In a landmark moment for Indian Classical music and intellectual property, the Government of India has officially granted a patent to renowned multi-instrumentalist Pandit Joydeep Mukherjee for his structural and tonal innovations to the Sursingar. The recognition, finalized this April, marks a triumphant chapter in the restoration of an instrument that had nearly faded into the silence of history.

The Soul of Dhrupad Reimagined

The Sursingar, a majestic string instrument dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was once the cornerstone of Dhrupad music. Created as an evolution of the Seni Rabab, it was prized for its deep, meditative resonance and its ability to sustain the long, gliding notes (meend) essential to the Dhrupad style. However, due to its massive size and the physical difficulty of playing it, the instrument saw a sharp decline in the mid-20th century.

Mukherjee’s patented version addresses these historical challenges. By integrating modern ergonomics with traditional aesthetics—including the strategic addition of sympathetic strings (tarabs) and a refined bridge design—he has made the instrument accessible to contemporary musicians without compromising its haunting, soulful timber.

A Journey of Royal Recognition

The patent is the culmination of a decade-long crusade. Pandit Mukherjee’s efforts first captured the national spotlight in February 2023, when Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded his work during the 98th episode of Mann Ki Baat.

"It had become rare to hear tunes of the Sursingar since the 50s and 60s," the Prime Minister had noted, praising Mukherjee for his perseverance in making the rare instrument popular once again.

Following the Prime Minister's appreciation, Mukherjee performed the Sursingar at the prestigious G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi later that year, showcasing the instrument’s revival to a global audience of heads of state.

Bridging the Centuries

Speaking from his residence in Kolkata, Pandit Mukherjee expressed his gratitude:

"The Sursingar is more than just wood and wire; it is the echo of our ancestors. Receiving this patent in 2026 is not just a personal milestone, but a legal safeguard for our musical heritage. My goal was always to ensure that the next generation doesn't just see these instruments in museums, but hears them on the concert stage. The credit also goes to its maker Mr. Sambhunath Mondal, who gave 100% devotion in making the instrument. I am grateful to him too for his wonderful work." Needless to say, Mr. Mondal is a great luthier who works with Pt. Mukherjee closely.

With this patent, the Sursingar joins the Mohanveena, Dilbahar, Nabadeepa, Seni Rabab, Sur Rabab and Sarod in Mukherjee’s growing Patent portfolio of revived Indian instruments, ensuring that the "Grandfather of the Sarod" continues to sing for centuries to come.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Instrument: Sursingar (Late 18th/Early 19th Century)

Significance: Primary instrument for Dhrupad-style Alap.

Patent Holder: Pt. Joydeep Mukherjee (Senia Shahjehanpur Gharana).

Previous Accolades: Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar.