bbc.com
Last Santoor Maker Faces Extinction Amidst Changing Musical Tastes in Kashmir
Ghulam Mohammed Zaz, an 80-year-old artisan in Srinagar, Kashmir, is possibly the last remaining hand-maker of the santoor, a traditional stringed instrument, facing extinction due to changing musical tastes and the rise of machine-made alternatives despite receiving India's fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, in 2022.
- How have changing musical tastes and the availability of cheaper, machine-made instruments contributed to the decline of Mr. Zaz's craft?
- The decline of the handcrafted santoor reflects broader cultural shifts in Kashmir, where traditional music is losing ground to modern genres. Mr. Zaz's story highlights the vulnerability of artisanal crafts in the face of cheaper, mass-produced alternatives. His mastery, once sought by renowned musicians like Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and Bhajan Sopori, is now threatened by a lack of apprentices and sustainable market demand.
- What are the immediate consequences of the dwindling demand for handcrafted santoors in Kashmir, and how does this impact the cultural heritage of the region?
- Ghulam Mohammed Zaz, believed to be the last handmade santoor maker in Indian-administered Kashmir, faces the extinction of his seven-generation family craft due to dwindling demand and the rise of machine-made instruments. His unique skill, honored with the Padma Shri award in 2022, is threatened by shifting musical tastes towards hip hop, rap, and electronic music among younger generations. Despite social media attention, securing a successor to preserve this centuries-old tradition remains elusive.
- What long-term strategies are needed to preserve the traditional art of santoor making in Kashmir, considering the lack of interest from the younger generation and the challenges of maintaining a sustainable market?
- Without a successor, the unique techniques and tonal qualities of the handmade Kashmiri santoor, developed over centuries and refined by Mr. Zaz's family, risk complete disappearance. The potential loss is not just economic but also cultural, representing a break in a long tradition deeply linked to Sufi music and Kashmiri identity. Efforts to preserve the craft should focus on finding and training a dedicated apprentice, not just seeking publicity.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is framed around the imminent loss of a traditional craft and the personal story of the last artisan. This framing evokes strong emotions and sympathy for Mr. Ghulam Mohammed, potentially overshadowing a broader discussion of the economic and cultural factors contributing to the decline. The headline and opening paragraphs immediately establish this emotional tone.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. However, phrases like "vanishing craft," "last holdout," and "fading tradition" contribute to a somewhat melancholic and sentimental tone, potentially influencing the reader's perception of the issue.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the decline of the santoor craft and the artisan's personal story, but omits discussion of potential economic factors beyond changing musical tastes that might contribute to the decline, such as the cost of materials or competition from cheaper imports. There is also no mention of efforts by other artisans or organizations to preserve similar traditional crafts in Kashmir. This omission limits a full understanding of the challenges faced by the craft.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between the traditional santoor craft and modern music genres. While it acknowledges the shift in musical tastes, it doesn't explore the possibility of integrating traditional instruments into contemporary music or the coexistence of both.
Gender Bias
The article focuses primarily on the male artisan and his family's legacy, with only brief mention of his daughters pursuing other careers. While not overtly biased, it lacks a balanced perspective on women's roles in the preservation of this craft and in the broader Kashmiri music scene.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the decline of traditional craftsmanship in Kashmir due to the decreased demand for handcrafted musical instruments. This reflects a loss of traditional skills and techniques, impacting the preservation of cultural heritage and potentially hindering innovation in traditional crafts. The shift towards machine-made instruments and changing musical tastes directly contributes to this decline.