Omar Abdullah,Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has formally asked for Sufiyana music to be added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. In his letter to Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat,Abdullah stressed the deep roots of this musical form,tracing back to the 15th century in Kashmir.
The letter highlights Sufiyana music's unique heritage value,urging the ministry to back its nomination. Abdullah expressed hope,stating, “I shall be grateful if the proposal is examined sympathetically and necessary action initiated for taking the nomination forward through the prescribed channels.”
Abdullah believes UNESCO recognition could boost this tradition's global profile and help preserve it for future generations . Sufiyana music,he says,is a crucial part of Kashmir’s cultural and spiritual heritage .
Rooted in Sufi thought,Sufiyana music blends devotional poetry with classical melodies and philosophical themes. Abdullah noted its role over centuries in fostering harmony,reflecting the diverse ethos of Kashmiri society .
The proposal for UNESCO consideration was crafted by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Kashmir chapter. Saleem Beg, who leads this chapter,called Sufiyana music a distinguished expression of Jammu and Kashmir's cultural identity. He said its inclusion would provide “international visibility and recognition on global platform.”
Beg explained Sufiyana music meets core criteria for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage framework . It's a classical form rooted in Sufi mysticism, merging devotional poetry and melody. “Sufiyana music embodies Kashmir’s composite culture and its historic ethos of spiritual harmony,” he added .
Emerging between 14th and 15th centuries,Sufiyana music developed as Kashmir became a cultural crossroads for India, Persia,Central Asia,and the broader Islamic world. Sufi saints,scholars,and musicians from Iran and Bukhara brought new musical ideas that blended with local traditions.
These influences merged with existing Kashmiri music,creating a unique style exclusive to the region. Scholars say Sufiyana music represents dialogue between various civilizations,including Persian, Islamic, and Shaivite traditions.
Today,Sufiyana music is thought to consist of about fifty-four maqams or ragas,though only 20 to 25 are actively practiced. Performances usually start with an instrumental prelude followed by a short poem sung without rhythm,using traditional instruments like santoor, ney,harmonium, rabab,tabla, and sitar.
UNESCO has previously recognized several intangible art forms from India,like Vedic Chanting and Kumbh Mela. Will Sufiyana music join them?
