Vadya Vrinda -instrumental ensemble of All India Radio

In 1948, aged only 28, Ravi Shankar joined the All India Radio in a prestigious directorial post. During this time he started the Vadya Vrinda, an orchestral ensemble.

Indian instruments are normally played with minimal accompaniment, and plenty of room for improvisation. Yet, Ravi Shankar drew inspiration from Western classical and jazz ensembles he had heard in Europe and America, as well as from the orchestra of Maihar, to create an Indian orchestral sound.