SANJAY PANDITA
Whispers of ancient winds intertwine with the melodies of time; the sacred tradition of Sufiana Mausiqi is a jewel in the crown of cultural heritage. The gharanas of this ethereal music form have long been the custodians of an art that transcends mere notes and rhythms, reaching into the very soul of spirituality and divine expression. Among the luminous stars in this constellation of maestros, Ustad Mohammad Yaqoob Sheikh shines with a brilliance ,born of dedication, heritage, and an undying love for the music that flows through his veins.
In the bustling enclave of Zaindaar Mohalla, Haba Kadal, Srinagar, the year 1960 heralded the birth of a musical journey that would resonate through the annals of Sufiana Mausiqi. This tale begins with the early life of Ustad Mohammad Yaqoob Sheikh, a child nurtured in the rich and melodious traditions of the Qaleenbaft Gharana. From his infancy, the air he breathed was suffused with the ethereal notes of Sufi music, an inheritance as intrinsic to his being as the blood in his veins.
The Qaleenbaft Gharana, renowned for its monumental contributions to Sufiana Mausiqi, traced its illustrious origins to Mohammad Shaikh’s maternal grandfather, the illustrious Ghulam Mohammad Qaleenbaft. Qaleenbaft’s story was as unique as it was inspiring. Emerging from a family untouched by the realm of music, his journey into the world of Sufi melodies was nothing short of a divine calling. Driven by an insatiable passion and a profound talent, he carved a new legacy from the raw fabric of his life, creating a lineage that would etch its name into the cultural tapestry of Kashmir.
In this backdrop, young Mohammad Yaqoob Shaikh grew up, his childhood an endless symphony of mystical ragas and timeless rhythms. The sounds of the santoor, sitar, and tabla were not just musical instruments but extensions of his soul. The voices of his ancestors, woven into the intricate patterns of Sufi compositions, whispered to him the secrets of a bygone era, urging him to carry forward the legacy with reverence and devotion.
The influence of his grandfather, Ghulam Mohammad Qaleenbaft, was a beacon in Mohammad Yaqoob Shaikh’s life. Qaleenbaft’s remarkable journey from obscurity to becoming a luminary in Sufiana Mausiqi was a testament to the transformative power of music and the indomitable human spirit. His melodies, imbued with the essence of divine love and spiritual yearning, were the bedrock upon which Mohammad Yaqoob Sheikh’s musical education was built. Through years of disciplined practice and unwavering dedication, he absorbed the nuances of the art form, mastering the delicate balance between technical prowess and soulful expression.
As Mohammad Yaqoob Sheikh matured, his music became a living tribute to the Qaleenbaft Gharana. Each performance was a confluence of past and present, a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. His renditions, rich with the emotive depth and lyrical beauty characteristic of Sufiana Mausiqi, resonated with audiences far and wide, earning him a place among the pantheon of greats in Kashmiri music.
At the tender age of six, Mohammad Yaqoob Sheikh embarked on his initiation into the world of Sufiana Mausiqi, mirroring his grandfather’s every move with reverence and precision. For young Sheikh, these daily practices transcended mere mechanical repetitions; they were an immersive journey, binding him to a tradition as timeless as the mountains that embraced his homeland. Music was in his very blood, a mystical inheritance that demanded not only skill but a profound, soul-deep understanding of its spiritual essence.
Despite the deep familial roots in this sublime art, a bittersweet note tinges Sheikh’s tale. His own children, the intended heirs of a rich musical legacy, have chosen divergent paths, distancing themselves from the ancient traditions of their ancestors. Yet, Ustad Mohammad Yaqoob Sheikh’s dedication to Sufiana Mausiqi remains steadfast. “My heart swells with pride when people tell me that I haven’t let my grandfather’s legacy die with him,” he reflects, his voice imbued with the weight of generations and the hope of those yet to come.
In 1992, Sheikh joined Radio Kashmir Srinagar as a staff artist, a tenure that would span nearly three decades until his retirement in 2020. His illustrious career saw him rise to the esteemed rank of a top-grade artist, a testament to his unwavering devotion and exceptional talent. Through the ebb and flow of time, Mohammad Yaqoob Sheikh has remained a beacon of his grandfather’s enduring legacy, ensuring that the sacred strains of Sufiana Mausiqi continue to resonate through the ages.
