In Indian classical music, performing dozens of ragas in a single session is considered an immense challenge—all the more so for a child. Anshuman Sarkar, a young musician from the Nadia district of West Bengal, has achieved this rare feat on the santoor, a complex musical instrument.
According to the *India Book of Records*, Anshuman has set a new national record for the highest number of *gats* (musical compositions) performed on the santoor by a child. He reached this milestone by playing 60 *gats*—based on 59 distinct ragas—within a span of 29 minutes and 32 seconds. This record was officially confirmed on October 15, 2026. What did the performance entail?
As per the *India Book of Records*, Anshuman’s unique performance incorporated four essential elements of classical music: *alap*, *sthayi*, *antara*, and *tihai*.
In simpler terms, the *alap* serves as the slow, rhythmic introduction to a raga, while the *sthayi* and *antara* constitute the core sections of a musical composition (*bandish*).
The *tihai*—a rhythmic pattern repeated three times—is used at the end of a performance to bring the rhythm back to the *sam* (the primary beat or the starting point of the rhythmic cycle) with elegance.
Performing 60 distinct *gats* on the santoor required Anshuman to repeatedly shift between different ragas, adapting to the unique mood and structural framework of each one.
A Rigorous Test of Musical Skill
Presenting 60 compositions in less than half an hour meant that, on average, only half a minute was available for each *gat*.
Maintaining a precise grasp of the rules governing dozens of ragas, navigating the numerous strings of the santoor, and keeping absolute control over the rhythm—all at such a rapid pace—is an exceptionally difficult task. The India Book of Records commended Anshuman’s endeavor, stating that this performance serves as a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and passion for Indian classical music.
An Inspiration for the New Generation in Classical Music
Anshuman’s historic achievement demonstrates that the younger generation is actively stepping forward to keep our rich classical traditions alive. It also serves as a perfect illustration of the years of hard work that lie behind a performance lasting only a few minutes on stage. For children learning music and their families, this performance conveys a powerful message: that patience and consistent, dedicated practice are essential to attaining mastery in any traditional art form.
