Padma Shri: Kashmir’s Maker of Traditional Music Instruments

Kashmir's only maker of traditional musical instruments, Ghulam Mohammad Zaz, was honoured with the Padma Shri award on the 74th Republic Day of India.

His hard work, dedication and passion to preserve the art of making traditional musical instruments have been recognized by the government. Zaz is the last artisan to make santoor in Kashmir and has inherited this work from his family. His family and friends are celebrating his award, and if the government does not intervene, the art of making these musical instruments may not survive in future.

Ghulam Mohammad Zaz is a master craftsman from the Kashmir Valley, India, who specializes in creating traditional musical instruments. He is considered one of the last remaining makers of traditional instruments in Kashmir, as the craft has become increasingly rare.

Zaz has been making instruments for over 50 years and has passed down his skills to his sons, ensuring that the tradition of instrument-making in Kashmir continues.

He creates various instruments, including the sitar, sarangi, and tabla, using traditional techniques and materials. He only uses locally sourced woods and other materials, such as deodar, willow, and goat skin, in the construction of his instruments. Zaz's instruments are highly sought after by musicians and collectors around the world and are considered to be some of the finest examples of traditional instrument making.

He has been featured in several documentaries and news articles, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional crafts and the cultural heritage of Kashmir. Zaz is also actively teaching young people the art of instrument making, hoping the tradition will continue to thrive.

Zaz's instruments have been played by many famous musicians, including Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, and Ustad Shujaat Khan. He has been honoured with several awards for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional instrument-making in Kashmir.