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Angshuman Sarkar’s achievement is an opportunity to celebrate India’s rich musical heritage and the young talent helping keep traditional art forms alive. Classical music carries generations of knowledge, creativity and cultural expression, making its preservation important for future generations.
Encouraging children to explore traditional instruments should go beyond celebrating records and include access to learning opportunities, dedicated teachers and platforms to showcase their abilities. We believe that cultural heritage remains meaningful when it is practised, shared and passed on with appreciation. Recognising young musicians can inspire more children to discover India’s diverse musical traditions.
How can families, schools and communities encourage younger generations to explore and preserve India’s traditional art forms?
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