The last custodian: A Kashmiri artisan's battle to save a musical legacy
Summary
A craftsman named Ghulam Mohammed Zaz in Kashmir is possibly the last person who can make the traditional santoor by hand. The santoor is a stringed instrument with a unique sound that has been a part of Kashmir's musical history for a long time. However, modern music and cheaper, machine-made instruments have decreased the demand for handcrafted ones.Key Facts
- Ghulam Mohammed Zaz is the last known artisan in Kashmir who makes the santoor by hand.
- The santoor is a stringed instrument played with mallets and is similar to a dulcimer.
- The Zaz family has been making string instruments in Kashmir for over seven generations.
- Traditional music is losing popularity in Kashmir as modern music genres like hip hop and electronic music become more popular.
- Handcrafted instruments like the santoor are being replaced by machine-made versions that are cheaper.
- Ghulam Mohammed Zaz received India's fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, in 2022 for his craftsmanship.
- The santoor has origins in Persia and became a key part of Kashmir's Sufi and folk music traditions.
- Ghulam Mohammed started learning the craft from his father and grandfather after leaving school due to health issues.
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