Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar, fondly known as Bade Ustad, was one of the stalwarts of the Dhrupad tradition in post-Independence India.
He revived the majestic Rudra Veena as a concert instrument, modifying it to enhance its tonal quality, resonance and sound sustenance, adapting it to the subtle and expressive nature of the Gayaki.
Bade Ustad built a Gurukul at Palaspe, near Panvel. Traditionally the teaching of Dhrupad is closely tied to the ancient system of guru-shishya parampara. The students lived in the home of their Guru and devoted themselves to riyaz (practice). The lives of the students were focused on learning music and the teacher could supervise them at all times.
Bade Ustad had a deep belief in the oral tradition of learning and an understanding that music cannot be learnt through text books only.
In the past the teacher took care of the needs of student. This was possible because of royal patronage till 1947. With the abolition of the princely states, great artistes were suddenly left without financial support. This prompted Bade Ustad to found the Ustad Ziauddin Dagar Memorial Trust to help research this classical art form and fund the Gurukul .
His untimely death in 1990 was a great loss to the Dhrupad tradition. However the Gurukul continues its mission under the guidance of his wife Smt. Pramila Dagar, younger brother Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar (Chhote Ustad) and son Bahauddin Dagar.
The guru-shishya parampara therefore continues. As long as there is someone to continue this oral tradition, this Gayaki that is thousands of years old, will never disappear. |