From a tender age, Ustad Mohammad Yaqoob Sheikh’s talent began to radiate beyond the confines of his homeland, drawing the admiration of audiences across the nation. His performances in the metropolitan cities of India are etched in the collective memory of his listeners. Among the notable stages graced by his presence are the Shri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi, where his performance captivated the hearts of many. In 1999, the revered Sangeet Natak Academy witnessed his virtuosity during a festival celebrating the regional music traditions of Northern India, an event that underscored his significance in the cultural tapestry of the nation.
The year 2002 marked another milestone in Ustad Mohammad Yaqoob Sheikh’s illustrious career. His participation in the Sangeet Mohatsov, organized by the Sangeet Natak Academy in Chandigarh, was a testament to his growing influence in the world of Sufiana music. The following year, his concert at the Habitat Centre in New Delhi further solidified his reputation as a maestro whose music transcended boundaries, touching souls with its divine resonance. His performance at the Kamani Auditorium on Copernicus Marg in Delhi and his participation in Muzaffar Ali’s Jane Khusroo in 2004 are further testaments to his unparalleled artistry and dedication.
However, Ustad Mohammad yaqoob Sheikh’s contributions extend far beyond the national stage. He has had the distinct honor of representing his beloved country in seventeen European and African nations. From the romantic boulevards of Paris to the historic streets of England, from the serene landscapes of Switzerland to the vibrant cities of Germany and Italy, his music has transcended cultural and linguistic barriers. Each performance abroad was a cultural dialogue, a bridge between the rich Sufiana tradition of Kashmir and the diverse musical landscapes of Europe and Africa.
Determined to keep the flame of Sufiana Mausiqi alive, Sheikh has turned his focus outward, dedicating himself to teaching as many students as he can gather. His modest home in Bonishah Kralpora has become a sanctuary for aspiring musicians, a place where the ancient melodies are preserved and passed on. Each student represents a thread in the intricate tapestry of Sufiana Mausiqi, and Shaikh’s dedication ensures that this tapestry will not fray.
Ustad Mohammad Yaqoob Sheikh’s vision for the revival of Sufiana Mausiqi extends beyond his personal teaching endeavors. He envisions a comprehensive approach to reinvigorating this art form, starting with the inclusion of music classes in schools and colleges. “We can start by giving music classes in schools and colleges. Setting up small music schools in districts and offering scholarships to students would help a lot,” he suggests. His words are not just a plan but a heartfelt plea to preserve a cultural heritage that is in danger of being lost.
Sheikh believes that government support is crucial in this endeavor. Organizing concerts, providing platforms for students to showcase their talents, and encouraging public engagement are essential steps. “The government should organize concerts and provide a platform to students so that they can showcase their talent and encourage others to join as well,” he emphasizes. His observations of other Indian states, where students benefit from excellent facilities and scholarships, underline the disparity and highlight the potential for change in Kashmir.
In the hallowed halls of the Qaleenbaft Memorial Sufiana Institute, established by Ustad Mohammad Sheikh in 1996, the legacy of his grandfather Ghulam Mohammad Qaleenbaft lives on. This institute is more than just a school; it is a beacon of hope, a sanctuary where the spiritual and musical traditions of Sufiana Mausiqi are cherished and nurtured. Under Sheikh’s guidance, hundreds of students have been initiated into the mystical world of Sufiana music, each one a torchbearer of a timeless tradition.
Ustad Mohammad Sheikh’s life is a symphony of devotion, a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend time and space. His journey from the serene landscapes of Srinagar to the grand stages of the world is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. His music, a sublime confluence of spirituality and artistry, continues to inspire and
In the hallowed halls of the Qaleenbaft Memorial Sufiana Institute, established by Ustad Mohammad Sheikh in 1996, the legacy of his grandfather Ghulam Mohammad Qaleenbaft lives on. This institute is more than just a school; it is a beacon of hope, a sanctuary where the spiritual and musical traditions of Sufiana Mausiqi are cherished and nurtured. Under Sheikh’s guidance, hundreds of students have been initiated into the mystical world of Sufiana music, each one a torchbearer of a timeless tradition.
Ustad Mohammad Yaqoob Sheikh’s life is a symphony of devotion, a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend time and space. His journey from the serene landscapes of Srinagar to the grand stages of the world is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. His music, a sublime confluence of spirituality and artistry, continues to inspire and
The writer can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com
