After the partition of India in 1947, the new born Pakistan was so beset with insurmountable problems that fine arts virtually remained neglected. History’s largest migration of people had totally upset the equilibrium of the population not only physically but also emotionally and psychologically. During such times, the fine arts could not get the attention of the people. Classical music was neglected more than anything else. The musicians were totally frustrated as there were no takers. Many took refuge in Ghazal singing to make ends meet. The height of despair was reflected in the decision of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan to leave the country and settle back down in India, where connoisseurs of classical music were abound.
In remembrance of those days, here are a few songs of my choice, each one hand picked and posted here for your listening pleasure.
An entire generation of Hindustani classical was silenced in Pakistan thanks to the dis-interest of the government. A few and rare pockets of music thankfully are still alive. The work of Shabnaam Viramani through the Kabir Project is bringing it to public attention.
PS - Have been traveling in and around Coimbatore (my home town) over the last few days.
Showed your blog to my mom . She loved it. Hopefully this will be enough to push her over the ledge and start blogging.
2 comments:
An entire generation of Hindustani classical was silenced in Pakistan thanks to the dis-interest of the government. A few and rare pockets of music thankfully are still alive. The work of Shabnaam Viramani through the Kabir Project is bringing it to public attention.
PS - Have been traveling in and around Coimbatore (my home town) over the last few days.
Showed your blog to my mom . She loved it. Hopefully this will be enough to push her over the ledge and start blogging.
Anand
Thanks Anand. Will wait anxiously to read your mom's blog.
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