Why Kashmiri Sufiyana Music is in the running for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Sufiyana Mausiki’s bridge begins with an instrumental prelude and a short poem sung without rhythm. | Photo credit: The Hindu

Story so far: J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah this month submitted a proposal to Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to push for the inclusion of Kashmiri Sufiyana music, which includes both Sufian Kalam and Sufian Mousiqi, on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (SCO) List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In a letter to the Union Minister, Mr. Abdullah described Kashmiri Sufiana music as one of the most significant manifestations of the cultural and spiritual heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

Why is J&K Chief Minister standing for him?

Mr. Abdullah highlighted the remarkable synthesis of devotional poetry, classical melody and philosophical depth in this art form as music rooted in rich traditions of Sufi thought and artistic excellence. He said it has been for centuries that Sufiyan music has served as a “powerful medium to promote harmony, inclusiveness and cultural dialogue”. The UNESCO listing, Mr. Abdullah said, will ensure global recognition of this “priceless cultural heritage of J&K, which will be a matter of pride for India”.

What makes Sufiyan’s music unique?

Sufiyan music, believed to have emerged between the 14th and 15th centuries, is a continuation of pre-Islamic musical practices in Kashmir. Saleem Beg, who heads the Kashmir branch of INTACH and wrote the first draft of the proposal for the J&K government, said the uniqueness of Sufi music is that rather than replacing local traditions, it has merged with indigenous Kashmiri musical practice. It is a unique synthesis of Persian, Central Asian and Indian musical systems shaped by local sensibilities and a form of dialogue between civilizations, Persian, Islamic and Shaivite, Beg said. In the 14th century, Kashmir opened up to Persia, Central Asia and the wider Islamic world. She saw the arrival of Sufi saints, scholars, artisans and musicians from areas such as Iran, Bukhara and Samarkand. Mr. Beg said they introduced new musical ideas that blended with existing Kashmiri traditions. They have created a distinctive classical form that belongs exclusively to Kashmir.

What is the current state of the art form?

Sufiyana Mausiki once had around fifty maqams, rooted in Persian traditions, like ragas in India. Currently, there are only 20-25 muqams in practice. Described as classical choral music, Sufiyana music is rooted in local mysticism. The number of instrument makers and singers is also declining in Kashmir. The local people of Kashmir still hold nightly Sufiyana mehfils, but a select few surviving gharanas (schools) from Budgam, Srinagar and Anantnag are invited to these mehfils. Another uniqueness of the art form is that it is passed down orally from one generation to the next.

What is unique about Sufiyan’s music?

Sufiyana Mausiki’s bridge begins with an instrumental prelude and a short poem sung without rhythm. ‘Bathe’, the main text, is in the form of a couplet that meets the cycle of maqam and tala. The longest waves are followed by shorter ones. This art form uses specific instruments santoor, ney (a type of flute), harmonium, rabab, tabla and sitar. It has a group of five to seven musicians who are both vocalists and instrumentalists. All instruments have a distinct tonal quality due to their unique size and number of strings. For example, the Sufiana santoor has 100 strings arranged on a triangular and three-legged stand.

What is the UNESCO registration process?

If the Union Ministry of Culture approves the J&K government’s proposal, the preparation of a comprehensive nomination file with detailed research and documentation will follow. The dossier will be submitted by the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to the Sangeet Natak Akademi in New Delhi. After review, the Sangeet Natak Akademi will forward the nomination to UNESCO for final consideration. Beg said that Kashmiri Sufi music fulfills the basic criteria for nomination under the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). It is a classical musical form rooted in Sufi mysticism that represents a unique synthesis of devotional poetry, melody and rhythm. The tradition embodies Kashmir’s composite culture and its historical ethos of spiritual harmony, Mr. Beg said.

Published – 25 Jun 2026 10:11 IST