Ghulam Mohammed Zaz

Ghulam Mohammed Zaz is a renowned artisan from Kashmir, India, celebrated as the last traditional Santoor maker in the region. Born into a family with a rich heritage of crafting musical instruments, Zaz has dedicated his life to preserving and enhancing the art of making the Santoor along with other traditional Kashmiri instruments like the Rabab and Sarangi.

Biography Ghulam Mohammed Zaz?

Ghulam Mohammed Zaz was born in 1941 in the Zaina Kadal area of Srinagar, Kashmir. He belongs to an ancestral lineage of craftsmen specializing in traditional Kashmiri string instruments. Taught by his grandfather, father, and uncle, Zaz began learning the craft at the age of 12, following an illness that shifted his path from formal education to instrument-making. Over seven decades, he has hand-crafted hundreds of exquisite instruments, primarily the Santoor, a trapezoid-shaped hammered dulcimer central to Kashmiri music. Despite modernization, Zaz remains committed to continuing this legacy, although acknowledging that he may be the last of his generation to uphold this tradition. His contributions were recognized in 2023 when he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors.

Education

Zaz’s education in the craft of musical instruments was primarily traditional and familial rather than formal academic schooling. After falling ill with typhoid at the age of 12, his family introduced him to the art of making musical instruments, a skill passed down through at least eight generations in his family. This hands-on apprenticeship within his family’s workshop provided the foundation for his lifelong dedication and mastery of the craft.

Ghulam Mohammed Zaz : Career?

Zaz’s career spans over seventy years, during which he has been recognized as the master craftsman of the Kashmiri Santoor and other traditional instruments such as the Rabab, Kashmiri Sitar, Sarangi, Dilruba, and Tanpura. His instruments have been cherished by many, including famous musicians like Shiv Kumar Sharma and Bhajan Sopori, who popularized the Santoor in Indian classical music and Bollywood. Zaz’s work not only preserves musical heritage but also innovates, creating instruments that are unique in India. Despite challenges from modern manufacturing, his hand-crafted instruments continue to reflect meticulous craftsmanship, cultural identity, and musical excellence.

Personal Life

Ghulam Mohammed Zaz lives in Srinagar, Kashmir. His family plays an important part in his life; his three daughters have pursued professional careers outside the crafting tradition—one is a doctor, another a teacher, and the third works with the health department of Jammu and Kashmir. Zaz leads a humble life, often seen in traditional attire such as the Pheran, fully devoted to his craft and the preservation of his family's musical legacy.

Net Worth and Social Media Presence

While specific details about Ghulam Mohammed Zaz’s net worth are not publicly available, his livelihood is sustained through the traditional craft of making musical instruments, which has garnered respect and recognition including the prestigious Padma Shri award. Zaz does not maintain a personal social media presence, but his story and work have been widely shared and celebrated across various media platforms highlighting Kashmiri culture and craftsmanship.

Ghulam Mohammed Zaz Summary

Social Media Post:
Celebrating Ghulam Mohammed Zaz, Kashmir’s last Santoor maker and a living legend dedicated to preserving the soulful tradition of Kashmiri music. Honored with Padma Shri for his priceless contribution to music and culture. A true master crafting melodies for generations. #GhulamMohammedZaz #Santoor #KashmirHeritage #PadmaShri