Background
Rajab Ali learned music from his father Mughal Khan in the tradition of Bade Mohammad Khan, and from Bande Ali Khan Beenkar.
Rajab Ali learned music from his father Mughal Khan in the tradition of Bade Mohammad Khan, and from Bande Ali Khan Beenkar.
In this way his style was a mix of the Jaipur and Kirana styles. He was a court musician of Dewas and Kolhapur. He also performed on concert tours.
He was also a court musician of Ram Singh II of Jaipur State.
His last big concert was held in 1957, in Bombay. Rajab Ali was known as a master khayaliya but he was also a noted player of Rudra Veena, Sitar and Jaltarang.
As a khyaliya Rajab Ali was known for his vistar full of melodic patterns as well as his very fast and intricate taans. Amir Khan was also influenced by his taans.