Kashmiri Artisan Fights to Save Dying Musical Legacy

The Last Santoor Maker: A Dying Art in Kashmir's Heart **Is a centuries-old musical tradition destined to vanish with its last master craftsman?** Discover the poignant story of Ghulam Mohammed Zaz, the sole remaining artisan keeping Kashmir's musical soul alive.

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A Legacy Carved in Walnut Wood Imagine the hushed stillness of a Srinagar alley, broken only by the gentle rasp of chisels against aged walnut. Step inside Ghulam Mohammed Zaz's century-old workshop – a sanctuary of fading artistry. Here, amidst the scent of seasoned wood and the quiet hum of tradition, sits the last remaining hand-maker of the **santoor**, Kashmir's iconic trapezoid-shaped stringed instrument. This isn't just woodworking; it's a dying art, a legacy seven generations in the making. Are you ready to hear its story?

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The Santoor: A Musical Tapestry Woven Through Time The santoor, a cousin to the dulcimer, possesses a crystalline, bell-like tone that has enchanted listeners for centuries. Its journey began in Persia, traversing Central Asia and the Middle East before finding its voice in Kashmir. Originally part of *Sufiana Mausiqi*, its soft, folk-like melodies resonated deeply with Sufi poetry and traditions. But legendary musicians like Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and Bhajan Sopori later transformed it, adding strings and refining techniques to elevate its presence in Indian classical music. A transformation you can almost feel in your bones.

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**(Image of santoor here)** The Crumbling Melody: A Modern Threat

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But the melodies of tradition are fading. Hip-hop, rap, and electronic music now dominate Kashmir's soundscape. Younger generations, captivated by modern rhythms, are less connected to the discipline and depth of traditional music. The demand for handcrafted santoors has plummeted, leaving Ghulam Mohammed, the recipient of India's prestigious Padma Shri award in 2022, without apprentices or a sustainable market. He’s facing a crisis – and so is Kashmir's musical heritage. **(Image of Ghulam Mohammed with Padma Shri award here)**

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The Craftsman's Lament: A Plea for Preservation Ghulam Mohammed's workshop is a time capsule. He works with tools passed down through generations, his hands shaping each santoor with a patience honed over decades. He chooses wood aged for at least five years, carefully carving and hollowing the body for optimal resonance. Over 100 strings are painstakingly placed, a process that can take weeks, even months. He doesn't just build instruments; he crafts poetry, a language whispered into the heart of each santoor. But who will inherit this profound art form once he's gone?

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**(Image of Ghulam Mohammed working on a santoor here)** A Legacy at a Crossroads Despite social media attention, government grants, and countless offers, Ghulam Mohammed seeks not fame or charity. He yearns for a successor—someone to inherit the craft's secret, to feel the music before it’s even played. Someone to understand that "wood and music both die if you don't give them time." Will this ancient tradition find a new voice? Will the legacy of the santoor survive? The answer depends on us. **(Call to action: Share this story, support artisans, and help preserve traditional crafts.)**