Kashmiri Mausiqi | Music That Lifts the Heart to Heaven

When the Almighty created the paradise Vaadi-e-Kashmir, He also created music that echoes everywhere in this breathtakingly beautiful land. Long before vocal and instrumental music made its way into popular culture, there was already a symphony of sounds in Nature. This 'natural music' in Nature, with its own variations, has existed for centuries - continuous and ceaseless.

There is music in the roar of the mighty Lidder flowing swiftly over the rocks, which strangely, lulls one to a sound and peaceful sleep. The gurgling water of the numerous natural springs lures the visitors to taste their sweet water. The soft sound of gently flowing rivulets is like soothing music to the ears.

The rhythmic lapping sound of the boatman's oars against the water matches the slow and steady pace of life amidst the mountains. The shepherd's song echoing on the hills, accompanied by the tinkling sound of the sheep’s bells, is yet another form of simple music with a pure rustic essence.

There is music in the whistling of pines, rustling of poplars, and in the gentle vibrations of the artistic leaves of the Chinar. The elegant willow trees swaying in the breeze look like Nature's graceful music conductors. These lovely natural sounds are the music that prompt the bulbul and the cuckoo bird to burst into sweet melody.

Kashmir has a rich heritage of music that is centuries-old. One of the earliest forms of Kashmiri music is the Sufiana Kalaam - a classical style of devotional music with Persian roots. It is intricately woven with specific ragas or 'muqam'. With its meditative and devotional spirit, this divine music is manna for the soul. The ethereal quality and serene essence of Sufiana mausiqi is truly captivating.

The main accompaniment of the rendition is the 'santoor', an instrument said to have originated in Kashmir. The traditional one is supposed to have 100 strings; of course the modern version is a 12-stringed one. The other instruments supporting the 'santoor' are the 'saaz-e-kashmir', 'setaar' and 'tabla'. The blended mellow music of the string instruments creates an aura of sublimity and reverence. The slow, mesmerising tones of the orchestra have a healing and soothing effect on the hearts and minds of the audience.

Kashmir has a large variety of music, the most popular being the 'chhakri' - a lively form of folk music. With its unique rustic charm, lyrical richness and superb melody, the 'chhakri' has a tremendous popular appeal. It is a highlight at weddings, 'mehndiraat' events, family celebrations and other festive occasions.

The instruments, with an ancient origin, have come from different countries in Central and South Asia; such as 'rabaab' from Afghanistan and 'tumbakhnaer' from Persia. Then there are the harmonium, 'saarangi', 'sarod', 'nott', 'gaager' and others. The 'chhakri' is performed by a group of five to nine artistes, each one playing an instrument while singing.

The songs are based on old ballads (Heemaal ta Nagrai, Kraalkoor, among others), legends, folk tales; and also devotional songs in which the singer beseeches the Almighty to give His blessings. Mahjoor, Rasool Mir, Shams Fakir, Raheem Saheb, Ahad Zargar to name a few are among the poets whose poems are sung as songs. Ali Mohammad Sheikh, Ghulam Mohammad Dar and Ghulam Nabi Sheikh are some of the legendary 'chhakri' singers.

Right from the 'alaap' and 'mukhda' by the lead singer - usually the one with the harmonium – the rest of the ensemble follow gradually, going from a slow to a faster tempo, playing their instruments all the while. The perfect co-ordination among the singers and flawness synchronisation of the instruments - both string and percussion - is amazing. As the tempo picks up in the ensuing rouf section, an atmosphere of delight and enjoyment is created.

The artiste with the 'nott' weaves magic with the rhythmic tapping of his nimble fingers, keeping up the beat with easy dexterity and surprising speed. And this musical magic is played on the humble earthen pitcher embellished with artistic designs in lacquer-work. The trill of the string instruments fills the atmosphere with enchanting vibrations, sweet melody and nostalgia.

The 'chhakri' is a perfect combination of 'saaz' and 'awaaz', and the artistes effortlessly create an atmosphere of rhythm and melody. It is not only an integral feature of any festivity, it enlivens family gatherings and social events with its upbeat flavour. The enthralled audience sit spell-bound, swaying with the music.

Here, the 'rouf' deserves a special mention, being the main surviving folk dance of Kashmir. Performed on the occasion of religious festivals like Eid and other social and cultural celebrations, rouf is danced by smiling young girls in slow, rhythmic steps, moving forward and backward in a swaying motion. The lilting songs accompanying their movements add charm and grace to the festivities.

Kashmiri is a poetic, literary and metaphorical language with a rich element of folk dialect. Then there is the Kashmiri people's inherent talent for music and art, inspired by the heavenly natural beauty of the valley. These wonderful factors have together contributed to music being an intrinsic part of the Kashmiris' soul.

By Sharika Muthu

Sharika Muthu, a free-lance writer and translator based in Gurugram (Haryana).