Role Of Ustad Gulfam Ahmed In Transforming The Culture Of Rabab In India

Abstract

India has a vivid musical culture and every region has its own style of musicality. Musical instruments used in Indian music are one of the main points of difference between the different styles of music prevalent in the state. There is an influence of Persian musical instruments in the Northern part of India which makes the North Indian music distinct from the other styles like South Indian music.

This was due to the control of Muslim minority over North India. Persian language became popular in North India which introduced Persian music and musical instruments in the North Indian culture. Musical instruments like sitar (also Setar), sarod, Kamanche and rabab became much popular in the state of Kashmir.

Rabab is a popular string instrument played in different forms in Central Asia, South Asia, and North Africa. This stringed instrument can be plucked or bowed as per the tradition of musical performance. Rabab can be called the forefather of Sarod as Rabab was adopted in Ancient India that became Sarod today.

Rabab in different forms is played internationally and is still popular in the Indian music genre as several Indian musicians play it. Some of the most eminent Rabab players are Ustad Mohammed Omar, Ustad Rahim Khushnawaz, Ustad Ghulam Hussain, Ghulam Mohammed Attaie, Homayoun Sakhi, Ustad Essa Qassemi, Ghulam Jailani Nabizada and Ustad Gulfam Ahmad.

Ustad Gulfam Ahmad is a globally popular Rabab and Sarod player who is also known for his Sufiyana kalam's on the unity of Hindu and Muslims. He had a great contribution towards the revival of Rabab playing in India as he popularized this aged old practice of playing Rabab in India. After three of his disciples played Rabab in Golden Temple to accompany the tabla playing in the kirtan, it caught the eyes of the netizens. After 200 years, this kind of revival was a great thing.